Flush or Blush

Nahila Hedayat shares tips with Fatima Faheem on keeping the skin fresh and dewy during Ramadan. Inspired by her mother who was a beautician in Pakistan, Nahila Hedayat is now the proud owner of Prive Beauty Salon & Spa. Want to know how to liven up your skin? Let Nahila answer your beauty queries for Ramadan 

Q. While fasting, the skin starts to lose its luster. Is there a nightly regime which can keep the skin looking supple and fresh all day?
Fasting sometimes leads to dry skin. We consume less water than usual while fasting and this leads to skin dehydration. Drink lots of water after breaking the fast and also try these few overnight skin remedies to keep your skin fresh and hydrated.

Rub some honey all over your face and other dry areas of your body like your hands and feet. Leave it for ten minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water and you will end up having soft glowing skin, which will retain its glow throughout the day.

Aloe Vera is the next best thing that you can use. Slice an aloe vera leaf and apply its fresh gel on your face. Aloe Vera is an excellent moisturiser. Besides, it also keeps the skin free from certain infections due to its healing properties.

Q. How often should one exfoliate during Ramadan?
How often you exfoliate your skin depends on its condition. If someone has very dry skin, then they should moisturise on a daily basis and exfoliate once a week to get rid of dead skin. Exfoliation also helps to regenerate new skin cells by eliminating the old ones. If your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, exfoliation might lead to further skin irritation.

Q. Can you recommend an easy facial mask that you can whip up in less than five minutes?
Take four tablespoon of wheat flour in a small bowl. Mix a teaspoon of mustard oil and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Add water to make a paste. Apply this paste evenly and let it dry. Finally, use lukewarm water to wash it off.

Q. What are the three makeup items that are a complete no-no in the summer sun?
– Choosing an oil-based foundation or BB Creams with SPF is one of the biggest mistakes one can make during this hot humid summer.
– Dark lipsticks during daytime will do nothing more than make you look loud
– Using a bronzer will definitely give you a nice tan if you want one, but it will leave a dark and dull look.

Q. While fasting, the skin undergoes different stages leading to pimples and acne. Could you suggest three natural remedies to keep those ugly zits at bay?
Eating oily food and staying up late during Ramadan can affect our skin in many ways – like aggravating those unwanted zits and acne.
-Applying a tablespoon of plain low-fat or full-fat yogurt or milk with a tablespoon of natural, raw, honey will help remove acne.
-Using a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water will also help a great deal.

Q. Applying makeup usually makes the skin discharge oil and more so during Ramadan. What would be a better alternative for the regular foundation that will make the makeup last longer and not make the face sweat as much?
There are varieties of matte foundations you can choose from or mix a matte fixer spray that is available nowadays with your regular foundation. It will help your foundation stay longer. Applying a toner before applying foundation will also remove the excess oil.


Nahila’s three secrets to gorgeous skin

1. Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated
2. Cleanse tone and moisturise on a daily basis
3. Honey is one my favorite things for skin care that works as an ant-aging agent