A generation ago, the idea of skincare was pretty simple—you washed with soap and water, maybe a medicated cleanser if you had a particular problem, and then moisturized with face lotion. But skincare routines of today involve multiple steps and a variety of products, all with the goal of making your skin look smooth, healthy, and ageless. With so much involved, it’s hard to tell what’s working, what’s not, and what might actually be making your skin worse.
That’s why skin fasting and skin cycling have become increasingly popular trends for people who are starting to second-guess their own skincare routines. But if you’re just now hearing of these trends, you might have some questions…
Skin fasting? Skin cycling? What does that mean?
There’s some overlap between the two concepts. In the case of skin fasting, you are taking a break from your skin care routine completely. For a week or more, you cleanse your skin with only water and avoid products like moisturizers, serums, or masks.
On the other hand, there’s skin cycling. When you’re skin cycling, you do a different step in your skincare routine each day, giving it a chance to have its full effect, instead of doing all steps at the same time every day.
But why? Won’t that make my skin unhealthy?
Your skin has a natural ability to regulate its own oil production and pH levels. However, when overloaded with external products, your body adapts. Over-washing your face or using a harsh cleanser can leave your skin stripped of its natural oils, triggering your sebaceous glands to produce more and overcompensate, especially if you’re not using a good moisturizer. This leaves you with oily skin and clogged pores.
Similarly, your skin has a slightly acidic pH between 4.5 and 5.5, as maintained by a thin layer on your skin’s surface known as the acid mantle, which helps protect your skin from irritants. If harsh cleansers are disrupting your skin’s acid mantle, it can make your skin more acidic or more basic than it should be.
By taking a break from your skincare routine, or only doing one part of it a day, you’re giving your body a chance to readjust its natural oil production or pH.
What steps in my skincare routine should I be cycling?
If you decide to try skin cycling, which steps you do will depend on the complexity of your current routine. However, it’s likely that your routine has some type of cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer that you can rotate.
Additionally, consider taking one or two rest days from all products at least once a week:
Cleansing: This is the first step in any skincare routine. It involves removing dirt, makeup, and other impurities from your skin. You can use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type and follow the instructions on the label.
Toning: Toner removes any remaining traces of dirt or debris and reduces the size of your pores, leaving your skin refreshed and hydrated.
Serum: A serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing liquid that targets specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or dark spots.
Moisturizing: Moisturizing is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. You can use a moisturizer that suits your skin type, whether it’s dry, oily, or sensitive.
Will skin cycling or skin fasting work for everyone?
Not always. Your skin is unique, so what works for a friend isn’t necessarily going to work for you. Although there’s no harm in taking a few days off from your skincare routine to see how you look and feel, your dermatologist will be able to give you specific advice on what steps you should take to maintain good skin health.
