{"id":6158,"date":"2023-08-01T05:13:25","date_gmt":"2023-07-31T22:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6158"},"modified":"2023-08-01T05:13:25","modified_gmt":"2023-07-31T22:13:25","slug":"what-is-skin-fasting-dermatologists-weigh-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6158","title":{"rendered":"What Is &#8216;Skin Fasting?&#8217; Dermatologists Weigh In"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">T<\/span>his summer, I put my complexion through the wringer of &#8220;sweat, face wipe, repeat&#8221; until the textural changes on my face had become unignorable. I showed up to an overdue facial appointment with redness dotting my T-zone and expected to be put on an entirely new regimen. Instead, I was encouraged to do the exact opposite\u2014to stop using skin care altogether for the sake of a &#8220;skin fast.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>While the practice of taking an intentional, temporary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skincare-break\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skincare-break\/\">break from one\u2019s skin-care routine<\/a> is nothing new, the concept has been gaining traction on social media of late\u2014on TikTok, the term &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/discover\/skin-fast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/discover\/skin-fast\">skin fast<\/a>&#8221; has more than 3.4 million views. The idea is that taking some time off from your products will give your skin a chance to reset itself. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zeichnerdermatology.com\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.zeichnerdermatology.com\/\">Joshua Zeichner, MD<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist, the principle is similar to that behind lip gloss addiction: When you&#8217;re constantly slathering balm on your lips, they can feel dry and itchy any time they\u00a0<em>don&#8217;t<\/em> have the product on them because they&#8217;ve acclimated to an artificial (and highly moisturized) environment. If that happens\u2014to your lips and your skin\u2014taking a break can allow things to return to their natural homeostasis.<\/p>\n<p>For my own timeout from my regular routine, I ditched all of my usual products and simply washed my face once a day with an all-natural cleanser and applied sunscreen every morning\u2014that was it. By letting my skin be, well, <em>skin,\u00a0<\/em>my inflammation began to subside after a week\u2014and a skin fast was to thank for it.<\/p>\n<h2>What is a skin fast?<\/h2>\n<p>The surface of the skin is covered in an ecosystem of (good!) bacteria that makes up the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/supporting-skin-microbiome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/supporting-skin-microbiome\/\">microbiome<\/a>, and keeping this flora healthy is the single most important factor in overall skin health. Overdoing it on active ingredients can disrupt the delicate environment, leading to inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea as well as dryness and a weakened skin barrier.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skin-fasting\/\" current-title=\"The Best Way To Care for Inflamed, Irritated Skin Might Just Be Skipping Skin Care Altogether\" current-image=\"GettyImages-1436807651-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-01-31\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skin-fasting\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skin-fasting\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skin-fasting\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Skin care is often marketed in a way that encourages using <em>more<\/em> products\u2014which, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/supporting-skin-microbiome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/supporting-skin-microbiome\/\">when it comes to the microbiome<\/a>, isn&#8217;t necessarily a good thing. &#8220;If having a heavy skin-care routine was beneficial, I don\u2019t think that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6533878\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6533878\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\">70 percent of women today<\/a> would have sensitive skin,\u201d skin scientist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.googleadservices.com\/pagead\/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=C8SKvnvVAYIzqI4vKzwXuwJWACtOUtepg6IHOkcQN_J7t2dAeCAAQASC5VGDJxqmLwKTYD6ABxIm3wQLIAQHIA9ggqgRHT9Alb2SHryBCQZpAtZcPltR82uuUei5O5kSBXplYQDeL6kkGGHqNDqH_-jJPgqF2MuTyKX50ZrQba36W4IaUpzYDizCKI0XABL2VooSdA4AFkE6gBmaAB6T2yL4BiAcBkAcBqAemvhuoB7masQKoB_DZG6gH8tkbqAfz0RuoB-7SG6gHytwbsAgB0ggFEAIghAGaCRJodHRwczovL2RyLWVqLmNvbS-xCRNSb0OuNPZjuQkTUm9DrjT2Y_gJAZgLAaoMAggBuAwBiBQByBTLgKKMmaDt-CfQFQGAFwGSFwYSBAgBEAI&amp;ae=2&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjhiOSe85bvAhWTF1kFHWEoDnMQ0Qx6BAgEEAE&amp;dct=1&amp;dblrd=1&amp;sival=AF15MEB40ajZxwk8YoR4_GS0a3G_vZC7e_tB3EUfp0R4vl33ErscGVIdD1feFI6HzzlcDv1CvW6i1Z7FzqfcOB15e3HWKP7nLGeocYHkvTJ-k3HHSFbp7p4a7_flqq4Fov51IWiK4FylhgrHfST_GUc0lXNzK6Px2QYCqZiUdyO1BRSotekyK2Q&amp;sig=AOD64_1Y3aH1u8zFhrgan0EQg-bkmKh-AQ&amp;adurl=https:\/\/dr-ej.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.googleadservices.com\/pagead\/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=C8SKvnvVAYIzqI4vKzwXuwJWACtOUtepg6IHOkcQN_J7t2dAeCAAQASC5VGDJxqmLwKTYD6ABxIm3wQLIAQHIA9ggqgRHT9Alb2SHryBCQZpAtZcPltR82uuUei5O5kSBXplYQDeL6kkGGHqNDqH_-jJPgqF2MuTyKX50ZrQba36W4IaUpzYDizCKI0XABL2VooSdA4AFkE6gBmaAB6T2yL4BiAcBkAcBqAemvhuoB7masQKoB_DZG6gH8tkbqAfz0RuoB-7SG6gHytwbsAgB0ggFEAIghAGaCRJodHRwczovL2RyLWVqLmNvbS-xCRNSb0OuNPZjuQkTUm9DrjT2Y_gJAZgLAaoMAggBuAwBiBQByBTLgKKMmaDt-CfQFQGAFwGSFwYSBAgBEAI&amp;ae=2&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjhiOSe85bvAhWTF1kFHWEoDnMQ0Qx6BAgEEAE&amp;dct=1&amp;dblrd=1&amp;sival=AF15MEB40ajZxwk8YoR4_GS0a3G_vZC7e_tB3EUfp0R4vl33ErscGVIdD1feFI6HzzlcDv1CvW6i1Z7FzqfcOB15e3HWKP7nLGeocYHkvTJ-k3HHSFbp7p4a7_flqq4Fov51IWiK4FylhgrHfST_GUc0lXNzK6Px2QYCqZiUdyO1BRSotekyK2Q&amp;sig=AOD64_1Y3aH1u8zFhrgan0EQg-bkmKh-AQ&amp;adurl=https:\/\/dr-ej.com\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\">Elsa Jungman, PhD<\/a> previously told Well+Good. \u201cWe\u2019ve never used so many products, and our skin has never been worse.