Should You Ever Take a Break From Skincare?
- Emmaline Tsui
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
There’s always a new trend doing the rounds online, and for a little while now it’s been all about “skin fasting.” The idea? Strip back everything and let your skin “reset.” No moisturiser. No serums. Just you, your bare face, and (if you’re lucky) a splash of water.
Now look—I’m all for listening to your skin, but before you throw your entire routine in the bin and go full minimalist, let me have a little chat with you about what skin fasting actually is, whether it works, and what you should be doing instead.
What Is Skin Fasting?
The idea behind skin fasting is that by taking a break from all skincare products, your skin will somehow “relearn” how to function on its own. Think of it like a detox—but for your face.
But here's the thing: your skin isn’t on strike. It doesn’t need to be 'trained' as such to function properly. In most cases, what it actually needs is a consistent, thoughtful routine and a bit of flexibility depending on what it’s going through.
When to Change It Up
Now, I’m not saying you should never switch up your products. In fact, I recommend having a little skincare shelf at home—a few key pieces you can dip in and out of when your skin is needing something different.
Take hydrating masks, for example. If you’ve been on a flight, you’re adjusting to colder weather, or your central heating is on full blast, your skin might feel tight, dry and parched. That’s not the time to stick to your usual breakout mask.
On the flip side, if it’s that time of the month and your chin starts erupting, you’ll want to have something in your arsenal to manage oil, congestion and breakouts. Yes, your hydrating mask will always work to hydrate, but it's great to have something more targeted.
Why I Love Meder Beauty Masks
This is exactly why I’m such a fan of Meder Beauty Masks. They’re clever, clinical, and—here’s the best part—they’re individually wrapped, so you can buy a selection and have them ready when your skin needs them.
Here are a few favourites I keep stocked in clinic (and in my own skincare drawer):
EU-SEB – Great for breakouts and oily skin. It calms inflammation, detoxifies, and helps mattify.
Myo-Fix – A brilliant anti-ageing mask that softens expression lines without needles.
Arma-Lift – A firming, lifting mask for sagging or tired skin, especially around the cheeks and jawline.
Hydra-Fill – Hello, hydration. Perfect for when your skin is dull, dry or tight.
Red-Apax – Designed for sensitive, reactive skin. Soothes redness and irritation like a pro.
Lipo-Oval – Helps reduce puffiness and contour the face—ideal after salty food, flights or just feeling a bit puffy.
It's like having a mini me on standby in your drawer.
Remember Results Take Time
Now, if you’ve just started a new product and it’s been two weeks and you’re thinking, “Why hasn't my skin completely transformed?”—be patient.
Skincare isn’t instant (unless we’re talking about masking up for a red carpet). For long-term results, consistency matters.
For example, Calecim Multi-Action Cream. It takes around 90 days of regular use to see the full results. Why? Because it's working deep within the skin to rebuild structure, firm, and restore volume.
Same goes for Skinade. If you’re taking it consistently, it’s doing all the good stuff behind the scenes—hydrating, supporting collagen, improving elasticity—but it’s a slow and steady transformation, not a one-week wonder.
So remember to give them time to do their job.
What Should You Do Instead of Skin Fasting?
Instead of cutting everything out and hoping for the best, this is what I would recommend...
Keep a few key products that your skin responds well to and then you can adjust your routine seasonally or hormonally. Also, introduce new actives slowly and listen to your skin—not social media. Finally, if in doubt? Ask a professional for advice.
Not Sure What Your Skin Needs?
That’s where I can come in.
I offer a free skin check-in—no appointments, no pressure, no Zooms. You just fill out a quick form, tell me what’s going on with your skin, and I’ll come back to you with a tailored plan that actually makes sense for your skin goals.
Plus, if you want to go deeper, you can always book an online consultation where we can discuss your routine step by step, look at your products, and create a plan that works.
So no, you probably don’t need to “skin fast.” Yes, you can change your routine when your skin needs it and if you’re stuck, why not have a skin check-in with me
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline
Comments