After traveling to a tropical island or heading to Paris, you probably came back feeling totally relaxed and rejuvenated. Well, your skin needs a vacation, too. Enter skin fasting. It’s basically a holiday for your skin where it’s not hidden under layers of vitamin C serums and hyaluronic acid-based creams.
The skin fasting trend was popularized by Japanese beauty brand Mirai Clinical. It’s based on the belief that our skin has regenerative properties and can actually take care of itself. That’s not to say that your peel-off masks and morning toning ritual have been in vain. It’s just that your skin needs a bit of a break from your 10-step skin care routine and by holding off on all those K-beauty staples, said products will work better once you put them back in the lineup.
Skin fasting also encourages your complexion to produce its own natural oils, which are often stripped when you over-cleanse or get a little exfoliation happy. Wondering if your skin still needs to detox if you’re committed to a clean beauty routine? You bet it does. The idea is to let your skin renew itself sans any products, natural ones included.
Ready to give it a try? See below for some easy tips.
Here Is All You Need To Know About Skin Fasting
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How Does It Work?
Start small. Schedule one week a month to let your skin unwind and recoup.
Image: Imaxtree
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Start the Night Before
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $25 at Sephora
Apply an overnight water mask the night before your fast to make sure your skin stays hydrated. And drink lots of water during your fast to help get those toxins out.
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Work Up a Sweat
Exercise increases blood flow to your skin, which will help your skin replenish itself.
Image: Imaxtree
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Keep Oil Under Control
Pai Twin Flyer Cloths, $19 at Pai
If you have oily skin, keep a stash of gentle cloths to absorb the extra oil your skin produces. The cloths will also help remove any dirt and debris.
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Sleep Naked
Try going to bed without your nighttime creams and serums a couple of days a week. That way your skin can start producing its natural oils while you catch some zzzs.
Image: Imaxtree
