TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fasting may cause dryness and lack of moisture on the skin. Dehydrated skin appears dull, feels rough in texture, feels itchy, and has fine lines. An aesthetics and antiaging expert dr. Cynthia Jayanto shares a number of tips on maintaining healthy skin during Ramadan.

Cynthia explains that being in an air-conditioned room for too long could trigger the body to secrete fluids, causing dry skin.

“Avoid staying in an air-conditioned room for too long or having hot showers because during fasting the water content is reduced. AC and hot water can secrete fluids in the body so that the skin looks dry,” said the graduate of anti-aging medical education at Udayana University.

To prevent dry skin during Ramadan fasting, Cynthia recommends that people apply lotion or virgin coconut oil to their bodies. While on the lips, petroleum jelly, a balm that is a mixture of mineral oil and wax, can be used to lock in moisture.

Drink Enough Water

Apart from using skin care products, people also need to maintain healthy skin through nutritious food and enough drink. Cynthia underlines that eight glasses of water per day are vital to meet the needs of fluid intake. The eight glasses of water per day can be divided into one glass each when waking up, eating the meal, immediately after breaking the fast, after the Maghrib prayer, after eating the iftar meal, just before the Tarawih prayer, after Tarawih, and before going to bed.

Cynthia also suggests avoiding consuming lots of sweet and salty foods, taking vitamins, and getting skin treatment at the clinic.

“Foods high in sugar and salt increase aging hormones and make the body thirsty quickly,” said Cynthia, who is a member of the Indonesian Association of Aesthetic Doctors (PERDESTI).

ANTARA

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