Would you like to give your skin a break? Then put them on a diet! We explain how skin fasting works.
When we fast, we want our bodies to regenerate and recuperate. We can do the same for our skin too! With skin fasting, we should completely rid the largest organ in our body of care products. But is that really good for our skin?
What Is Skin Fasting?
The trend of skin fasting comes from Japan and describes the renunciation of care products for a certain period of time. This is supposed to refresh our skin and help it to regenerate. If you keep your hands off creams, cleansers, and masks, the skin has enough time to rebuild its natural protective layer. Because the more products we “slap” on our skin, the more damaged it becomes.
There are two types of skin fasting:
- The first variant prohibits the use of any beauty or care products. All nude, so!
- The second variant recommends a reduced form of daily care or a minimalist beauty routine. Less is more!
Is Skin Fasting Really Useful?
“By completely doing without care products, the skin removes moisture and lipids, which strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and thus protect it from environmental pollution and weather influences,” explains dermatologist Anna Brandenburg to the magazine Harper’s Bazaar. This means that while this skin diet would not be bad, it also contributes to the fact that our skin is not properly protected.
According to Brandenburg, “care products always have a specific purpose.” Anyone who suffers from acne is therefore dependent on cleaning products with active anti-inflammatory ingredients. Who the daily Sun protection leaves out, accelerates the process of skin aging, since our skin is exposed to UV rays. If you suddenly put products with retinol (a strong form of vitamin A, increasingly in Anti-aging products contain), regenerative processes such as cell structure and the formation of collagen in the skin are interrupted.
Better a Little Rather Than Nothing at All
In summary, it can be said that completely doing without care products is not the right way to go. It would be better to reduce the number of products used: “Too many different products and too many layers on top of one another do not always complement each other optimally,” says the dermatologist. Anyone who uses countless creams, serums, etc., risks attacking the skin’s natural protective layer. This leads to redness, irritation, and clogged pores. The expert recommends using a combination of day cream, sun protection factor, and a tint.
You Should Rely On This for Skincare
“With body-identical substances such as Hyaluronic acid, the allergenic potential that can lead to skin irritation is very low, “says Brandenburg. Combining hyaluronic acid with sunscreen prevents over-care of the skin. Avoiding the weekly peeling can also help to strengthen the skin’s natural protective layer, especially if your skin is fine-pored and clean!
Important: If you cut back on your beauty routine for a week or two, don’t rush to countless skincare products again shortly afterwards. Give your skin enough time to recover and “accept” the new or “old” products again.
