What Is Skin Fasting — and Should I Try It?

With last year’s rise of skinimalism, it’s safe to say that minimalist skin care routines are still the trend du jour of the beauty world. So it’s no surprise to hear that some beauty aficionados are even taking things a step further (or should we stay, a step back?) by trading in their skin care products for nothing. No seriously, the skin care trend is called skin fasting and it involves minimizing or forgoing that 10-step skin care routine we’re oh so fond of to give our skin a break. Yes, that means shelving that cooling eye cream and hyaluronic acid serum you love so much for a while. 

But before you start ditching your favorite skin care products, there are important things to keep in mind about the minimalistic — and perhaps, outlandish — skin care trend. Below, we break down everything you need to know about skin fasting.

What Is Skin Fasting?

According to Dr. Michelle Henry, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and L’Oréal Paris expert, skin fasting refers to the “belief that removing certain products from your skin allows it to ‘breathe’ and improve overall.” So rather than relying on cleansers, moisturizers and serums for that coveted clean and glowy complexion, you’re giving your routine a rest. Proponents characterize this as a “detox” for your skin, allowing it to reset and rejuvenate itself.  

Is Skin Detoxing Safe?

Before you consider giving skin detoxing a go, you should first pay attention to the ingredients in your skin care products. If you are experiencing any unusual reactions, you should stop applying the product immediately and speak to a dermatologist. It doesn’t mean that you need to skip a daily skin care routine altogether.

Dr. Henry, for her part, believes that changing your products seasonally is a more effective way of resetting your complexion than skin fasting since it “better serves your skin as your microenvironment changes.” For example, during the winter months, swap your lighter skin care products for more moisturizing ones to help combat dry skin. 

So instead of washing your face with foaming or gel cleansers, reach for a creamier one. The L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser is gentle enough to use daily and cleanses without over-drying your complexion. Pair it with a hyaluronic acid-infused serum and moisturizer, such as the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum and L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer, for an added boost of hydration. 

The same idea goes for warmer months: When it’s spring or summer, you may want to opt for lightweight formulas to avoid clogging your pores. Although, you should use products packed with SPF to protect your skin from sun damage year-round. This is especially important when you start to spend more time outdoors. The L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen is a great option since it offers that much-need sun protection and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.

Editor’s tip: If you’re wearing makeup, cleansing your face with the proper cleanser is a must. Use micellar water to cleanse your face as it helps lift dirt, oil and makeup up and away from the skin without drying it out. The L'Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types is a great option for year-round use as it’s hydrating and lightweight. 

Next: Simple Skin Care Routines for Every Skin Type

Written by: Sophie Dweck, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn