TikTok is no stranger to popular skin health trends, and a recent one that caught everyone’s attention is skin fasting. The concept promises better skin by taking a break from your usual skincare routine and allowing your skin to breathe. But is this just another overhyped fad or is there some truth to it? Let’s dive in and find out.
What is Skin Fasting?
Firstly, what is skin fasting? Essentially, it’s a period of time where you don’t use any skincare products on your face. Many proponents of the trend believe that the break allows your skin to naturally restore and balance itself without the interference of topical products. However, it’s worth noting that there’s little scientific research that supports the benefits of skin fasting.
The concept of taking a break, dates back to the era of steroid use. Steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications can be addictive and cause your skin to become dependent on them. Therefore, taking a break, or a ‘holiday,’ from these medications can enhance their effectiveness.
Which Skincare Ingredients is it Good to Skip?
If you’re considering trying skin fasting, it’s important to know which skincare ingredients are good to take a break from. These include heavy-duty ingredients like retinol, AHAs, and BHAs. These powerful ingredients can often cause irritation and sensitivity, so it’s good to give your skin a break from them. However, it’s important to note that everyone’s skin is different and may react differently to certain ingredients, so it’s always best to consult a dermatologist before making any changes to your routine.
Should you Try Skin Fasting?
If you’re constantly stressing your skin with strong active ingredients such as retinol and glycolic acid, it’s best not to make it a daily habit. Give your skin a chance to bounce back by taking a break from the harsh treatments. However, if you’re using the appropriate skin care regimen, there’s no need to take a break. Trust in your routine and maintain the health of your skin.
While skin fasting may be a good idea if you’re using heavy-duty ingredients or following a dermatologist-recommended schedule, it’s important to remember that not all skincare products are created equal. If your skin is already doing well on your current routine, you don’t need to change it. Your skin might also be missing out on the beneficial effects of certain products that are essential to your routine.
Which Skincare Ingredients Shouldn’t be Skipped
Whilst it may be tempting to skip cleansing, moisturizing, or sunscreen application, skin care professionals suggest not to do so to avoid causing further damage to your skin. Instead, it’s recommended that you continue to cleanse and moisturize your skin. Depending on the season or climate, you might need to switch cleansers or cycle on and off some products. Unless you experience an adverse reaction, stop using sunscreen or steroids is not suggested.
If you’re looking to pause any products, focus on those that your skin is more likely to habituate to, such as steroids. In conclusion, if your skin care routine is working for you, there’s no need to stop suddenly without first consulting with a dermatologist.
Furthermore, experts agree that there is no reason to stop cleansing, moisturizing, or using sunscreen. These three skincare steps are crucial in maintaining healthy skin and pausing them may do more harm than good. If you’re routine is bogged down with a lot of products, you can take “skin fasting” as an invitation to pause and reintroduce your products one at a time.
Skin Fasting- Just a Trend or Here to Stay?
In the world of skincare, we often hear that more is better. But sometimes, the directions of products or advice we receive can lead us astray. For instance, using a product every day or multiple times a day can be too much and cause harm to our skin.
You may find yourself considering skin fasting if your current skincare routine isn’t giving you the desired results. However, be careful not to reinforce bad habits. If a skincare product is harming your skin, it’s time to let it go.
When it comes to skincare, whether we’re addressing a skin disorder or seeking anti-aging benefits, repairing and maintaining the skin barrier is key. If you’re guilty of over-exfoliating and not moisturizing enough, it’s important to break that cycle and permanently cut out damaging habits that aren’t serving your skin well.
Lastly, one of the reasons you might consider skin fasting is if you aren’t getting the results you want from your current skincare routine. However, you need to be mindful that skin fasting could just reinforce bad habits that you need to abandon. If the skincare you’re using harms your skin barrier, you shouldn’t be using it. It’s always important to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.
Don’t Skip the Last Note
In conclusion, skin fasting may be a beneficial option if you’re using heavy-duty ingredients or following a dermatologist-recommended schedule, but it’s not necessary for everyone. It’s important to remember that not all skincare products are created equal, and pausing your routine may cause more harm than good.
If you do decide to try skin fasting, it’s important to do so in a safe and controlled way. Take note of any changes in your skin’s appearance and texture during the fasting period, and gradually reintroduce your products one at a time to see how your skin reacts.
Ultimately, it’s always best to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed. Consult a dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns about your skincare routine.