The Dangers of Excess Sugar and Salt During Ramadan: They Can Trigger Acne and Dry Skin

Maintaining skin health during the Ramadan fasting period is a challenge for many. In addition to changes in sleep patterns, the foods eaten during sahur and iftar play crucial roles in our appearance. Dermatologists warn that consuming foods with high sugar and salt content can trigger serious skin problems, ranging from extreme dryness to acne.

Dermatologist Fitria Agustina explains that a diet high in salt and sugar causes body cells to lose water. This leads to a phenomenon known as multi-layer hydration loss. ‘Consuming a diet high in salt and sugar will make cells lose water, so the skin becomes drier, and the skin barrier is disrupted,’ she says. When the protective layer of the skin (the skin barrier) is damaged, the skin not only becomes dry but is also more prone to irritation and infection.

Many people report acne in the early Ramadan period, specifically in the first week or mid-second week. According to Fitria, this is closely linked to hydration not being optimal as the body adjusts to the new eating pattern. Hydration disruption affects the balance of the skin microbiome. If the natural skin microorganisms become imbalanced or dysbiotic, various skin problems can arise. In addition to acne, hydration-related damage can trigger flare-ups in medical conditions such as …

Fried foods are often a must at iftar. However, Dr Fitria notes that the flour used in frying is a carbohydrate with a high glycaemic index. Refined carbohydrates trigger significant insulin spikes at iftar. ‘This will affect levels of IGF-1 and the function of sebocytes or oil glands, resulting in more oil production,’ explained the graduate of the University of Indonesia. In addition, the fat content of fried foods also influences androgen hormones, worsening the activity of oil glands on the skin.

To keep the skin hydrated and acne-free, here are the recommendations from Fitria Agustina: By paying attention to nutrition and maintaining hydration, you can observe the fast without sacrificing skin health and beauty.