This is a column created in collaboration with Lalita (@skinchemy on Instagram), a cosmetic chemist. Each week, Lalita answers frequently asked skincare questions, based on results from existing scientific research! This week , find out what she feels about skin fasting.
Q: Ever since quarantine started, I’ve stopped putting stuff on my face and I think it actually looks better than before! Is this because my skin is finally allowed to “breathe”, therefore also leading it to clear up and repair itself?
A: There is no scientific evidence to suggest that skin fasting is true.
One of the latest trends I’ve seen surfacing the internet is “skin fasting” By definition, skin fasting refers to the act of avoiding all skincare products for a period of time to “detoxify” your skin. According to the internet, our skin’s ability to “breathe” is inhibited when covered in skincare products all day and night. In order to achieve our best skin, we need to take a break from putting anything on our face.
I went ahead and dug deep into this and did as much research as I could do. And here are my results:
The skin’s barrier function
Our skin is a barrier. It keeps our internal organs and fluids in, and harmful elements (bacteria) out. However, as we age, our skin loses the ability to effectively act as a barrier. We lose elasticity, moisture and collagen which increases photoaging.
Because our skin naturally loses its ability to act as an effective barrier due to aging, there are some essential skincare products that we need on an everyday basis.
This is the reason why companies create products like moisturizers and sunscreens. We need to ensure that we keep our skin clean, hydrated (using humectants and emollients) and use a sunscreen to help our skin with its daily needs.
It’s impossible to take a complete break from using skincare products because some products are crucial for your skin health on an everyday basis. Examples include: moisturizer, cleanser and SUNSCREEN. These maintain the integrity and overall health of your skin. However, you could try taking a break from using makeup. That being said – there is still no guarantee that your skin will visibly improve with or without wearing makeup.
In conclusion: Complete skin fasting is a myth. There are some skincare products that we need on an everyday basis as we get older.
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Reproduced and recreated with permission from @skinchemy
