Give your skin a break: Skin Fasting

Fasting has been an age-old tradition in many cultures and countries. People fast for their future partners, for their community and well being, and they also often fast for impressing Gods hoping to cut a deal with them too. All religious beliefs aside, fasting is an excellent way to give your gut a break and enhance the natural state and working of your organs. Fasting also has a direct effect on your skin and crude beauty because of the gut-skin axis. 

While fasting is an effective and exquisite method to augment your natural state of well being, we often forget that our skin, which is the largest organ of our body, is still constantly in the flow of binging ingredients and/or products and more often than not, nasties. The sort of break we believe we are giving our whole body, is marred by the consumption of processed ingredients through our skin.

Our skin also needs and deserves the same iota of abstinence for a while to boost its natural way of working. Made up of three layers, i.e., the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis, the skin has its own ecostate to combat and fix the skin’s health. Keratinocytes are the most common type of epidermal cell which protects against bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, heat, UV rays, and water loss. The point being, even without any extra assistance, our skin is pretty self reliant in its way of working. 

With that being said, the concept of skin fasting is said to be a Japanese beauty hack that has been gaining popularity recently. Being on the same spectrum as the idea of ‘less is more’, skin fasting doesn't mean depriving your skin of its everyday food, contrary to what the term might seem to suggest. Celebrity dermatologist and Director of The Bombay Skin Clinic,  Dr. Batul Patel says, “There seems to be some misinformation on the exact definition of ‘skin fasting’, where people have claimed complete abstinence from skin care products, which is not what the original idea was about. Complete discontinuation of skin care products even for a couple of days can lead to multiple concerns like sun damage, sunburn, dry skin, intolerant skin, acne, etc.” This is why the concept of skin fasting and skinimalism or skin minimalism is somewhat overlapping. Skinimalism is the trend for simplified skincare regimens and products. As per Dr. Kaustav Guha, R&D Head of SkinKraft Laboratories, a skinimalism skincare routine should have just four fundamental products— cleanser, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen. These products are enough to keep your skin clean and shining, while boosting your innate beauty. From a 10-steps routine to the famous CTM  (cleanse, tone, moisturize) to finally reaching on CMP (cleanse, moisturize, protect), these trends have traveled all over the world only to realize how little we require to keep our skin afresh. Although it is important to note that one should not completely drop their skincare routine if they are suffering from skin conditions or have extreme skin types. It is always recommended to consult your dermatologist before hopping on the bus to skinmalism. Other than that, your skin is pretty self reliant in repairing, rejuvenating and protecting itself.

These trends are skyrocketing to create spaces for inclusivity of natural beauty and combating the somewhat overwhelming beauty trends. No skin is perfect or free of imperfections, and the whole idea of skin fasting or embracing frugality as some would call it, goes beyond just worrying about applicants that goes on your skin. It is also about acceptance and self love while battling a non-stop hustle culture. And with all of that being said, we are here with the best of skincare to start your journey at junction skinimalism. 

Cleanse:

Better Beauty Skin Balancing Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid

A good cleanser is the top most need in minimisng your skincare routine.This brilliant Skin Balancing Cleanser contains Sodium Hyaluronate, calming plant extracts like Green Tea & Holy Basil, and premium natural surfactants that are light and delicate. This combination maintains the skin hydrated, healthy, and fresh. 

Serum:

Chemist at Play Hydrating Face Serum with Ceramides

The next step in your skinimalism routine is a rich, focused serum. This serum is suitable for all skin types and is perfect for your minimal skincare. Its super hydrating formula gives you an instant dewy look and penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin for an all day, supple and clean look. 

Moisturize:

Vaunt The Calm Cream

Moisturizing is the key to keeping your skin looking fresh. This brilliant moisturizer is enriched with Cica and Oats which helps soothe irritated skin, create a protective barrier, improve and even out skin tone. It’s all clean ingredients will make your skin plump and dance with a natural glow. 

Sunscreen:

SunScoop Glow Sunscreen SPF 60 PA+++

You possibly can not step out (or stay in) without sunscreen. This Glow Sunscreen is your  partner-in-crime for all your daily shenanigans. Its lightweight formula with SPF 60 is suitable for all skin types and doesn’t leave a white cast. Infused with Vitamin E and Monoi Oil, blocks the absorption of harmful UV rays and protects your skin with anti-inflammatory properties.