Should you go on a skincare diet?

Skincare is a staple in our daily routines (or it should be—wink, wink!). But with countless brands and products to choose from, you may find yourself trying an elaborate, multi-step skincare routine in your quest for better skin. 

While there is no shame in having a cluttered beauty counter, a new trend has many skincare gurus and newbies alike rethinking their regimen: the “skincare diet,” which involves removing products from your skincare regimen to simplify it.

Here, the professional skin specialists at Exhale Med Spa weigh in to help our Little Rock medspa patients determine if it’s worth jumping on the skincare diet bandwagon. 

What is a skincare diet? 

A skincare diet means minimizing the number of skincare products used daily—a diet with no calorie counting? Yes, please! This trend contradicts the “more is better” mentality (which has its place) and promotes a “back to basics” skincare routine to allow your skin to rest and recover to return to its natural state.

Conventional routines can range from a handful of products to a 10-step (or more) skincare regimen with a different product to target each aspect of your face or specific skin needs. But all these products may not be necessary 100% of the time, and they may even cause unwanted side effects.

Are there benefits to a skincare diet?

Certainly! Fewer products on your skin will reduce your risk of skin irritation and sensitivity, since overusing products is often the culprit behind these effects. Additionally, our skin can heal and regenerate naturally, which can be enhanced when the skin is not overloaded with products, especially products with active ingredients.

Downsizing your skincare must-haves, even if temporary, also saves money and helps environmental efforts to reduce waste from production and packaging. But before you overhaul your bathroom counter, remember there are always two sides to every story or trend!

Does a skincare diet have a downside?

Yes, a skincare diet isn’t without potential skincare woes—simplifying your routine may neglect specific skin needs and impact your skin’s health and appearance. Targeted treatments for anti-aging or conditions like acne rely on consistency to achieve results, and these conditions typically can’t be addressed with only the essentials. 

Over-simplification may also undermine the benefits of using a comprehensive skincare routine that addresses multiple skin issues to synergistically achieve the appearance that Instagram filters make you wish you had. 

Many skincare dieters also experience an adjustment period or “purge” in the first few days or weeks after scaling back their regimens. Breakouts or other skin changes may be triggered by modifying your skincare routine, even though you are eliminating products or reducing the frequency of use your skin is used to.  

And yes, you guessed it, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for someone else might not work for you.

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Should I consider a skincare diet? 

If you use a multi-step skincare routine and your skin is showing signs of stress—such as flakiness, increased redness, excess oiliness, or breakouts—it may be a cry for help and a good indication that it needs some time away from certain products. Going on a skincare “diet” may be the best kind of breakup you can go through! 

Your skin evolves and experiences life with you, and paying attention to changes in your skin will help preserve its health and beauty from head to toe. Before you do anything drastic, take a minute and look yourself in the mirror (no, really, go look in the mirror)! If your skin generally looks and feels good, pump the breaks—you’re likely on the right track to keeping your skin in tip-top shape. If you see room for improvement, consider cutting back on the serums and face oils, and schedule a consultation with a licensed aesthetician. 

Skincare diet how-to

If your skin needs a little rest and relaxation, the first step is identifying the products that cater to your skin’s essential needs—typically a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen—and parting ways with the rest of your regimen (it’s not a goodbye, just a “see you later”). 

Quitting part of your skincare routine cold turkey isn’t your only option; you can gradually take away products over time. Start by eliminating products that aren’t necessary for your skin’s health (like the sheet masks you got in your Christmas stocking with ingredients you can’t pronounce) and slowly detox the rest of your regimen.

Remember to be patient as your skin adjusts to your simplified routine!

A skincare diet doesn’t mean you should never introduce new products. The idea is to be mindful of what you’re using and why. If you notice any adverse effects, you may need to rethink your routine and, better yet, let your aesthetician take a look and offer their professional recommendations. Your skin is not the place for “trial and error” when it can be avoided. A licensed aesthetician is specifically trained to assess your skin and has access to proven products and treatments that can achieve noticeable improvements fast and limit any potential side effects your unique complexion may suffer with a DIY skincare free-for-all. 

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Skincare 101

Your skin’s physiology is actually pretty complex; here are some of the factors that make your skin unique, all of which our licensed aesthetician considers when helping you choose the right products for use at home: 

• Skin type. There are generally five types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive, and your skin type may change with age or hormone fluctuations. While all types share some basic needs, like cleansing and moisturizing, each type has specific characteristics and requires slightly different care.
• Skin tone. This is determined by the amount and type of melanin in your skin and ranges from very light to very dark.
• Skin texture. Your skin texture can vary from smooth to rough and can change with age, weather, and health.
• Pore size. Pore size is not one-size-fits-all and can change as you age and with your skincare habits. Larger pores are often associated with oily skin, while smaller pores are common in dry skin, but this isn’t always the case. 
• Skin sensitivity. Some people have more sensitive skin than others and are more prone to reactions from skincare products and environmental factors.
• Skin conditions. Many people experience skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. These conditions range in severity and can significantly affect the appearance and health of the skin.
• Age. Aging affects everyone’s skin differently; however, lifestyle and skincare habits play key roles in keeping your skin healthy and youthful-looking. 

Your skincare routine should be designed to keep your skin healthy and well-protected—the trick is understanding your skin to curate the most effective skincare routine that also fits your budget and lifestyle. This can be easier said than done without the help of a professional aesthetician, so consider scheduling your appointment today to learn about the med spa treatments (like Hydrafacial, microneedling, and dermaplaning) and professional-grade skincare products available to make your routine work for you.

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Better skin in Little Rock, AR

Not sure where to start? Exhale Med Spa, located within our Little Rock cosmetic surgery practice, offers high-quality skincare products and professional skin treatments to achieve your skincare goals. Our med spa’s experienced, licensed aesthetician Crystal would be happy to meet with you to help you understand your skin’s needs and help you select the proven products and treatments to safely achieve a glowing, youthful complexion. Give us a call at (501) 227-0707 or request your consultation online to refresh your look and preserve the health of your skin today.