The rules of cosmetic fasting are simple: no longer apply any cosmetic products to your skin for a certain period of time. This phenomenon caused a furor on social networks, particularly during the March 2020 confinement linked to the health crisis.
Dermatologists and influencers have widely touted it as a solution to your skin problems. But what is it really?
Cosmetic fasting
COSMETIC FASTING
SETTING UP A COSMETIC FAST
Often recommended for a few days at the start of the month, or 2 to 3 weeks at each change of season, this wellness tip aims to regenerate your skin by letting it breathe for a while.
Several types of fasts are known:
- total fasting: you no longer apply anything to your skin for a few days. This is the most extreme technique but you have to be careful because your skin is no longer used to it.
- light or reasoned fasting: you limit the number of treatments applied to your skin (universal cream or vitamin C treatment for example). In all cases, it is absolutely necessary to avoid overlapping treatments and serums in order to let your skin breathe as much as possible.
Finally, a quick reminder, whether you fast or not, you must not forget to cleanse your skin of impurities accumulated during the day.
THE BENEFITS OF COSMETIC FASTING
Letting your skin breathe is a good thing so that it regenerates itself and learns to defend itself against impurities. It will thus be healthier and brighter, sebum will regulate itself naturally, it will be detoxified and less dependent on cosmetics of all kinds.
Finally, fasting will facilitate the skin regeneration process which takes place at night, which is why it is strongly recommended not to use a night cream during this period.
THE RISKS OF COSMETIC FASTING
However, cosmetic fasting is not suitable for everyone. In fact, it will be recommended or not recommended depending on your skin type and your usual treatments. The skin then shows certain signs of dehydration (loss of radiance, absence of lipids, itching, cracking up to dryness eczema).
This type of fasting should be avoided in people with atopic skin who already have a defective skin barrier. Indeed, depriving these people of basic care such as the daily application of an emollient allowing the skin to regain its protective barrier function is largely not recommended.
In these cases, you can opt for a lighter fast or follow another routine that allows you to let your skin breathe.
Also, even if you do not have atopic skin, it is advisable to carry out this type of fasting over a short period (for example, over a weekend). If the skin feels too tight, it is advisable to spray at least a little floral water.
Young cosmetics can be a real ally in a daily life that is sometimes too harsh on your skin. On the other hand, you have to be very careful about what you can and cannot do. You must not take unnecessary risks and know how to listen to your skin and your body when they send you signals.
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