Is it possible for 'skin fasting' to mend a damaged skin barrier? I abandoned my skincare routine for a full day to explore this.
In the world of aesthetic skincare, a new minimalistic trend is gaining traction: skin fasting. Dr Mehri Pourkand, an aesthetic doctor, describes this trend as a way to give the skin a break from active ingredients and heavy routines, with the goal of stripping things back, reducing inflammation, and better understanding what the skin needs.
However, it's crucial to remember that skin fasting is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Always consult a dermatologist for personalized advice about whether a skin fast is the correct approach for you.
If you're experiencing more irritation, redness, dryness, and breakouts than usual, and actives aren't doing the trick, a measured skin fast might be beneficial. Skin fasting should ideally only take place over a short amount of time, for more extreme iterations, up to 24 hours, while more measured approaches should usually only be a matter of weeks.
During a skin fast, ingredients to focus on within a simplified routine include ceramide, panthenol, niacinamide, and colloidal oatmeal. Dr Pourkand suggests a pared-back barrier-repair routine instead of total product withdrawal, focusing on gentle cleanser, hydrating serum or essence, and fragrance-free moisturizer.
Despite claims about detoxification effects, scientifically, these are unsupported. Skin fasting can be a helpful strategy to reduce product overuse and irritation, allowing natural barrier repair if done carefully and for short periods. It is most effective when combined with good hydration, nutrition, and sun protection.
However, abrupt or prolonged skin fasting without supportive care may worsen symptoms by leaving damaged skin unprotected and sensitive. More extreme fasting practices or prolonged avoidance of suitable skincare might risk dehydration or insufficient protection from environmental insults (UV, pollution), further weakening skin health.
For damaged skin barriers, consulting a dermatologist before starting skin fasting is advisable to avoid risks and tailor care appropriately. In some cases, a luxurious cream that quenches the skin's thirst (RRP: £65 for 50ml) or a serum that repairs the skin barrier with vitamin B5 (RRP: £40 for 30ml) might be recommended.
The INKEY List's new milky cleanser is lightweight, refreshing, and effective in removing makeup and cleansing. Another vital aspect of skincare during a fast is sun protection, with a viral sunscreen offering adequate sun protection and having a featherlight formula, costing less than £20 (RRP: £15.50 for 50ml).
Candice Gardner emphasizes the need for barrier support, including hydration, ceramides, and other essential lipids, for eczema and irritated skin during a skin fast. Less drastic measures include taking a break from actives such as retinol, AHAs, and vitamin C, and focusing on nourishing, barrier-building formulations.
One author tried skin fasting for 24 hours and found it to be a mistake, as their skin became overly oily and tight. However, after reducing active ingredients and adopting a simpler routine, their skin went through a healing phase, making it less dry, more bouncy, and healthier.
In conclusion, skin fasting can be a helpful strategy to reduce product overuse and irritation, allowing natural barrier repair if done carefully and for short periods. It is most effective when combined with good hydration, nutrition, and sun protection. However, abrupt or prolonged skin fasting without supportive care may worsen symptoms by leaving damaged skin unprotected and sensitive. Consult a dermatologist for personalized advice before embarking on a skin fasting journey.
- In the realm of aesthetic skincare, the minimalistic trend of skin fasting is becoming popular, aiming to give the skin a break from active ingredients and heavy routines.
- Skin fasting is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it's essential to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice about whether a skin fast is the correct approach for you.
- During a skin fast, focus on a simplified routine that includes ceramide, panthenol, niacinamide, colloidal oatmeal, gentle cleanser, hydrating serum or essence, and fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Skin fasting can be effective when combined with good hydration, nutrition, and sun protection, but abrupt or prolonged skin fasting without supportive care may worsen symptoms by leaving damaged skin unprotected and sensitive.
- It's important to remember that skin fasting should ideally be for a short amount of time, not an ongoing routine, and should be combined with suitable skincare products for your specific skin type and concerns, such as a luxurious cream or a serum that repairs the skin barrier.