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>All of this is where skin fasting comes in.\u00a0\u201cWhen we are able to take a break, it allows our microbiome biodiversity to repopulate and reset itself,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/stratumaesthetics.com\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/stratumaesthetics.com\/\">Emily Davis<\/a>, a licensed holistic esthetician. \u201cI don\u2019t even want to call it a trend, because I feel like it\u2019s us returning to our biology.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>The benefits of skin fasting<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cThe potential benefits of skin fasting can include allowing the skin&#8217;s natural processes to restore and rebalance, reducing dependency on products, and simplifying skincare routines,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/eternaldermatology.com\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/eternaldermatology.com\/\">Ife J. Rodney, MD<\/a>, a board-certified. \u201cIt\u2019s also easy to become overwhelmed and confused by the many brands available today, so fasting allows you to save money and focus on a simple plan.\u201dWhile Dr. Rodney admits some of the benefits are anecdotal, she says that some people find taking a break also allows them to reduce dependency on active ingredients. When they resume using the products, they can be more effective after the skin has had time to breathe.<\/p>\n<h2>Who should (and shouldn\u2019t) try a skin fast?<\/h2>\n<p>Despite the benefits that some people may experience from taking a break from their skin care, experts warn against the trend as a universally recommended practice. \u201cWhile some people may find benefits from taking a break from their skin-care routine, it&#8217;s crucial to consider individual skin types, concerns, and overall skin health. What works for one person may not work for another,\u201d Dr. Rodney adds.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn some cases, taking a skin fast can actually\u00a0be detrimental,\u201d says Dr. Zeichner. \u201cIt takes several weeks or even months to adjust to retinol; stopping it means\u00a0that you will have\u00a0to restart from scratch in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>How to skin fast<\/h2>\n<p>All of that said, it&#8217;s important to remember that it doesn\u2019t need to be an all-or-nothing approach. In fact, most dermatologists advise keeping the essentials, like a gentle cleanser and SPF, during a fast. Or, if you aren&#8217;t ready to give up\u00a0<em>all<\/em> of your serums, lay off some of the most active ones (think: retinoids and acids) and focus on products that restore hydration and help rebuild the skin barrier.<\/p>\n<p>Because skin fasting is a personalized practice, Davis emphasizes it\u2019s important to evaluate one\u2019s unique skin needs and environment. For someone who lives near more pollution, a skin fast may look like cleansing in the evening but removing all other products, for example. If you have a skin condition or are following a regime with prescription ingredients, consult with a dermatologist on the best method for your skin.<\/p>\n<p>And with any sort of skin fast you decide to do, commit to at least a week (or, even better, two weeks) to give your barrier a chance to reset.<\/p>\n<h2>What to do after you\u2019ve completed a skin fast<\/h2>\n<p>So, you successfully complete the fast. Now what? Say hello to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/supporting-skin-microbiome\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/supporting-skin-microbiome\/\">microbiome-friendly skin care<\/a>, a term assigned to products that are designed to support the trillions of microorganisms living on the skin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMicrobiome skin care focuses on nurturing a diverse and balanced microbiome through gentle and pH-balanced products, avoiding harsh ingredients, and supporting beneficial microorganisms,\u201d says Dr. Rodney. \u201cPrioritizing a healthy microbiome can contribute to improved skin health, hydration, and barrier function.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Beyond that, Davis recommends taking a minimalist approach and reintroducing products slowly. Once the skin re-establishes its equilibrium, adding harsh treatments again can disrupt all the work you put in. By easing into a routine, you can streamline your product lineup and avoid irritation in the future.<\/p>\n<p>Given the wide spectrum that the practice of skin fasting falls on, the key takeaways are for us beauty hoarders: freeing yourself from products every now and then may be just what your skin microbiome (and, as an added bonus, your wallet) needs.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This summer, I put my complexion through the wringer of &#8220;sweat, face wipe, repeat&#8221; until the textural changes on my face had become unignorable. I showed up to an overdue facial appointment with redness dotting my T-zone and expected to be put on an entirely new regimen. Instead, I was encouraged to do the exact &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6158"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6158\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}