Your Guide to Skin Fasting: What Is It and Should You Try It?
Just like how your body needs to rest every now and then, so should your skin! Most products you consume and even the environment contain chemicals that may gradually affect your skin barriers, so it is essential to look for ways to protect them. There is an ocean of trending skincare products out there to choose from, but what has really piqued people’s attention these days is the term “skin fasting.” Not only is it relatively cost-efficient for most (as it calls for taking a break from your skincare routine), but the idea of having your skin breathe for some time may feel like a form of detoxification.
BUT- some thought of it as a bad idea, while some claimed it made their skin feels so much better. In this blog post, wonder no more as we’ll talk about everything you need to know about skin fasting — from what it really is to how you can do it the right way. Because every skin type is different and reacts differently, we’ll also give you some advice if skin fasting is for you to try.
What is skin fasting?
Think of it as a fasting diet whose goal is to flush out the toxins in your body; only it applies to your skin. This was first introduced by the Japanese brand Mirai Clinical, wherein they describe skin fasting as a way to normalize natural oils’ secretion and support the natural rejuvenation process. It follows a very simple rule: to completely or gradually stop using any product or ingredient for a while. It is about letting your natural oils out to keep your skin soft and supple. You can go all the way to phasing out or eliminating skincare products one by one- which is more recommended.
Is it good or bad for the skin?
The results of skin fasting depend from person to person. It will all come down to your skin type, unique needs, and the weather.
If you use multiple skincare products that have the same active ingredients or are antagonistic to each other, then your skin may need a reboot or break from chemicals. You may completely abstain from using products or you can just keep the essentials like cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens. After all, skin fasting doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to remove everything all at once!
However, it is not suitable for people with skin conditions without proper consultation with their estheticians and those currently under skin treatments or using rejuvenating products or retinol. This can just do more damage than good!
How to do skin fasting the right way?
The best way to try skin fasting is to first test the waters! Meaning, to weigh things first for you before going all in. It is also important to know your skin type or consult your esthetician before skin fasting. Once you have all this figured out, here is a step-by-step guide for the right and effective skin fasting:
Know the ingredients of your skincare products. Often, we unawarely use products with the same benefits but just in different forms. Cutting them out of your routine is cost-efficient and will help you lessen the chemicals in your skin. Being aware of what you put in your skin will also give you an idea of the ingredients you should not mix- there are lots!
Eliminate one product at a time. Taking a risk feels great, but probably not with your skin! Instead of having your skincare entirely removed from your routine, start by doing it at least once a week. This way, you and your skin will not feel unfamiliar with what you do.
Start with one night/day. Wash your face thoroughly, try not to apply any skincare product, and see what happens in the morning or the day after. Ensure you wash your face with lukewarm water, pat it dry, and see how your skin will react to the change.
Assess yourself. You feel what you feel! You need to read the signs to determine if it is right for you. If it does not feel good or you experience irritations, you might need to stop skin fasting. While if you saw or felt some positive results, you might want to try to do it for a couple of days to try it again and see what happens. As simple as doing what feels right and stopping what doesn’t.
Skin Fasting Tips
Use at least the basics: sunscreen, moisturizers, and cleansers. These are the non-negotiables and the foundation of an entire skincare routine- it is not recommended to skip all of them even while on skin fasting.
Planning on lessening your use of sunscreen? Then you should also lessen your sun exposure. Lessening the use of sunscreens or other products should mean reducing the cause of why you’re using them. But keep in mind that doing away with sunscreen is not recommended.
Make mental notes while skin fasting. This can be the time to see which area you need to focus your eyes on and what products are best for you to keep using. Not everything you feel like you need is really something your skin needs.
Your skin protects you, and it’s your responsibility to protect it too. Just because there are so many skincare trends coming and going that may seem appealing, doesn’t mean you should go ahead and try them. Awareness of your skin’s unique needs is crucial.
If you’re still curious about skin fasting and want to know if your skin needs it, book an online consultation with licensed esthetician, Spela Hernandez now!
