Before you try fasting for better skin, know how it can affect hydration, inflammation, and skin repair

From inflammation to skin repair, dermatologist Dr Akanksha Sanghvi explains what really happens to your skin when you fast.

Fasting has become a popular wellness trend, and now it seems to be finding its way into skincare conversations too. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Akanksha Sanghvi, dermatologist and founder of Oprava Aesthetics, reveals what fasting does to your skin.

What happens to your skin when you fast?

According to Dr Akanksha Sanghvi, our skin is closely connected to what is happening inside the body. Changes in blood sugar, hormones, inflammation, hydration and nutrition can all influence the way our skin looks and behaves. So it is understandable why people are curious about whether fasting could have an effect.

When we fast, the body gradually changes the way it uses energy.

“When we fast, the body gradually changes the way it uses energy. Once glucose from a recent meal is no longer readily available, the body starts relying more on stored energy and, with longer periods of fasting, begins producing ketones,” said Dr Akanksha Sanghvi. Fasting can also influence certain cellular pathways associated with metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Dr Akanksha highlighted that at present, there is not enough clinical evidence to say that fasting itself will give you clearer skin, reduce wrinkles or create that much talked about "fasting glow". In fact, if fasting is done incorrectly, the skin can sometimes show the opposite effects.

Impact of fasting on skin

The skin needs adequate protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals for normal collagen production, barrier function and cell turnover. If someone is consistently eating too little or following a highly restrictive fasting routine, nutritional deficiencies can eventually affect the skin and hair. The skin may become dry, dull or more sensitive, and hair shedding can also occur.

Hydration is equally important. Especially in a hot country like India, prolonged fasting without adequate fluid intake can leave you dehydrated. Dehydrated skin often looks less plump and can make fine lines appear more prominent temporarily.

There is also an important connection between diet, blood sugar, and acne. In some individuals, diets high in refined carbohydrates and foods that cause repeated blood sugar and insulin spikes may influence hormonal and inflammatory pathways associated with acne. Improving overall diet quality can therefore be helpful for certain people.

A diet that provides enough protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and micronutrients is far more important for healthy skin than chasing a particular fasting window. The skin needs amino acids to build collagen and other structural proteins, healthy fats to support the skin barrier, and a range of vitamins and minerals for normal cellular function.

Another misconception is that fasting "detoxes" your skin. Your skin does not need a detox. The liver and kidneys are already doing the body's major detoxification work. What we can do is reduce factors that contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress and give the body the nutrients it needs to function properly.

A diet that provides enough protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and micronutrients is far more important for healthy skin.

So, can fasting improve your skin?

For some people, possibly indirectly. If fasting helps someone reduce excessive snacking, improve their overall diet, maintain a healthy weight and improve metabolic health, their skin may benefit as part of that overall lifestyle change. But fasting is not a shortcut to beautiful skin. And if fasting results in dehydration, inadequate protein, nutritional deficiencies or extreme calorie restriction, it may actually work against you.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.