Dry, dull or unpredictable skin this Ramadan? Bushra Hakim digs into what’s really going on beneath the surface and how to fix it.
Ramadan is a time of reflection, reset and routine changes, but while the focus is often on nourishing the body from within, the skin can sometimes be left playing catch-up. Long hours without water, altered meal timings and reduced sleep all have a visible impact on the complexion, often showing up as dullness, tightness or unexpected breakouts. During the Holy Month, the skin quietly works harder to maintain balance as the body adapts to a very different rhythm, making hydration more important than ever. To understand what skin hydration really means and how to better support it, we spoke to Dr Emil Engibarian, Medical Director at LIVA Skin and Sculpt Clinic.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
From a clinical perspective, skin hydration refers to the amount of water held within the skin. “Well-hydrated skin is healthier, stronger and more resilient,” explains Dr Emil. “It’s better able to protect itself from daily stressors such as sun exposure, pollution and weather changes.” Adequate hydration supports essential skin functions, including barrier repair, elasticity and overall balance, helping it look smoother and more even over time.
When hydration levels drop, the effects go beyond surface dryness. Dr Emil notes that dehydrated skin becomes more fragile and reactive, making it prone to irritation and premature ageing. “When the skin lacks water, it shows signs of ageing earlier, such as fine lines and dullness,” he says. During Ramadan, limited water intake combined with altered sleep patterns can make these changes more pronounced, leaving the complexion looking tired and less radiant.
HYDRATION VS MOISTURISATION
One of the most common skincare misconceptions Dr Emil encounters is the belief that hydration and moisturisation are the same thing. “Hydration means adding water to the skin, while moisturisation means locking that water in,” he explains. Understanding this difference is essential, particularly for those who feel their skin remains tight or lacklustre despite using rich creams.
Many people rely on heavy moisturisers or oils, assuming they are hydrating their skin, when in reality these products mainly act as sealants. A product may feel moisturising, but if it doesn’t contain hydrating ingredients, it isn’t addressing dehydration. This is especially relevant during Ramadan, when skin may appear oily yet feel tight or fatigued – a classic sign of dehydration rather than dryness.
INGREDIENTS THAT HELP
When it comes to ingredients, not all skincare products deliver true hydration. Dr Emil highlights ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol and urea as clinically proven hydrators. “These ingredients work by drawing moisture into the skin and helping it stay there,” he explains, making them particularly effective for skin that feels tight, looks dull or appears imbalanced. On the other hand, facial oils and heavier creams are often misunderstood.
While they play an important role in strengthening the skin barrier and reducing moisture loss, they do not add water on their own. “They are excellent for sealing the skin and making it feel softer, but they work best when applied after a hydrating product,” he notes, emphasising the importance of layering skincare correctly.
AN UPDATED SKINCARE ROUTINE
According to Dr Emil, a hydration-focused routine doesn’t need to be complicated. It should begin with a gentle cleanser that cleans without stripping the skin, helping preserve its natural barrier. A hydrating serum should follow, ideally applied while the skin is still slightly damp to maximise water absorption.
The moisturiser should then be chosen based on skin type. Oily or acne prone skin benefits from lightweight textures, while dry skin needs richer formulas. Environmental factors also play a role. Heat, air conditioning and sun exposure all increase water loss from the skin, which is why hydration-focussed products and daily sunscreen are essential particularly when fasting.
IN-CLINIC TREATMENTS
For those seeking professional help for more intensive results, in-clinic treatments can deliver deeper, longer-lasting hydration. Dr Emil points to skin-boosting injectable treatments, hydrating mesotherapy and advanced medical-grade facials as effective options. “These treatments improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture from within, rather than simply hydrating the surface,” he explains.
Such treatments are particularly suitable for individuals with chronically dehydrated skin, dull or fatigued complexions, early signs of ageing or skin affected by environmental stressors such as pollution or prolonged sun exposure. When carefully selected and customised, they not only improve hydration levels but also enhance skin texture, elasticity and overall radiance over time.
Connect with LIVA Skin and Sculpt Clinic @liva.skin.sculpt and
Dr Emil Engibarian @dremilengibarian