Often Break Fast with Fried Food and Sweet Drinks? Here's the Impact on the Skin

Illustration of gorengan for breaking the fast. (Photo: Freepik/jakasuryanta)

JAKARTA - During fasting, the body does not get food and drink intake for more than 12 hours. This condition makes the body undergo changes, including on skin health. When the body is deficient in fluids, the skin is one of the parts that are most easily affected.

Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, IPB University, dr. Rachmah Diana Putri, SpDVE, MKes, FINSDV,FAADV explained that lack of fluid intake during fasting can lower skin vitality because the body is dehydrated.

"Dry skin due to dehydration can become red, itchy, and painful, especially when in cold temperatures. If left alone, this condition can cause irritation that is difficult to avoid," said Dr. Rachmah, quoted from the official website of IPB University.

In addition, skin that is deficient in fluid generally feels tighter. The surface of the skin can also be seen to be wrinkled, dull, and rough. In certain conditions, dry skin can even be accompanied by redness, signs of inflammation, and peeling.

Lack of fluids during fasting can indeed trigger various problems on the skin, one of which is making the skin look dry and dull. Furthermore, Dr. Rachmah explained some skin problems that often arise due to dehydration during fasting.

Here are skin problems due to lack of fluids during fasting.

1. Dry skin

Dr. Rachmah said that fluid deficiency during fasting can cause the skin to lose its moisture. Activities that are still carried out during fasting also produce sweat and urine, which further aggravates skin dehydration.

2. Dull skin and accumulation of dead skin cells

"Dehydration inhibits blood circulation, so the volume of blood flowing to the skin is reduced. As a result, the skin looks dull and pale and is more prone to premature aging," said Dr. Rachmah.

He added that dry skin is also more prone to the accumulation of dead skin cells, which inhibits skin regeneration.

3. The face looks tired

Explained by Dr. Rachmah, lack of fluids and nutrients such as vitamins and minerals can reduce skin health and beauty. Plus lack of sleep at night, the face can look more sad and tired.

"This condition can be exacerbated by stress, which can increase the production of the hormone cortisol, causing the skin to become more oily and prone to acne," he added.

4. Acne and pimples

Unhealthy eating patterns, such as eating fried foods and sugary drinks, drinking less water, and getting less rest can disrupt the body's metabolism. This not only affects digestion, but also increases the risk of acne.

"Lack of fiber intake can also slow down the body's detoxification process, thus worsening the skin condition," he added.

Causes of Dry and Dull Skin During Fasting

In addition to dehydration, there are several other habits that can also worsen skin conditions during fasting.

1. Lack of fluid

Many people often do not meet the body's fluid needs during fasting. As a result, the skin becomes more easily dry and looks dull.

"It is recommended to consume at least 8 glasses of water per day with a pattern of 2-4-2, namely 2 glasses at Iftar, 4 glasses between Iftar and Sahur, and 2 glasses at Sahur," said Dr. Rachmah.

2. Lack of sleep

Adequate rest plays an important role in maintaining the balance of body hormones that affect skin health. Lack of sleep can increase the cortisol hormone that triggers inflammation on the skin. Therefore, the ideal sleep time of around 6-8 hours every night still needs to be maintained.

3. Bathing too long

Bathing for too long, especially using hot water, can remove the natural oil layer on the skin. As a result, the skin becomes drier and more prone to irritation. It is best to use warm or cold water and limit the duration of the bath to no more than 10 minutes.

4. Eating too much oily food

Oily foods such as fried foods can also affect the condition of the skin. Excessive consumption can damage the antioxidants in the body and trigger the production of excess oil on the skin that can potentially cause acne.

"It's best to consume foods that contain healthy fats, such as avocados, salmon, and nuts to maintain skin elasticity and softness," he said.

To maintain skin health during fasting, it is important to continue to pay attention to fluid needs, rest time, and a balanced diet.

"Use natural ingredients to help maintain skin moisture during fasting," said Dr. Rachmah.