This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Free shipping on orders over $79.00 USD

BLOG

Unlocking the Skin Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Unlocking the Skin Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

In the quest for healthier, more vibrant skin the answer might be found in an unexpected place: your eating habits. This blog dives into the benefits of intermittent fasting for the skin, emphasizing ways it can also positively impact overall health and skin longevity. It will discuss how intermittent fasting may promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and contribute to a more radiant complexion. By incorporating intermittent fasting into your routine, you could be on your way to holistic skin benefits that go deeper than the surface. And, as we unravel the science, we'll discover how OneSkin's OS-01 peptide complements this journey, as it is scientifically proven to reverse the biological age of skin and enhance its natural production of hyaluronic acid and collagen*.6

01

What is Intermittent Fasting & Is Fasting Good for Skin?

Your body has an incredible internal clock that allows you to wake up around the same time every morning, tells you when to eat throughout the day, and signals when it’s time to sleep. For this, you can thank your suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), located in your hypothalamus .1 It works via entrainment to light and dark in your environment. When this circadian rhythm is disrupted, energy balance can be thrown off, and at worst, it can lead to an increased risk of metabolic pathologies .2 It has been shown that stricter feeding regimens, such as those imposed by intermittent fasting, induce a better rhythm, thus boosting energy metabolism and maximizing food processing efficiency .3

Intermittent fasting is more than a diet; it's a rhythmic daily pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. Unlike traditional diets as well as microbiome diet, which focus on what you eat, intermittent fasting is about when you eat. Common methods include:

The daily approach

Restricts eating to one six to eight-hour period each day
  • 16/8 method: fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window
  • β€œThe Warrior Method” (20/4): fasting for 20 hours and eating in a defined 4-hour window in the evening

The weekly method

Restricts eating on certain days per week
  • 5:2 method: regular eating for five days and significant calorie reduction for two non-consecutive days
  • Alternate day fasting:Β a day of no limitations followed by a 24-hour fasting period.
02

Fasting Benefits for Skin

  • Collagen Production Boost:Β Collagen, the protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness plays a crucial role in maintaining youthful and healthy skin. Intermittent fasting may stimulate collagen production, promoting skin that is supple and resilient.4
  • Inflammation Reduction: Chronic inflammation is a key player in skin aging. Intermittent fasting has been linked to reduced inflammation, potentially alleviating skin disorders related to inflammatory responses.4
  • Radiant Complexion: Intermittent fasting could contribute to a more radiant complexion. By regulating blood sugar levels and enhancing cellular repair processes during fasting periods, you can boost your skin’s natural glow. In a recent study on the relationship between intermittent fasting and skin health, it was found that β€œthe participants in the treatment group reported improvement in skin hydration, which was in alignment with the objective measure of the studies…. the extent of skin improvement was to a noticeable degree”.4
Does fasting clear skin? To further accentuate the skin benefits of fasting, we recommend trying topical skin care products with OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide – scientifically proven to enhance your skin's natural collagen production*,6 contributing to a firmer and more youthful appearance.** The peptide helps you to maintain a radiant complexion by improving the skin's barrier function** – a key indicator of overall skin health. OneSkin's OS-01 FACE, OS-01 BODY, and OS-01 EYE are clinically proven** to reduce visible signs of aging, aligning with the benefits of intermittent fasting, offering a holistic approach to healthier, younger-feeling skin .6
03

Good Foods for Your Skin

While intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat, it's equally important to consider what you eat. Incorporating skin-friendly foods can enhance the benefits of intermittent fasting and positively contribute to skin rejuvenation. Be sure to incorporate foods rich in vitamin C (such as oranges and strawberries) and amino acids (found in lean meats and legumes) into your diet to support collagen synthesis. Try to avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, as they can contribute to inflammation and premature aging. And as always, drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
04

The Link Between Intermittent Fasting and Skin

The connection between intermittent fasting and skin health lies in the body's response to fasting periods. During fasting, cells initiate repair processes, removing damaged components and promoting regeneration. This cellular renewal extends to the skin, contributing to a healthier and more youthful appearance. The OS-01 peptide, with its skin-rejuvenating properties, complements these natural processes, providing a synergistic effect for enhanced skin vitality.
05

How to Do Intermittent Fasting Safely

It’s important to note that intermittent fasting, while associated with many potential health benefits, comes with certain risks. Over-extended fasting periods may lead to nutrient deficiencies that impact overall health, and some individuals may develop disordered eating patterns or experience fatigue and impaired concentration. While there are benefits of caloric restriction, it is important to note that with extreme calorie deprivation, people may face disruptions in menstrual cycles, digestive issues, poor wound healing, and muscle loss. Individuals with specific medical conditions may need to exercise caution, and the social and lifestyle challenges of fasting should be considered. Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is advisable before adopting intermittent fasting, as it is important to ensure an approach that aligns with individual health goals while minimizing potential risks. Here are some quick tips to get started on the healthy side of intermittent fasting:
  • Start Gradually:Β If you're new to intermittent fasting, consider easing into it by gradually extending fasting periods. Begin with a 12-hour fast and gradually increase the duration as your body adjusts
  • Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial during fasting periods. Always be sure to drink plenty of water to support overall health and skin hydration.
  • Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods:Β When you eat, prioritize nutrient-dense foods to ensure your body receives essential vitamins and minerals. Focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to your body's signals. If you feel unwell or excessively hungry, it's essential to reevaluate your fasting routine. Intermittent fasting should enhance your well-being, not compromise it.
In the realm of skin health, intermittent fasting emerges as a powerful ally. Its potential to boost collagen, reduce inflammation and skin irritation, and enhance the skin barrier aligns with the goals of those seeking radiant and healthy skin. The science-backed support from OneSkin's OS-01 peptide complements this journey, offering a holistic approach to the skin that can target aging at its source. As you explore the world of intermittent fasting, remember that the key to unlocking radiant skin lies not just in what you put on your skin and in your body but also in the very rhythms of your eating habits.
Disclaimers
*Shown in lab studies on ex vivo human skin samples**Shown in 12-week clinical studies performed by third-party research organizations
Key Takeaways:
  • Intermittent fasting involves a variety of rhythmic cycles of eating and fasting. Find what works best for you!
  • Health benefits include an increase in energy metabolism and food processing efficiency, as well as a decrease in susceptibility to chronic metabolic pathologies.
  • Skin benefits include clearer skin, boosted collagen production for skin firmness, a reduction in chronic inflammation, and glowing skin caused by better regulation of blood sugar and cellular repair.
  • Incorporate skin-friendly foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids.
  • Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods to prevent inflammation and premature aging.
  • Consider incorporating OneSkin's OS-01 peptide routine to complement this natural skin renewal and enhanced vitality.
  • Practice safe intermittent fasting by seeking expert advice, starting gradually, staying hydrated, choosing nutrient-dense foods, and listening to your body's signals.

Last Updated April 23, 2025

Reviewed by

Alessandra Zonari

Alessandra Zonari

PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.