Intermittent Fasting Benefits for Skin Health

The causes of most skin problems are still a mystery for the medical world but with each passing day, we better understand the effects of nutrition on the skin. We now know that there are beneficial foods (like antioxidant fruits and veggies) and harmful foods (like sugar and dairy) for the skin. In addition, there’s an ongoing debate about whether the famous nutrition system — intermittent fasting is also good for various skin-related problems.

In this article, we’ll discuss the link between intermittent fasting and skin health: loose skin, skin tightening, acne breakouts, and chronic skin disorders like psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema.

How does intermittent fasting affect the skin?

Many people report significant improvements in their skin after starting intermittent fasting. This could be due to a variety of reasons:

• Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation is usually the root cause of skin disorders like psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. Intermittent fasting has been shown to increase anti-inflammatory properties and therefore reduce inflammation, which can improve these skin issues.
• Increased autophagy: Autophagy is the body’s natural process of removing damaged cells and tissues and making room for new and healthy ones. Intermittent fasting has been shown to increase autophagy, which can help rejuvenate the skin.
• Improved insulin sensitivity: Insulin resistance is associated with several skin issues like acne, wrinkles, and age spots. Thanks to intermittent fasting’s effects on balancing blood glucose and insulin levels, most people have improved insulin sensitivity, which can lead to healthier and clear-looking skin.

Does intermittent fasting help with loose skin?

One of the concerns people have with weight loss, including weight loss associated with intermittent fasting, is the possibility of loose skin. However, there is some evidence that intermittent fasting may actually help tighten loose skin.

During the fasting period, the body produces human growth hormone (HGH), which is known to promote collagen production and skin elasticity. This could help the skin recover more quickly after weight loss.

To get rid of loose skin, you have to do extended fasts, which means you have to fast for at least 24 hours a week. This is because fully-fledged autophagy starts at the 24th hour of not eating anything, and healthy and young tissues start to form at that point.

Here are a few comments from Reddit users who got rid of loose skin by doing intermittent fasting:

Comment
by u/BrokenSouthernSoul from discussion IF for loose skin, not sure where to start!
in intermittentfasting

Comment
by u/canthaveme from discussion IF for loose skin, not sure where to start!
in intermittentfasting

From Obese to healthy weight in 14 months.. Wouldn’t have been possible without IF.. I am very thankful to this community for keeping motivated throughout the journey
by u/Anxious-Jackfruit694 in intermittentfasting

Before trying a 24-hour fast, you should have prior fasting experience and your doctor’s approval as it can be dangerous for certain health conditions. Get Fasting Kompanion, the best intermittent fasting app to access other fasting plans suitable for you.

Does intermittent fasting tighten skin?

As you know, it’s normal for the skin to sag with age because of the decrease in collagen production. So, many people wonder whether following an intermittent fasting plan can tighten the skin.

There is some evidence that fasting for a certain period may promote collagen production and skin elasticity, but keep in mind that more research is needed to determine fasting’s effects on skin tightening and don’t just rely on intermittent fasting for skin tightening.

Give high priority to other factors like regular exercise, hydration, and healthy eating habits, too.

Intermittent fasting and acne

The benefits of intermittent fasting come in handy as a bonus cure for acne, which is mostly caused by insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and chronic inflammation.

Fasting decreases the high inflammation levels in the body, gets insulin sensitivity on track, and helps hormonal imbalances improve.

Cutting out dairy and sugar from your diet will also be a lifesaver to give your skin a break from breakouts.

P.S.: The right skincare routine is also essential if your skin is prone to acne.

Intermittent fasting acne breakouts: Reddit discussions

There are many anecdotal reports of people experiencing significant improvements such as reduced acne, smoother skin, and improved skin tone after starting following an intermittent fasting plan. Here are some of the comments from Reddit.

Clear skin from intermittent fasting?
by u/Kati1998 in intermittentfasting

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by u/SellingMyLifeAway from discussion Clear skin from intermittent fasting?
in intermittentfasting

Comment
by u/sirtripsalot420 from discussion Clear skin from intermittent fasting?
in intermittentfasting

Comment
by u/explodingMonkeydeath from discussion Clear skin from intermittent fasting?
in intermittentfasting

To sum up

Intermittent fasting, the method of alternating between eating and fasting periods, has become a popular way to improve overall health, including skin health. It may help reduce inflammation, increase autophagy, and improve insulin sensitivity, leading to healthier, glowing, and tighter skin.

But it’s also important to note that individual results may vary, and intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone. It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.