At a time when beauty influencers promote 10-step skincare routines, a new approach is gaining traction among skincare enthusiasts: the skin reset trend. This method emphasizes simplicity, focusing on doing less to help your skin heal naturally.
But is it necessary for you? Or should you continue using the stockpile of skincare products from your last shopping spree? Experts weigh in to help you decide.
What Is a Skin Reset?
Think of a skin reset as a detox for your face. “A skin reset is about stripping things back to the basics—just a gentle cleanser, a solid moisturizer, and SPF—so your skin can breathe, repair, and reset,” explains Malvika Jain, founder and CEO of Sereko.
With social media influencing skincare choices more than ever, many people end up using excessive or unsuitable products. Overuse of actives like retinol, AHAs, and BHAs can weaken the skin barrier, causing irritation, sensitivity, and breakouts. A reset allows your skin to recover with minimal yet essential ingredients, making it a suitable option for all skin types.
Skin Reset vs. Skin Fasting: What’s the Difference?
Though they sound similar, these skincare approaches have distinct differences.
Dr. Kashish Kalra, dermatologist and HOD at Max Hospital, clarifies that skin fasting is a short-term break (about a week), while a skin reset is a structured process lasting 6-8 weeks to fully restore skin health.
- Skin Reset: You cut back to the essentials—cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF—but still provide hydration and protection to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
- Skin Fasting: A more extreme approach where you stop using all skincare products, even moisturizers. While some believe this helps the skin “breathe,” experts warn that it may cause dryness, irritation, and breakouts.
Does Your Skin Need a Reset?
Your skin, like any other organ, signals when it needs help. Here are some signs that you might benefit from a skin reset:
- Persistent breakouts and irritation despite using multiple products.
- Sudden sensitivity to usual products, including stinging or burning sensations.
- Tight, rough, or peeling skin due to over-exfoliation or excessive cleansing.
- Inflamed, congested, or dull skin from an overloaded skincare routine.
- Clogged pores or imbalanced microbiome from using too many active ingredients.
If you experience any of these symptoms, a skin reset might help restore balance.
How to Do a Skin Reset Correctly
Dr. Kalra suggests stopping all active skincare products like vitamin C, retinol, AHAs, and BHAs. Instead, follow this simple routine:
- Use a mild cleanser and a ceramide or hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer.
- Opt for a physical sunscreen and avoid chemical sunscreens with additional active ingredients.
- Follow this minimal routine for 6-8 weeks to allow a full skin cycle (30-40 days) to complete.
- Gradually reintroduce products, starting with a gentle antioxidant serum like vitamin C.
- Monitor your skin’s reaction before adding new products.
Once your skin regains its health and feels irritation-free, you can slowly return to your regular skincare regimen. However, consulting a dermatologist before making major changes is always advisable.
The skin reset trend is a mindful approach to skincare that emphasizes healing rather than excess. If your skin feels overwhelmed, inflamed, or sensitive, simplifying your routine could be the key to restoring balance. Instead of constantly chasing new products, sometimes less is more when it comes to skincare.
