Published October 30, 2025 | Version CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0
Journal article Open

Intermittent Fasting and Skin Health: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Creators

  • 1. Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

Contributors

  • 1. Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.
  • 2. Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Sham Private University (ASPU), Lattakia, Syria.

Description

Abstract: Objective: Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary pattern alternating between periods of eating and fasting, known for its metabolic, hormonal, and anti-inflammatory benefits. This review aims to explore the molecular, physiological, and clinical links between IF and skin health. Methods: A comprehensive review of recent preclinical and clinical literature was conducted, focusing on the effects of IF on skin biology, including modulation of oxidative stress, induction of autophagy, hormonal regulation, and interactions between the gut and skin. Results: Evidence suggests that IF may enhance skin regeneration, delay ageing, and improve inflammatory skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Mechanistically, IF downregulates IGF-1 and mTOR signalling, enhances antioxidant defences, promotes autophagy, and modulates the immune response. Preliminary clinical findings also indicate potential benefits in photoaging, wound healing, and tissue repair. However, most data are preclinical, with limited human trials. Conclusion: IF represents a promising nonpharmaceutical strategy for improving skin health and managing dermatological conditions. Future research should focus on developing standardised protocols, molecular profiling, and assessing long-term safety in diverse populations.

Files

F409105061025.pdf

Files (618.6 kB)

Name Size Download all
md5:ad9f7e6d7a3b03eb34860baf69ca72b4
618.6 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.54105/ijapsr.F4091.05061025
EISSN
2582-7618

Dates

Accepted
2025-10-15
Manuscript received on 11 August 2025 | First Revised Manuscript received on 23 August 2025 | Second Revised Manuscript received on 18 September 2025 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 October 2025 | Manuscript published on 30 October 2025.

