Page 10 - Masala Lite Issue 156 December 2023

10 BEAUTY

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

There is such a thing as over-exfoliation. Too much of anything is bad
for the body. Exfoliants and retinoids (chemical compounds that derive
from vitamin A) can actually be harsh on certain types of skin. Your
skin, like the rest of your body, needs time to heal, and one way is to simply lessen
the amount of exfoliants.

THE TAKEAWAY

Skin fasting can bring back the natural and Again, and we cannot stress this enough: not everyone’s skin will react
healthier version of your skin. the same way or produce similar positive results. Even though it sounds
like a good idea to dive into skin fasting, it may not suit your routine
and has the potential to complicate the skin’s health. For example, those with skin
BY MAHMOOD HOSSAIN disorders, such as eczema or an extreme case of acne, are advised to steer away from
skin fasting. For others, experts suggest gradually reducing the number of products
you usually apply and work your way down from there.
here have been numerous skincare routines over the years, manufacturing
a plethora of products and so-called scientific studies that continue to This also does not mean getting rid of every single product. It is paramount that you
contradict themselves. Lately, an internet trend has been transforming the continue to apply a gentle cleanser, basic moisturiser and sunscreen. Your skin still
way people press the refresh button on their skincare, allowing the skin to needs to stay hydrated and protected, whether you’re indoors or outdoors, no matter
take a breather without the assistance of multiple products. Stripping down the situation. Wearing your SPF is the only non-negotiable in any skincare routine.
the countless active ingredients you use can rebalance your skin, starting from
a few days to hopefully a few weeks. In other words, keep things minimal by
opting for a cleanser that is kinder towards your skin, and a basic moisturiser
to follow suit.

While some people have specific directions from their dermatologists, others
have the freedom to adopt different types of multi-step skincare regimens.
With the latter in mind, one may wonder why you would take a break from your
usual skincare routine that’s been so kind to you. Well, there are a few benefits
to going back to the basics.

THE FORTRESS

‘Skin fasting’ enables your skin to undergo a reset, enhancing its overall
health through the avoidance of numerous active ingredients that
interfere with the skin’s natural functions and protective mechanisms.
Your skin possesses a natural barrier that aids in maintaining moisture,
balancing pH levels, and defending against external threats. Embracing a skin fasting
approach can empower your skin to fortify itself and function optimally.

DON’T BE SO SENSITIVE

Again, not everyone has the same type of skin, but using fewer products
reduces the chance of skin irritation and sensitivity. Naturally, when
you eliminate irritants, you allow the skin time to recover and calm
down in the process.

LAYERS DEEP

It shouldn’t be a surprise that when you apply an excess of products
to your skin, it can lead to issues such as congestion, breakouts and
unfavourable reactions. Regardless of how long multi-step skincare
routines may have been in practice, there is still a risk of overwhelming
the skin with the presence of a variety of ingredients.