My 6-step Ramadan skincare routine includes these must-have hydrating products
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Ramadan is a month when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. While we abstain from food and drinks during daytime hours—yes, even water— we celebrate by praying, donating to charities and by giving back to those in need in whatever capacity we can.
Although I find it to be healing, the reality is that fasting for long hours can cause dehydration. Of course I increase my water intake overnight, but it is super important during Ramadan to take care of your skin with products that hydrate and protect your skin's natural barrier.
Following a multi-layer routine, like the famous 10-step Korean skincare routine, has helped my skin tremendously, since the goal is hydration!
Whether you're celebrating Ramadan or not, check-out my most trusted skincare products that help keep my skin clean and hydrated below.
Step 1: Cleansing oil or balm
Youth to the People Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm
Double cleansing (with an oil or balm first followed by a cleanser) is an important part of my skincare routine at night to ensure I remove any makeup or dirt from the day. I love this Youth To The People cleansing balm because it has a hyaluronic acid blend which keeps skin hydrated while thoroughly dissolving any gunk like makeup, sunscreen and oils.
Step 2: Hydrating cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-To-Foam Cleanser
CeraVe's hydrating cleanser is my absolute favourite product that can be used as a one-step face wash or for after oil cleansing — I prefer the latter. It's gentle, non-drying, and safe for sensitive skin, or for a compromised skin barrier which can be caused by dehydration. The essential ceramides in it help restore and maintain the skin's protective barrier, plus it has hyaluronic acid for added moisture retention. I use this cleanser year-round — it's that great!
Step 3: Essence
CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
After extensive research, I incorporated an essence into my skincare routine last year and haven't looked back. This snail mucin essence protects the skin from moisture loss, improves elasticity, and provides hydration. It feels sticky at first, but absorbs rapidly into the skin leaving it plump and moisturized.
Step 4: Hydrating serum
Moon Juice Plump Jelly Hyaluronic Serum
Lately I've been using Moon Juice's Plump Jelly, which works to lock in hydration and plump the skin, with the added benefit of reishi, a type of mushroom, to support the skin's barrier. Be sure to always apply any hyaluronic acid serum on slightly damp skin so it absorbs better by binding to water.
Step 5: Moisturizer
Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer
I think the name says it all for Boscia's Cactus Water Moisturizer: it's a gel formula that cools the skin while leaving it extremely soft and supple. When I apply it in the mornings, it feels like my skin is absorbing or drinking up the gel, ultimately leaving it feeling hydrated from within.
U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment
The Barrier Bioactive Treatment plays an important role in my nightly skincare routine by locking in all the layers I have applied and restoring my skin with its own bioactive marine ingredients. This occlusive cream improves skin's barrier, boosts skin renewal overnight, and has visibly helped my skin go from dull to hydrated within minutes.
Step 6: SPF
Laboratoire Dr Renaud UV-Science SPF 50 Mineral High Protection
As the final skincare step in my daily routine, I make it a point to never forget a good SPF. SPF is essential for daily protection from the sun—even when you're indoors. I love Dr. Renaud's mineral SPF because of how lightweight it is and on days when I don't want to wear any makeup, this SPF is enough to add natural coverage thanks to its slight tint that covers any imperfections.
Bonus: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Sheet Mask
I love using sheet masks, and I try to incorporate one into my routine weekly for extra hydration. This one from Neutrogena is an all-time favourite, and it's a total steal at just $4.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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