Many of you may have heard of the 5:2 diet that requires you to eat normally for five consecutive days and then restrict your caloric intake, or fast, for two days. A new study circulating the makeup world works on the same theory - in order to improve skin, you do your regular makeup routine for five days and use no makeup for two days. The theory behind this is that a break from makeup will allow your skin to 'detox', ultimately promoting skin regeneration resulting in younger looking skin.
In my humble (maybe slightly biased) makeup artist opinion...
Makeup has come a long way and is not necessarily bad for you: Many years ago makeup formulas contained harmful chemicals. Today, high-quality makeup brands have formulas that use ingredients that are actually beneficial to your skin. Of course, some brands may still use harmful chemicals which is why it is important to do your research before using certain products.
Bottom line- If the makeup you are wearing makes you feel good, look good, and does not irritate your skin there really is no reason for you to do a 'detox'.
Keeping your face clean while you sleep is already a 'detox' for your skin: I cannot stress enough the importance of washing your makeup off at the end of each day. Just because makeup has the ability to last for 24 hours does not mean it should be worn for 24 hours. Sleeping with makeup on is a horrible habit that so many women have.
Sleeping is the time for your skin to regenerate and rebuild. You aren't doing yourself any favors by clogging up your pores and preventing your skin from breathing and repairing overnight and a 5:2 skin diet isn't going to be enough to save you. That being said, I do see the benefit of taking breaks from wearing makeup. Since skin exfoliates itself naturally overtime and pushes out and chemicals that have accumulated on the skin, not wearing makeup for some time will assist in this natural process and will allow your skin to rebalance its own moisture.
Bottom line- A break from makeup will expedite the natural exfoliation process.
A seven day skin-friendlier routine will provide more benefit than the 5:2: When comparing this concept to the 5:2 food diet, if you diet for two days a week and then go back to eating processed, high caloric, unhealthy foods for five days, you will ultimately see no improvement. The same goes for skin health - if you wear makeup containing chemicals that are bad for your skin and don't wash off your makeup at the end of the day you will not see results on the two days you are "makeup fasting".
I think it is beneficial to test your skin and go without makeup for a few days to see how your skin reacts. You should then modify your routine and eliminate or change the products that typically cause problems for your skin on a daily basis. It is more important that you learn what works for your skin and what doesn't. Make sure to thoroughly remove makeup in the evening and cleanse your skin before applying makeup.
Bottom line- Changing your makeup habits in a positive way and maintaining your skin on a daily basis will provide you with better long term results.
My takeaway: There are always benefits to going without makeup and there is absolutely no harm in trying out the 5:2 skin diet. This however is not a foolproof strategy for attaining gorgeous skin. I recommend doing your due diligence on the products you use on a daily basis and ensure they are agreeing with you skin.
Be smart about what goes on your face, and be diligent about daily and nightly face washing.