Skin Fasting - What is it all about?

What is it?

Skin fasting, is taking a break from your regular skincare routine for a period of time, ranging from 1 day to 1 month. 

What happens during a skin fast?

The theory is that eliminating all skincare products for a period of time, allows your skin to restore the microbiome for healthy looking skin, rest and return to what it does naturally. 

By taking away external remedies your skin works a little harder to compensate and rebalance itself, improving the way it functions. 

How do you do it?

You only wash your face with lukewarm water/face wash.  Use sunscreen. That is the only exception. 

Reintroduce your actives one by one. Experts advise that it should not be done for more than 7 days, and it is not recommended for very dry skin. 

When to consider doing a skin fast?

It may be beneficial if you have underlying skin problems, or feeling your skincare routine is not working or complicated. 

What to expect?

The process can vary according to the individual. Most common, you can expect breakouts and dryness as your body has to produce its own natural oils. 

Possible benefits?

• you will be able to better recognize your skin type: dry, combination, oily etc
• a change particularly if you have been using the wrong products or too many products for your skin type
• an ability to determine if you are using products that are too harsh, irritating and drying etc
• you may be experiencing a build up of sebum, dirt and dead skin cells 
• your skincare products feel as though they are no longer working 
• your have increased breakouts and sensitivity 

While the benefits have been realised by many, sadly there is no scientific evidence to support its efficacy. 

Final thoughts..

• If you are under the care of a dermatologist or aesthetician, don’t do this, you have a precise routine that is monitored
• “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”
• listen to your skin
• your skin is smart, it is built to defend itself, rejuvenate on its own 

Would love to hear your thoughts on this, please share below