Between clear skin and breakouts during Ramadan, many women struggle. Usually, fasting has a positive effect on the skin, but for some women, the opposite happens. So, what is the reason behind that?
Does fasting cause breakouts?
According to medical opinion, the relationship between fasting and breakouts is directly linked to the type of food and the way fasting is practiced during Ramadan. So yes, fasting can temporarily cause breakouts and inflammation during Ramadan. [1]
What causes breakouts during Ramadan?
Breakouts during Ramadan are mainly caused by several major lifestyle changes during the fasting period. More specifically, these changes may trigger or worsen pre-existing internal inflammation in the skin, causing it to appear during this period.
The most important changes include:
Rapid and major shifts in diet, reduced skin hydration and increased dryness, and changes in sleep patterns or sleep disturbances.
This means that fasting itself is not the direct cause of the problem. Rather, daily habits such as eating too much sugar and hydrogenated oils from iftar until suhoor are the direct cause, in addition to not drinking enough water. [2]
Do other skin problems appear because of fasting?
According to 2025 studies by IPB University, several other skin problems may appear alongside breakouts during Ramadan, including the following: [3]
Dryness and peeling
Fluid deficiency affects the skin barrier, weakening it and causing roughness and peeling, as well as chapped lips. This is one of the most common skin problems during fasting.
Dullness and pale skin
Lack of hydration may reduce blood circulation, making the skin look tired or dull.
Sensitivity and irritation
Damage to the skin barrier caused by dryness may increase sensitivity to environmental factors and external products.
Dark circles
Staying up late and not drinking enough fluids may worsen dark circles or cause them to appear, in addition to puffiness under the eyes.
When is fasting healthy for the skin?
Fasting is considered one of the healthy and recommended practices when done for up to 16–24 hours, as it stimulates autophagy, meaning the body’s “cleaning” process of harmful cells. This may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, enhance skin repair, improve hydration, and even help in some aggravated conditions such as psoriasis. [4]
However, this only applies when fasting is accompanied by a healthy diet rich in protein, fiber, plenty of water, and low sugar intake.
What are the best quick solutions for getting rid of breakouts?
If breakouts spread across the entire face, treatment may require either topical creams or oral medications depending on the condition. However, if only a few scattered pimples appear, the best quick method to get rid of them, based on my opinion and personal experience, is pimple patches. These patches absorb inflammation from the pimple within a few hours.
One of the best options is the pimple patches from I Dew Care.
I Dew Care Happy Paws Blemish Patches
Happy Paws blemish patches are among the most commonly used patches as a quick and safe solution for breakouts. They are enriched with salicylic acid and tea tree oil, which work together to absorb secretions and fight bacteria without leaving marks where the pimple was, within 4–8 hours.
Conclusion
Breakouts during Ramadan fasting appear because of dehydration, changes in eating patterns, and consuming too much sugar and fat—not because of fasting itself. However, you can benefit from fasting, which naturally supports skin health, by drinking plenty of water, balancing your meals, increasing fiber and healthy fats, and using pimple patches as a quick solution for scattered breakouts.
