Do you know letting your skin breathe freely is key to achieve naturally glowing skin? Once in a while, your skin too needs a break from the routine to replenish its natural texture. Skin fasting makes this possible.
Skin fasting implies the concept of detoxifying your skin to let it function more effectively and enhance its natural radiance. But before you go for it, learn the ropes.
Scroll down to know what skin fasting is and how effective it can be for your skin.
Highlights:
What Is Skin Fasting?
Skin fasting is a much trending concept on the internet these days. It implies the concept of giving your skin a break from the regular skincare routine to make it function more effectively. So, you give up using any skincare product for a day, week, or a month and allow your skin to reset its natural functions and heal. It works by strengthening your skin’s protective barrier which might have been degenerated by usage of skincare products, otherwise.
The term was first coined by Japanese brand Mirai Clinical [1], which describes skin fasting as a way to normalize the secretion of natural oils and support the natural rejuvenation process. The concept comes from the traditional idea of fasting that allows healing. Skin fasting works ideally when you minimize or stop using any skincare product to enable your skin to rejuvenate on its own. However, make sure you know your skin type before you decide to go for it.
How To Do Skin Fasting?
You may want to completely abstain from skincare products for several weeks or you can choose not to use any skincare product at night. This way you can still safeguard your skin from the harmful UV rays in the daytime with a mild sunscreen. If you want to give this a try, here is the step-by-step guide for you.
1. Start with washing your face thoroughly at night.
2. Instead of cutting down all the products at one go, start by doing it once a week. Try not to apply any skincare product one night to let your skin breathe freely.
3. Wash your face the next morning with lukewarm water. This will ensure that the natural oils are not stripped off.
After you let your skin fast for one night, try the tissue paper test on your face the next morning.
1. Put a dry and clean tissue paper on your face. If the tissue falls off immediately, you have dry skin.
2. If the tissue paper sticks to your face but falls off when you lean over, you have normal skin. Your goal is to achieve this.
3. If it sticks to your face even after leaning, you have oily skin.
If you have dry skin, you need to keep your skin moisturized. If you have oily skin, you may want to cut down moisturizers from your regime and skin fast.
SkinKraft Tip:
Keep drinking plenty of water while skin fasting. This will help your skin to stay hydrated from within. Remember, hydration is the key to healthy and glowing skin.
Benefits Of Skin Fasting
The concept of skin fasting is all about letting your skin breathe naturally. When you give up using skincare products, your skin is able to produce natural oils to keep it soft and supple. Although there is no scientific proof behind this theory, skin fasting can benefit you if you’re using too many products and seem to be unsure about how each product is reacting to your skin. In such a scenario, going a step back is often helpful. Skin fasting also helps your skin to heal if it has started reacting negatively to any product. For example, if you are experiencing acne breakout or have dry skin from any product use, it is best to go for skin fasting before finding the right combination of products.
Skin Fasting - Dos And Don’ts
1. Keeping your skin hydrated from inside and outside is essential, especially when you’re doing skin fasting. Do drink enough water to stay hydrated from inside.
2. Ensure the room humidity level is apt, especially if you’re living in a dry or extreme cold region.
3. Although there is no fixed rule on how frequently you should be doing skin fasting, do not do it more than once a week.
4. Know that you’re the best judge of your skin. Do not continue with it if it doesn't feel right after the first attempt.
5. Do not make your skin fast if you’re undergoing any skin treatment or have recently undergone skin peeling.
Who Can Do Skin Fasting?
If you’re someone who indulges a lot in skincare products and makeup, skin fasting is recommended to let your skin heal. However, if you think a particular skincare regime is working for you, we would advise you to continue with the same.
The success of skin fasting depends from person to person. It all depends on your skin type and needs. Refrain from skin fasting if you have extremely dry skin. If you have mildly dry skin, make the transition slow. If you have dry skin, it is good to skin fast during monsoon when the weather is humid.
How Long Does It Take For Your Skin To Clear Up?
It is difficult to say how long it will take the skin to clean up as it depends on individual skin type and the number of skin products and makeup that you apply daily.
How Often Can You Do Skin Fasting?
While there is no hard and fast rule of doing skin fasting, it’s frequency depends on how regular you are with your skincare regime. For example, you can go on a skin detox once in two months if you do not use too many skincare products.
If you regularly use serum, skin lightening and anti-aging cream or too much makeup, detoxing your skin once in a month can be good for you. If you have sensitive, oily, irritated or excessively dry skin, limit your skin detox to once in two weeks. You need to read the signs of your skin to determine what would be right for you. Remember, you can either fast your skin completely or fast with just a light moisturizer and water.
Wrapping Up
Remember, skin fasting is like a ‘vacation’ for your skin. You should not infer that using skin products or practicing a skincare regimen is bad for your skin. Skin fasting gives your skin the resting time and allows it to heal before you can switch back to your regular skin care products. However, speak to your dermatologist to understand if you can start skin fasting, especially if you are on some medication.
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