Fasting has become an increasingly popular way to lose weight, improve health, and simplify life. But what effect does fasting have on your face? This article will explore how fasting impacts facial appearance, both in the short-term and long-term.
What is fasting?
Fasting simply means going for an extended period without eating food. There are several popular fasting methods:
- Intermittent fasting – Cycling between periods of fasting and eating within a 24 hour window, such as 16:8. For example, fasting for 16 hours per day and eating within an 8 hour window.
- Alternate day fasting – Fasting or severely restricting calories every other day.
- Time-restricted feeding – Eating within a consistent 8-10 hour window each day.
- Prolonged fasting – Fasting for 24 hours or multiple days consecutively, often for health reasons.
During the fasting period, calorie-free drinks like water, coffee, and tea are allowed. The eating window is when you consume your regular meals.
Short-term facial changes from fasting
When you fast for 16-24 hours, you may notice some subtle differences in your facial appearance. Here are some of the short-term effects:
Less facial bloating
One of the most common short-term effects of fasting is reduced facial bloating. Bloating can be caused by salt intake, constipation, or hormonal changes. When you fast, your kidneys begin to excrete more sodium and water. This leads to a flatter, less puffy look in the face and around the eyes.
Brighter eyes
Fasting for 18-24 hours can cause mild dehydration, which draws water from your skin and other tissues. This leads to a reduction in undereye bags and puffiness. Your eyes may appear bigger, brighter and more wide awake during the fasted state.
Thinner face
When the body is in a fasted state, it begins burning through glycogen stores. Glycogen binds water in the muscles and liver. As these glycogen stores are depleted, facial muscles release excess water making the face look leaner.
Glowing skin
Short fasts can also temporarily improve skin clarity and radiance. This effect occurs because fasting promotes autophagy, the process where cells recycle old proteins and remove waste material. Enhanced autophagy reduces inflammation factors that can lead to acne, redness, and dull looking skin.
Longer-term facial transformations
The intermittent metabolic switching of fasting also brings about many lasting improvements to facial appearance as your body leans out and facial fat stores shrink. Here are some of the biggest long term changes:
Loss of double chin
One of the most noticeable facial transformations that can occur with consistent fasting is the reduction or complete loss of a double chin. The chin area tends to store significant fat deposits that obscure the jawline. Fasting powerfully reduces overall body fat, taking fat from stubborn areas like the chin and neck.
| Time Period | Fat Loss from Fasting |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | 2-4 lbs |
| 1 month | 4-8 lbs |
| 3 months | 10-15 lbs |
According to the table above, fasting for just 1 month can result in a significant reduction of chin fat leading to a more defined jawline and youthful profile.
Hollower cheeks
Your cheeks also store deposits of fat that give them a round, full shape. Fasting mobilizes triglycerides from fat cells around the face, helping to slim and define the cheeks. Some people may find their face takes on a gaunt, hollow look from extended fasting periods. But intermittent fasting tends to gradually decrease facial fat for a more angular, sculpted appearance.
Slimmer face shape
In addition to specific areas of facial fat loss, the overall shape of the face becomes slimmer with consistent fasting. Studies show intermittent fasting can lower body weight by 3-8% over 3-24 weeks time. Autophagy also assists facial muscle protein synthesis so your facial musculature becomes more defined.
These combined slimming effects make the face appear thinner and smaller. You essentially restore a more youthful, vibrant face shape you may have had in your teens or 20s prior to weight gain.
Younger looking skin
Fasting gives your skin rejuvenating effects that make you look younger. As covered earlier, fasting enhances autophagy which removes cellular debris and recyles old proteins. This cellular cleansing helps skin cells function optimally.
Fasting also triggers stem cell based skin regeneration. When you fast, levels of the growth hormone HGH spike significantly, promoting collagen synthesis and new skin cell growth. Fasting may even extend telomere length which protects skin cell DNA from aging.
Conclusion
In summary, fasting produces both immediate and lasting improvements to facial appearance. In the short term, fasting deflates puffiness and bloat for a slimmer look. The intermittent fasting process gradually reduces fat in the chin, cheeks and other areas of the face for a sculpted, defined shape. Fasting also rejuvenates skin cells, keeping your face looking radiant and youthful.
However, not all facial changes from fasting may be positive. Extended fasting periods can cause excessive leanness in the face leading to a gaunt, unhealthy look. Consulting a doctor is recommended before beginning a fasting regimen.
But used correctly, fasting 2-3 days per week can be a safe, effective way to help your face look its best. The metabolic switching of intermittent fasting sheds fat while enhancing cellular housekeeping processes. If you’re looking to lose facial fat, tighten up loose skin, and achieve a natural glow, fasting may be the easiest route to a slimmer, more youthful looking you.