Is skin fasting good for my skin?

January 31, 2023 3 min read

What Is Skin Fasting?

Skin fasting is a much trending concept on the internet these days. It implies the concept of giving your skin a break from the regular skincare routine and go back to the essentials: a cleanser and moisturizer.

Skin fasting works ideally when you minimize or stop using any skincare product to enable your skin to rejuvenate on its own. However, make sure you know your skin type before you decide to go for it.

What are the benefits of skin fasting?

“Skin fasting is a great way to calm skin down and rebuild its lipid barrier,” says Dr. Sethi. Your lipid barrier is the outermost layer of skin and a strong barrier that “prevents allergens and particulate matter from pollution from entering and harming skin, and also protects skin’s moisture,” adds Dr. Sethi.

But your skin barrier can be compromised or damaged due to using too many active ingredients, over-cleansing, or over-exfoliating, which can cause burning, itching, breakouts, and/or dryness. That’s where skin fasting can be helpful: “If a client is experiencing these symptoms, the first step is a skin fast for at least three weeks, followed by a step-wise approach of re-introducing necessary products back into the regimen.”

People with melasma are also good candidates for skin fasting, says Dr. Sethi. “Skin with melasma tends to experience heightened sensitivity and inflammation,” she explains. “When the skin is experiencing an increase in inflammatory cells, people should avoid most skin-care products until the skin renews itself.”

Skin fasting isn’t necessary if your skin isn’t going through a stressful period. According to Dr. Sethi, if your skin looks plump and visibly hydrated, chances are your skin barrier is intact and you can continue with your regular skin-care routine.

Disadvantages of skin fasting

While some claim that skin fasting can improve the overall health and appearance of the skin, there are also potential drawbacks to this practice.

Some disadvantages of skin fasting include-

Dryness and irritation: Without using moisturizers and other hydrating products, the skin may become dry and irritated. It can lead to redness, flaking, and itching.
Breakouts: Without the use of cleansers and other acne-fighting products, the skin may be more prone to breakouts.
Sun damage: Without sunscreen, the skin can be more susceptible to sun damage, which may lead to premature aging and the development of skin cancer.
Lack of protection: Abstaining from skincare products may leave skin exposed to environmental pollutants and irritants, which might lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and early aging.
It's not for everyone: Certain skincare products are designed to address particular skin issues like acne, wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation. Possibly, some skin problems may not be treatable without the use of these items.

It's important to note that everyone's skin is different, and what may work for one person may not work for another.

Consult a dermatologist before making any drastic changes to your skincare routine.

Is skin detox similar to skin fasting?

Skin detoxification means cleansing the skin to get rid of toxins, pollutants, and extra oils. Numerous methods, including cleansers, exfoliants, masks, and other skincare products made especially for detoxifying the skin, can be used. In addition, adopting a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition might aid in skin detoxification.

While both methods have similar goals (to promote skin health), skin fasting is a more extreme approach and should be done carefully.

Change your lifestyle for a good skin

At times, skin issues won't go away with skin fasting or skin detox. There might be underlying causes affecting your skin. It might be:

Hormones
Infection
Exposure to pesticides
A bad diet (too much sugar, colas, oily or fast food)
Insufficient sunlight, fresh air, and exercise.

To improve your skin, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes:

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
Doing regular exercise to promote blood flow and oxygenation of the skin
Getting enough sleep to allow your body to repair and rejuvenate itself
Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

In A Nutshell

Using certain skin care products can help protect and nourish the skin and may be necessary for individuals with specific skin concerns such as acne or eczema. However, it is also essential to use products that are non-toxic and suitable for your skin type. Consult with a dermatologist for personalized skincare advice.