References

  • Jiao, Q., et al., Skin homeostasis: Mechanism and influencing factors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024. 23(5): p. 1518-1526. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16155
  • Marko, D.M., M.O. Conn, and J.D. Schertzer, Intermittent fasting influences immunity and metabolism. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2024. 35(9): p. 821-833. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2024.04.014
  • Soliman, G.A., Intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating role in dietary interventions and precision nutrition. Frontiers in public health, 2022. 10: p. 1017254. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1017254
  • Yuan, X., et al., Effect of intermittent fasting diet on glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in patients with impaired glucose and lipid metabolism: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. International journal of endocrinology, 2022. 2022(1): p. 6999907. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6999907
  • Bragazzi, N.L., et al., Fasting and its impact on skin anatomy, physiology, and physiopathology: A comprehensive review of the literature. Nutrients, 2019. 11(2): p. 249. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020249
  • Mansilla-Polo, M., J. Piquero-Casals, and D. Morgado-Carrasco, [translated article] popular diets and skin effects: A narrative review. Actas dermo-sifiliograficas, 2024. 115(4): p. T374-T386. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ad.2023.10.044
  • Benameur, T., et al., A retrospective chart review evaluating changes in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among patients attending the university healthcare centre during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutrients, 2023. 15(10): p. 2345. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102345
  • Kim, J.Y. and H. Dao, Physiology, integument, in StatPearls [Internet]. 2023, StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554386/
  • Bittner, B., & Schmidt, J. (2024). Advancing Subcutaneous Dosing Regimens for Biotherapeutics: Clinical Strategies for Expedited Market Access. BioDrugs, 38(1), 23–46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40259-023-00626-1
  • Assaf, S. and O. Kelly, Nutritional dermatology: optimizing dietary choices for skin health. Nutrients, 2024. 17(1): p. 60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010060
  • Joshi, M., et al., Modulatory role of vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E on skin health, immunity, microbiome, and diseases. Pharmacological Reports, 2023. 75(5): p. 1096-1114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43440-023-00520-1
  • Bjørklund, G., et al., Minerals and Trace Elements: Key Protectors of Skin Health and Defenders Against Skin Disorders. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2174/0109298673348175250214054101
  • Perrotta, G. (2023). Omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids: Effects on growth and neurodevelopment of the fetus and preterm infant. Acta Pediatr Mex, 44(6), 461–473. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18233/apm.v44i6.2697
  • Januszewski, J., Forma, A., Zembala, J., Flieger, M., Tyczyńska, M., Dring, J. C., Dudek, I., Świątek, K., & Baj, J. (2023). Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health: A Review of What to Choose and Why Medicina, 60(1), 68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010068
  • CINQUEMANI, A., Non-invasive Measurement of Advanced Glycation End-Products in Atopic Dermatitis Patients: A Pilot Study on Potential Links to Metabolic and Systemic Disorders. https://thesis.unipd.it/handle/20.500.12608/85390
  • Böhm, M., et al., Endocrine controls of skin ageing. Endocrine reviews, 2025. 46(3): p. 349-375. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1210/endrev/bnae034
  • Martel, J., et al., Gut barrier disruption and chronic disease. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2022. 33(4): p. 247-265. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2022.01.002
  • Charlot, A., et al., Beneficial effects of early time-restricted feeding on metabolic diseases: importance of aligning food habits with the circadian clock. Nutrients, 2021. 13(5): p. 1405. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051405
  • Gabel, K. and K.A. Varady, Alternate Day Fasting and the 5:2 Diet: Effects on Body Weight and Metabolic Disease Risk Factors, in Intermittent and Periodic Fasting, Ageing and Disease. 2024, Springer. p. 143-176. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-49622-6_6
  • Longo, V.D. and S. Panda, Fasting, circadian rhythms, and timerestricted feeding in healthy lifespan. Cell metabolism, 2016. 23(6): p. 1048-1059. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2016.06.001
  • Harshiba, H.F. and N.M. Rafi, Fasting for clearer skin: Review article investigating the impact of intermittent fasting on dermatological conditions. Cosmoderma, 2024. 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25259/CSDM1292024
  • Zhao, X., Bie, L.-Y., Pang, D.-R., Li, X., Yang, L.-F., Chen, D.-D., Wang, Y.-R., & Gao, Y. (2023). The role of autophagy in the treatment of type II diabetes and its complications: a review. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1228045. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1228045
  • Tizazu, A.M., Fasting and calorie restriction modulate age‐associated immunosenescence and inflammaging. Ageing Medicine, 2024. 7(4): p. 499-509. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/agm2.12342
  • Surugiu, R., et al., Molecular mechanisms of healthy ageing: the role of caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, Mediterranean diet, and ketogenic diet—a scoping review. Nutrients, 2024. 16(17): p. 2878. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172878
  • Bárcena, C., et al., Healthspan and lifespan extension by faecal microbiota transplantation into progeroid mice. Nature Medicine, 2019. 25(8): p. 1234-1242. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-019- 0504-5
  • Dugan, B., J. Conway, and N.A. Duggal, Inflammaging as a target for healthy ageing. Age and ageing, 2023. 52(2): p. afac328. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afac328
  • Chen, H., et al., Intermittent fasting triggers interorgan communication to suppress hair follicle regeneration. Cell, 2025. 188(1): p. 157-174. e22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.11.004
  • Chaiprasongsuk, A. and U. Panich, Role of phytochemicals in skin photoprotection via regulation of Nrf2. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022. 13: p. 823881. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.823881
  • Zhang, J.-A., et al., Induction of autophagy by baicalin through the AMPK-mTOR pathway protects human skin fibroblasts from ultraviolet B radiation-induced apoptosis. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 2020: p. 417-428. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S228047
  • Salvadori, G., M.G. Mirisola, and V.D. Longo, Intermittent and periodic fasting, hormones, and cancer prevention. Cancers, 2021. 13(18): p. 4587. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13184587
  • Mahmud, M.R., et al., Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: gutskin axis observed through the lenses of therapeutics and skin diseases. Gut microbes, 2022. 14(1): p. 2096995. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2022.2096995
  • Gruszczyńska, M., Sadowska-Przytocka, A., Szybiak, W., Więckowska, B., & Lacka, K. (2023). Insulin Resistance in Patients with Acne Vulgaris. Biomedicines, 11(8), 2294. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082294
  • Neema, S., et al., Efficacy of intermittent fasting in the management of chronic plaque psoriasis: A phase IIb clinical trial. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2025. 16(3): p. 389-396. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_635_24
  • Queiroz, G., Intermittent Fasting as Adjuvant to Topical Therapy in the Management of Mild to Moderate Psoriasis. 2022. https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ysmpa_theses/139/
  • Yang, Y., et al. (2025). Stress dynamically modulates neuronal autophagy to regulate the onset of depression. Nature, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08807-4
  • Luo, M.-J., et al., Fasting before or after wound injury accelerates wound healing through the activation of pro-angiogenic SMOC1 and SCG2. Theranostics, 2020. 10(8): p. 3779. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.44115
  • Huang, Y., et al., Non-pharmacological interventions of intermittent fasting and pulsed radiofrequency energy (PRFE) combination therapy promote diabetic wound healing. Nutrition & Diabetes, 2024. 14(1): p. 83. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41387-024-00344-9