Hydration During Fasting: How to Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Navratri fasting is an opportunity to focus on spiritual discipline and purification, but it can take a toll on hydration during fasting if you don't monitor your fluid intake properly. By limiting your food and fluid intake, you risk dry, tight, or dull skin due to a lack of hydration. Proper hydration levels of not only your body but also your skin are essential to maintaining overall health.
Below are some very easy Navratri skincare tips to keep your skin hydrated and glowing during a Navratri fast.
Why Does Skin Feel Dry During Fasting?
When the body is deprived of water for long periods of time, you will start to prioritize hydration to your body's essential functions, such as digestion and circulation, and the skin will generally be neglected. Some common signs that your skin may be dehydrated include:
● Dry and tight
● Dull or tired appearance
● Increased sensitivity and redness
● Increased visible fine lines
To avoid this effect, it is important to hydrate efficiently during your non-fasting hours and to have a simple skincare routine for fasting.
Internal Hydration: What to Eat & Drink During Fasting
You should stay hydrated during your fasting period! If you properly plan your meals and fluids while replacing what has been lost, you should be able to get what your skin needs in terms of hydration.
1. Increase Water Intake
● Drink 8-10 8 glasses of water between fasting hours. Water is the best option for staying hydrated.
● If drinking water seems boring or isn’t your favorite, try drinking infused water (with lemon, mint, cucumber, etc.), which can give you a change while remaining a good option.
2. Eat Water-Rich Fruits & Vegetables
● Consuming fruits and vegetables with high water content such as cucumber, watermelon, papaya, and oranges, will help hydrate skin from within.
● Eating vegetables like bottle gourd, pumpkin, and spinach will also assist the body in retaining moisture.
3. Avoid Dehydrating Beverages
● Drinks containing caffeine and sugar (tea, coffee, soda) can easily dehydrate you.
● Look for alternatives to caffeinated beverages, such as coconut water, buttermilk, or herbal teas; all options are hydrating and also promote healthy skin.
External Hydration: Skincare Tips to Prevent Dryness
While drinking water is important, it isn’t enough. How to keep skin moisturized while fasting also depends on your external skincare routine.
1. Use a Mild, Hydrating Cleanser
● Use a mild, sulfate-free cleanser that does not strip skin of natural oils. Lathering or harsh exfoliation may irritate your skin during fasting if it is sensitive.
2. Apply a Lightweight Moisturizer
● Use a water-based moisturizer that lists hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or coconut extracts on its label to help maintain hydration.
● For extremely dry skin, you can use a heavier cream moisturizer for added nutrition.
3. Never Skip Sunscreen
● Sunscreen is always critical and even though you may not be out in the sun while you are inside the home, UV rays can dehydrate your skin, which adds premature aging as well as dullness to skin.
● Broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen offers benefits for your skin hydration as well as protecting you from sun damage.
Lifestyle Tips for Healthy & Hydrated Skin During Navratri Fasting
In addition to your skincare and diet, there are natural remedies for dry skin and lifestyle changes you can make that support hydration levels in your skin:
Get Proper Sleep – Yes, fasting and doing puja rituals will bring you smiling bliss, but you will likely feel exhausted! And that’s surely the state of exhaustion that will impact skin regeneration – aim for 7-8 hours of sleep!
Hydrate at Regular Intervals –We know it’s important to get proper amounts of hydration during non-fasting periods, but don’t drink too much at once! Take small sips of water, herbal teas, coconut water, lemon water, etc., and drink at regular intervals.
Choose Light & Hydrating Vrat Foods – Foods such as sabudana, makhana, and fresh fruits. Fried and salty foods are better to avoid completely if you can. They are dehydrating.
Manage Stress & Stay Active – Engaging in mild exercise, Yoga, or meditation will aid in reducing stress and keep your skin in equilibrium.
Use Natural Face Masks – If your skin looks dehydrated, create your own face mask using honey, aloe vera, or yogurt – all excellent hydration agents and skin repairers.
Final Thoughts
Fasting during Navratri is a great way to detox your body, but it's equally important to help support hydration during fasting for your skin. A proper diet that emphasizes hydration, fluid intake, and a simple skincare routine for fasting is enough to keep your skin feeling healthy, radiant, and nourished.
A few mindful habits can help maintain hydrated skin during fasting, when food and water intake are restricted.
