Skin fasting literally translated to a break from using any skincare products and here is why we are digging into it
Skin fasting is an antithesis to the 10-step skincare routine that many had held close to them. Skin fasting is, in fact, completely at loggerheads with any such elaborate drama when it comes to caring for the skin. As an internet sensation, the theory of skin fasting in practice means to refrain from all skincare products for a bit to let the skin ‘breathe.’ It simply means a sabbatical for the skin. With skin fasting, you go for a complete detox and wait for your skin to naturally regenerate its protective stratum corneum layer.
In reality, skin fasting could differ from individual to individual. While some may follow a more gradual and step-by-step process to reduce the use of skincare products, others may completely go cold turkey. To practice skin fasting with all sincerity, you need to ditch even the toner, serums, exfoliants, and hydrators. Nonetheless, different versions of this internet craze allow for the use of skincare basics such as a gentle cleanser, a basic moisturiser, and sunscreen. With a significantly less amount of dabbling and rubbing on the screen, the skin is allowed a window to revitalise itself and regain its natural functions.
The acid mantle or the skin barrier is fundamental to retain moisture, manage pH levels, and act as a protective shield against external triggers. During skin fasting, you get the chance to reduce the application of chemicals and packaged products and allow for strength and functionality of the skin’s natural barrier.
For people with clinically diagnosed skin issues, skin fasting is a boon. It acts as an antidote to skin irritation by doing away with potential irritants contained in skincare products. In the process, the skin calms and recovers at its own pace. So, if you are spotting more blemishes and flakiness than usual, it may signal the need for an immediate drop in product use.
Product overload is a serious concern, especially for people with sensitive skin. Layering too many products could essentially irritate the skin, congest its pores, and trigger acne, breakouts and other sorts of skin reactions. One of the many pitfalls of excess reliance on skincare products is the damage to the skin barrier which makes the skin look dull, dry, flaky, and rough.
A couple of bummers to be aware of if you are all prepared to embrace this latest skin trend.
The right time to go skin fasting? Well, you might as well do it on a hunch if you feel your skin needs a reboot. You may also have a schedule in place which will determine the frequency and span of this procedure. Ideally, the duration depends on your skin’s ability to cope with the change and become resilient over time. It is a process which should not be rushed or meddled with. Since the protocol is not a one-size-fits-all thing, it is always advised to listen to your skin and be intuitive instead of blatantly following how others are going about with skin fasting.
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