What is ‘Skin Cycling’: The Definitive Guide and Routine Tips
Tik Tok Skincare trends come and go, but this one is here to stay. The newest trend taking skincare enthusiast by storm is ‘skin-cycling’, a regime that not just influencers but even certified dermatologists approve of!
The latest movements when it comes to the world of skincare is the general consensus that less is more. With skin care trends like ‘skinminimalism’ or eco-conscious skincare, helping more and more people address issues overconsumption and consumerism , while also allowing them to maintain their skin health. ‘Skin Cycling’ follows in this vein, by challenging the formerly popular 10-step skin care routines that took the internet by storm a few years back. Dermatologists have always emphasized that when it comes to skin care, one only requires 2 to 3 products that they use consistently and correctly. This idea has given rise to the new phenomenon ‘Skin cycling’ and its exactly what it sounds like- a regimen that has users cycle through different products over four days.
HOW DOES SKIN CYCLING WORK?
The fundamental idea behind ‘skin cycling’ is to maintain the health of the skin barrier. Often the overuse of too many active ingredients could cause severe damage to the barrier, leading to dry, irritable skin, breakouts or increased sensitivity. Skin cycling attempts to curb these effects by alternating two nights of active ingredients such as exfoliants and retinoids, and following this up with two nights of recovery with hydrating products.
With consistency, you should start seeing results from your products with active ingredients, without compromising your skin barrier.
A SKIN CYCLING ROUTINE
Begin the Night One of your routine with exfoliation. Choose a liquid exfoliator which contains blends of acids like AHAs, BHA and PHA including glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid. Allow the exfoliater to absorb into skin and seal in with a hydrating moisturizer.
On Night Two, you can use retinoids. Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and come in the form of retinol serums, or tretinoin. These products help reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles and pores over time however they are very strong and can be drying on the skin if overused. It is best to start of using a gentle formula with retinol and build your resistance up with years of use. Dermatologist recommend the sandwiching method for retinoids. This method, basically requires you to first apply a layer of hydrating moisturizer on cleaned skin, then apply a pea-sized amount of the retinoid and finish off by one more applying a layer of the moisturizer.
Night Three and Night Four are dedicated to the recovery of your skin. On these nights, it is recommended to use ultra-hydrating serums such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Vitamin E or Vitamin C are also excellent to quench your skin and lock in moisture. You can then layer your moisturizer over it.
When it comes to any kind of skin care routine, its best to first understand what type of skin you have. Its always recommended to consult your dermatologist or start off lightly and see how your skin reacts. You just have to give your skin the TLC it deserves and always keep it protected with SPF!
