WHAT IS SKIN FASTING, AND IS IT BENEFICIAL?

It’s very common and popular these days to have a 10 to 20 step skincare routine every morning and night. Sometimes, it makes us wonder; are they overdoing it, or is it necessary for that impeccable-looking skin? Skin fasting is a new trend that rose to popularity within the past few years. Essentially, it means giving your skin a detox or cleanse.

In this article, we are going to discuss what is skin fasting, how should we do it, and who is it for? Without further ado, let’s jump straight into the subject.

WHAT IS SKIN FASTING?

Skin fasting refers to taking a break from all the skincare products you are using currently and allowing it to breathe, relax, essentially rest. What it does is allow your skin to function normally without the need for any external products.

The concept seems quite clear and simple but the methodology can vary from one person to another. It is quite similar to food fasting in a sense. Some people can fast for 8 hours, others can drink only water for three days, while some go on a fast where they can only eat fruits. It essentially comes down to how many products you can eliminate and for how long.

Skin fasting is supposed to rebuild the stratum corneum layer of the skin to foster better skin as well as resilience. It is also a great way to find which products are causing more harm than good; irritation, redness, breakout, and more skin issues.

You will also grab your hands on information such as which products will work well for your skin type, which will go hand in hand with one another, and which ones to avoid. It will help you avoid the fads and latest trends. If you wish to try skin fasting, you have to go cold turkey. You can start by eliminating one product at a time to see what works best for you.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO DO SKIN FASTING?

Skin fasting has no one size fits all approach. Some people have to eliminate products from their diet while others have to go cold turkey to see results.

If you are planning to go on a complete skin fast, you will have to stop using all the skincare products. It includes everything from cleansers, toners, serums, and even moisturizers. Allow your skin’s natural sebum to balance out your skin and even protect it.  It is very important to pay close attention to your skin during the process of skin fasting.

Another approach is to use a cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and eliminate all other products. This is a different approach to skin fasting and relatively less intense. If you plan to skip sunscreen also, it is important to limit your sun exposure as well. There is one universal rule for all skin types; wear sunscreen at all times.

In some cases, eliminating all the products can wreak havoc on your skin. Hence, most dermatologists won’t recommend it. For instance, if someone stops washing their face completely, it can lead to dirt, debris, makeup, oil build-up, and breakouts.

WHO SHOULD TRY SKIN FASTING?

People with sensitive skin types can immensely benefit from skin fasting. It gives the skin time to heal and eliminate any products that can trigger inflammation. Supposedly, skin fasting is more beneficial for people with dry skin. If you are someone with oily or acne-prone skin, doing a full skin fast might not work in your favor.

Any individual who is experiencing skin problems due to their skincare routine can try a less intense version of the concept. Try eliminating one product at a time and see which one is causing skin irritation.

With that being said, anyone can try skin fasting, especially those whose skin needs a reboot. If you are someone who is experiencing dryness, irritation, or blemishes, it is a must-try for you.

WHO SHOULD AVOID SKIN FASTING?

If you are someone with skin disorders such as uncontrolled acne, eczema, rosacea, melasma, skin fasting is not recommended for you. You need external products to help with skin inflammation and keep your skin conditions in check.

Additionally, it is advised to speak with your dermatologist before getting any break from any prescription-based products. Moreover, if you stop using sunscreen, it can be an added risk and will further irritate your skin.

If your skincare routine is already working for you, it is best to skip skin fasting. After all, you shouldn’t try to fix anything that isn’t broken.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Skin fasting is surely successful on a case-by-case basis. It does not involve a one size fits all approach. Like any other skin treatment or product, it is important to pay close attention to your skin before trying anything new or continuing with it.

If you wish to try it, the right approach would be to stay slow and steady. Eliminate one product at a time and see how your skin reacts to it. It is important to understand that skin detox/fast has no scientific and physiological basis.

It can be extremely beneficial for those who are on the hunt for a skin reboot and feeling confused about which products suit their skin. You might learn a few new things about your skin; which skin product is lacking, which one are you using too much of, which product is causing all the irritation etc.

Your skin is very smart and will adjust to the new routines over time. If you are starting, stick with the basics such as cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen and avoid anything unnecessary. It will give your skin time to rest and rebuild. Even if you are eliminating all other products, wear SPF at all times. Those with skin disorders need to consult with dermatologists prior to trying out any new routine.

We hope you found this article helpful! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us!