Skin Fasting: Should You Follow the Latest Skin Trends?

How long could you go between facial cleansing, toning, using a mask, and moisturizing? A day? Seven days? for a month?

Skin fasting is one of the newest skincare fads that has taken over the internet. To detox your face, it includes avoiding all skin care products. Skin fasting derives from Hippocrates’ conviction that conventional fasting can be employed as a therapeutic strategy, claims the holistic Japanese beauty brand that popularised it.

Now, whenever we hear the word detox, we tend to be sceptical because it typically refers to a short remedy rather than investing time and effort in a regular program.

A writer and editor of Lifestyle and Culture, says she also objected to the thought of using no skin care products, even though she was all for minimalism in her clothes and house. Due to the sensitivity of her skin, she believed that skipping a good wash every few days causes breakouts, dry patches, and general dullness on her face.

Though her skincare routine does more than simply keep her skin clean and moisturized, it also establishes her day as a part of a routine. It aids in waking her up in the morning and enables her to physically wash the day away to unwind and rest. She tends to enjoy regularity, so cleaning her face is a fantastic way for her to conclude each day.

The Concept of Skin Fasting

Sebum, an oily substance produced by your skin, aids in retaining moisture. The purpose of “fasting” is to allow the skin to “breathe.” Eliminating cosmetics is supposed to allow the skin to neutralize and sebum to naturally moisturize.

She stuck to cleanser, micellar water in the evening to remove makeup, toner, moisturizer, and the occasional face mask (primarily for fun) since she likes basic, no-fuss routines. Overall, not too complicated.

Her skin was typical with a predisposition towards dryness and hormonal breakouts along the jawline when she followed this program. Every now and then, usually, just before her period, a spot will appear. She hardly has time to wash her face in the morning, much less try contouring or execute a 10-step process. She wears tinted moisturizer and an eye cream at most. Concealer, eyebrow pencil, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lip balm are available if necessary.

However, she would just apply water and sunscreen on her face for the next week (since UV damage is real).

Her first day felt dry. As a final act before this trial, she applied a moisturizing face mask the night before. Unfortunately, the gel mixture did not last through the night, and she awoke with parched, tight, and dry skin.

The second day was no better. In fact, her skin was beginning to itch, and her lips were chapped.

She did, however, recall that her skin usually always looks beautiful whenever she gets enough water during the day (3 liters, minimum). She, therefore, began drinking bottle after bottle to protect herself from the dry itching that was on her face.

The following several days were more of the same, so she must have grown accustomed to the dryness, or it lessened. However, the delightful surprise of a pimple starting to form on her chin at the end of day four arrived. She tried so hard not to touch it or put her hands near it because this is the place where she tends to break out the most.

The pimple had grown into a nice, very noticeable red mark by the time she woke up on day five. Given that the extra oil and dead skin cells that cause pimples were not being rinsed away, this was not altogether surprising for her. Luckily, she did not have anywhere crucial to be and the zit started to disappear on its own.

Result:

The whole week, though, seemed to be more of a test of my resolve to see how long I could go without using a face wash or moisturizer rather than my skin purging itself. It served as a reminder to drink water, something we all far too frequently forget to do but which is essential for human survival.

She says, she does not believe this weeklong detox did anything for her skin, but she could clearly understand the advantages of simplifying one’s beauty care routine and eliminating pointless items.

The contemporary product mania of 12-step routines that include a new retinoid, face mask, or serum every month is one reason abstinence and “skin fasting” are becoming more popular.

Her tight, dry skin served as a reminder to drink more water. Yes, staying hydrated can help you with your problems. (Not completely, but one can hope.) Additionally, it is wonderful to take a break from time to time and let your skin breathe without worrying about sleeping in your makeup or applying multiple layers of serums.

Try these for better skin results:

• Let us begin with sunscreen

Protecting your skin from the sun is among the most crucial steps you can do to take care of it. A lifetime of sun exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer as well as wrinkles, age spots, and other skin issues.

To provide the best possible sun protection:

• Put sunblock on- Make use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or perspiring. Apply sunscreen liberally.

• Opt for shade- When the sun is at its brightest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., stay out of the sun.

• Put on safety gear- Wear long, tightly woven shirts, long trousers, and wide-brimmed hats to conceal your skin. Also, consider sun-protective apparel that is specifically made to block UV radiation or laundry additives that add an extra layer of ultraviolet protection to garments for a set number of washings.

• Quit smoking

Smoking causes wrinkles and makes your skin appear older. Smoking causes the tiniest blood vessels in the epidermis to constrict, reducing blood flow and resulting in paler skin. Additionally, this depletes the skin of minerals and oxygen that are crucial for healthy skin.

Collagen and elastin, the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity, are also harmed by smoking. Additionally, smoking can cause wrinkles due to the repeated facial movements you make, such as squinting your eyes to block out smoke and pursing your lips when inhaling. Smoking also raises your risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer. The greatest strategy to protect your skin, if you smoke, is to stop. Consult your doctor for advice on quitting smoking or medicines that can assist.

• Take care of your skin

Shaving and daily washing might harm your skin. Keeping it kind:

• Limit your bathing time- Your skin’s natural oils are removed by hot water and extended showers or baths. Use warm water in place of hot water and keep bathing or showering to a minimum.
• Do not use harsh soaps- Strong detergents and soaps can remove oil from your skin. Choose gentle cleaners instead.
• Shave with caution- Apply shaving cream, lotion, or gel to your skin before shaving to lubricate and protect it. Use a clean, sharp razor to get the closest shave possible. Shave against the hair’s growth, not with it.
• Clean off- Use a towel to gently pat or blot your skin dry after bathing or washing it so that some moisture is left on your skin.
• Hydrate dry skin- Use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type if your skin is dry. Consider using a moisturizer with SPF daily.

• Eat a balanced diet

You can feel and look your best by following a nutritious diet. Consume a lot of fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits. It is unclear whether food contributes to acne, but some study indicates that eating a diet high in fish oil or fish oil supplements and low in harmful fats and refined or processed carbs may help you look younger. Water is important to keep your skin hydrated.

• Try and manage your stress

Uncontrolled stress can increase your skin’s sensitivity, lead to acne outbreaks, and cause other skin issues. Take efforts to control your stress to promote healthy skin and a healthy state of mind. Get enough sleep, establish reasonable boundaries, reduce your to-do list, and carve out time for your favorite activities. The outcomes can be more striking than you anticipate.