Fasting: What Are the Benefits and Risks for the Skin?

Fasting can have positive impacts on the condition of the skin. Here are a few.

Fasting can improve skin healing.

A study conducted by Amir AFKHAMI and his colleagues aimed to investigate the effect of repeated short-term fasting, specifically four consecutive days every two weeks, on skin wound healing in mice. Epithelialization and wound contraction are crucial for the healing process. Therefore, the authors compared these factors between fasting mice and control groups.

Wound contraction was improved in the fasting group, reaching up to 90% compared to the controls (88%) on day 14 after wound creation. Epithelialization was significantly accelerated in the fasting group, reaching up to 97%, compared to the controls (88%) on day 14. Finally, differences in healing percentages on day 14 between the fasting group (100%) and the control group (98%) were noted. Additionally, the rate of collagen increased and inflammatory cells decreased in the fasting group. This could be explained by an increased expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), which stimulates the increase in type I collagen synthesis , thereby enhancing the wound's contractile capacity.

Fasting may have anti-inflammatory effects.

In a study conducted by Hiroichi TAKEUCHI, researchers evaluated the impact of short-term fasting (24h or 48h) on contact dermatitis. Mice were sensitized on the abdomen. Fasting suppressed the increase in ear thickness in mice with dermatitis. Additionally, lymphocyte infiltration and dermal edema were suppressed in fasting mice with dermatitis. Furthermore, dermal edema was more strongly inhibited in mice that fasted for 48 hours compared to those that fasted for 24 hours. These results indicate that short-term fasting induces histopathological changes in the state of contact dermatitis.

It has been reported that the consequences of fasting in healthy human subjects include an increase in plasma cortisol andadrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Corticosteroids penetrate cells, bind to their receptors in the cytosol, and regulate the expression of numerous genes with anti-inflammatory effects. They reduce the production of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines. They also inhibit the migration of inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation by inhibiting the expression of adhesion molecules. Additionally, contact dermatitis is an inflammatory response mediated by T lymphocytes, and it has also been reported that fasting affects T lymphocyte subsets.

According to these reports, it can be assumed that short-term fasting likely has a suppressive effect on inflammatory skin diseases, due to the interactions between the aforementioned hormonal and immunological changes.

Fasting enhances the effectiveness of treatments against skin cancers.

Soraya SMAILI and her colleagues aimed to verify the effect of cisplatin (CDDP), a chemotherapeutic agent, in combination with fasting on melanoma cell lines. Food deprivation can enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to CDDP-induced cell death. Mechanistic studies revealed that cell death induced by the combined therapy is characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATF4, a transcription factor, which allows for better stimulation of the therapy.

Studies on the subject are limited, and further research will be needed to clarify these results.

No study demonstrates any skin risk associated with fasting. Moreover, existing studies state that fasting, when practiced under proper conditions, does not pose a problem for the skin.

However, it is important to properly conduct fasting to avoid overall health issues. Seek advice from a healthcare professional before attempting to fast, so they can provide guidance tailored to your situation. Be aware that fasting for more than 48 hours must be supervised by a doctor.

We advise you to contact a physician if you have any questions or concerns.