What Is “Skin Fasting” Anyways?

Yes, you guessed it, it is another TikTok trend. The latest skin health trend “skin fasting” aims to restore your skin barrier by pausing the use of skin care products. The idea is to allow your skin to repair itself and take time to breathe by flushing toxins and stopping overwhelming it with chemicals.

When you hear the word ‘fasting’, you might assume it means giving up your skincare routine altogether. However, that’s not true. There’s no need to stop using your moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen. These products are not harmful and won’t compromise your skin’s protective barrier. So no, don’t take it literally.

A proper skincare routine should never harm your skin barrier. If it does, then it’s not a good routine. Nevertheless, there are instances where a “drug holiday,” as dermatologists refer to it, might be beneficial or even necessary. It is common for some people to pause certain prescription medications during summer as they come with higher percentages and therefore have more effect on the skin. So if you’re using a lot of actives like retinol and glycolic acid and things that dry out your skin, a break will give your skin time to recover.

Also, some ingredients like steroids and other anti-inflammatories become less effective over time, so it is better to pause them for a while.

The Bottom Line

Skin fasting can be beneficial if you are using heavy ingredients or if your dermatologist recommended you to do so. However, if your skin’s needs are being met, abruptly discontinuing certain products will only disrupt the balance you have already achieved.

Unless you are experiencing an allergic reaction, it is advisable not to cease the use of cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen. You can always switch to different products, but it’s important to maintain a consistent skincare routine without pausing these essentials.