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During the month of Ramadan, Muslims across the world fast to gain piety and closeness to god. This fasting — often likened to intermittent fasting, according to experts, comes with certain health benefits as well. But did you know it can have a positive effect on your skin as well? Turns out, it can particularly help those suffering from psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Sharing a video on the same, Dr Muneeb Shah, dermatologist, took to Instagram to inform that during the fasting period of Ramadan, “the levels of inflammation in the body, the cytokines in the body that cause inflammation, actually decreases and this has been studied and proven”.
Adding, he said that a lot of skin diseases are inflammatory in nature, like acne, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. “By decreasing those levels of inflammation in the body, should improve your skin overall. Now does that translate actually to real clinical studies? Yes.” “There are clinical studies that show that psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa are improved during Ramadan by people who are partaking in fasting,” he concluded.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that fasting during Ramadan improved symptoms of psoriasis in some participants. Another study published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery found that fasting improved symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa in some patients.
Ramadan fasting is a form of intermittent fasting wherein one does not eat food for a certain number of hours in the day. Speaking with indianexpress.com, Dr Annie Flora, senior consultant Dermatologist, Apollo Spectra and Apollo Cosmetics Clinic, Chennai said, “Fasting can improve skin elasticity, reduce acne, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. This is likely due to the fact that fasting helps to regulate insulin levels, which can reduce inflammation and improve skin health. Additionally, fasting has been found to stimulate the production of collagen, which is a key component of healthy, youthful-looking skin. Collagen is a protein that helps to keep the skin firm, supple, and elastic. Production of collagen reduces with age, which may cause sagging and wrinkling of skin. Fasting has been found to stimulate the production of collagen, which can help to keep the skin looking youthful and healthy”.
She added that fasting has also been found to reduce oxidative stress, which can help to protect the skin from damage and keep it looking healthy.
Dr DM Mahajan, senior consultant, Dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo hospitals agreed and said that one of the most significant benefits of fasting on the skin is its potential to reduce inflammation. “Inflammation is a key factor in many skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Studies have shown that fasting can lower levels of inflammatory markers in the body, which could help to improve these conditions,” he said.
“Fasting can also promote cellular repair and regeneration, which is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin. During fasting, the body goes into a state of autophagy, where it breaks down and recycles old, damaged cells. This process helps to remove toxins and promote the growth of new, healthy cells, which can result in clearer, more radiant skin,” added Mahajan.
While fasting can have positive effects on skin health, it is also important to ensure that you are getting enough nutrients during the non-fasting hours. “Consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to provide the nutrients your body needs to maintain healthy skin. Additionally, staying hydrated during the non-fasting hours is important to ensure your skin stays healthy and hydrated,” said Dr Flora.
She explained that “very high-calorie foods like milk and milk products, sweets, and very oily foods after breaking the fast can cause breakouts on the skin.”
Dr Mahajan also stated that it is vital to make sure to stay hydrated after breaking the fast and take proper nutritious food as lack of it can cause dehydration, which may not be nice for skin health.
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