Fasting & Its Temporary Effects on Skin Oiliness

Fasting & Its Temporary Effects on Skin Oiliness

Many patients notice something confusing during fasting periods:

“Doctor, fasting ke time skin zyada oily kyun lagti hai?”

This is temporary, and in most cases not a skin disease.

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What Happens in the Body During Fasting

When you fast:

• Blood sugar drops

• Stress hormones (cortisol) rise

• Body shifts to survival mode

These internal changes affect oil glands.

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Why Oiliness Increases Initially

During fasting:

• Cortisol stimulates sebaceous glands

• Skin barrier becomes slightly dehydrated

• Skin produces extra oil to protect itself

Result → shiny face, greasy T-zone.

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Why Some People Feel Less Oil Instead

After a few days:

• Hormones stabilize

• Insulin levels reduce

• Oil production may settle

This is why effects vary person to person.

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Oily Does Not Mean Healthy

During fasting:

• Skin may look oily

• But still be dehydrated

• Barrier becomes weak

This is a common mistake people ignore.

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Common Mistakes During Fasting

• Skipping water for long hours

• Overwashing face

• Using harsh cleansers

• Avoiding moisturizers

All these worsen oil imbalance.

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Fasting + Heat = More Oil

In hot weather or summer fasting:

• Sweat increases

• Oil mixes with sweat

• Breakouts become common

Especially around nose, forehead, and chin.

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Simple Skin Care Tips During Fasting

✔ Use gentle cleanser (2 times/day)

✔ Apply light moisturizer

✔ Drink enough water during non-fasting hours

✔ Avoid scrubs and strong actives

✔ Don’t panic about temporary oiliness

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Clinic Experience

Most fasting-related oiliness:

• Settles after routine normalizes

• Does not need medicines

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Bottom Line

Fasting changes hormones temporarily.

Skin reacts temporarily.

Don’t over-treat a short-term change.

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