It is no secret that social media is the birthplace of many popular beauty fads for Skin Cycling. The majority of the time, the most popular videos have the wackiest ideas (never forget about snail facials or squiggle eyebrows). Skin cycling, a dermatologist-developed skincare regimen that has recently gained popularity on TikTok, doesn’t use any unusual products or unconventional application methods. In fact, it has the potential to transform from a trend into a staple of your daily skincare routine.
Here, we’ll explain what skin cycling is in detail and show you how to include it into your cosmetic routine.
Skin Cycling: What Is It?
The skin cycling method was developed by board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D.
Skin cycling aims to keep things straightforward whereas many popular skincare techniques call for as much as ten products. In essence, skin cycling is a skincare regimen that calls for rest days between applications of treatment products containing active ingredients to give your skin’s microbiota time to heal.
What makes this useful? Although acids and retinols are effective resurfacers, using them excessively can aggravate and irritate the skin. Dr. Bowe says that greater exfoliation is not always better.
Skin cycling is a “flexible framework,” as opposed to general skincare recommendations, so you can adjust the regimen to address the individual demands of your skin. Dr. We would then introduce other elements—gradually introduce a retinoid, but start out slow. This was good advice, but I discovered that having a planned timetable with an intuitive foundation—one that made sense to my patients and produced outcomes they could see in their skin—was much more beneficial for my patients.
Benefits of Skin Cycling
She claims that any blotchiness or sensitivity should disappear after two cycles, and that you may anticipate your skin to have a more radiant and healthy look. Overall, the skin should seem and feel softer and more moisturised.
And if you continue skin cycling routine over time, there are even more advantages. Fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts, and dark spots will start to get better over the following several months, according to Dr. Bowe.
Skin cycling not only yields the best results, but the practise also lowers anxiety related to skincare in general because it provides clear directions on what to put on your skin and when.
Skin-Cycling Exercises
“The standard skin cycling procedure is as follows: 3. Recovery Night, 2. Retinoid Night, and 1. Exfoliation Night The pattern is repeated after 4. Recovery Night, according to Dr. Bowe. This order is crucial because it staggers how frequently you apply active, possibly irritating substances (like as retinoids and exfoliating acids), aiding in the protection of your skin’s barrier.
The regimen is designed such that you apply exfoliating items before retinoid, which improves the absorption of retinol by your skin. In order to customise their skin cycle regimen, Dr. Bowe advises anyone with an active skin issue, such as acne or rosacea, or anyone using prescription medication, to speak with their dermatologist. Additionally, if you’ve never tried acids or retinol, introduce them one at a time.
What advantages does skin cycling offer?
When abused, products like exfoliants and retinol can negatively affect the appearance and texture of your skin (think irritation, dryness, and dullness). You can protect your skin barrier and prevent over-exfoliation by rotating these products throughout the week.
By rotating up nights and products, skin cycling regimes can also be tailored based on skin type or issues.
Want a detailed analysis of your skin cycling regimen? Here’s our advice for creating your own four-day “cycle” using some of the most popular EstĂ©e Lauder skincare products.
Night One:
- To prepare your skin for the upcoming active ingredients, apply an exfoliating serum like the one mentioned above on clean, clear skin.
- The Dr. Whitney Bowe Exfoliation Night Resurfacing + Brightening Serum is a good option.
Night two:
- Retinol time has come! Use following night one on clean skin. This will enter your skin barrier deeper because your skin has been exfoliated at this point.
- Acne Treatment with Differin Adapalene Gel
Night  three:
- Allow your skin some rest. Focus on moisture using intensely moisturising serums and moisturisers rather than an exfoliation. Your skin barrier will be restored by doing this.
- Versed Moisture Maker Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a good option.
Night Four:
- We are still in repair mode. Before turning in for the night, protect your skin with a mild moisturiser.
During skin cycling, what should your morning routine entail?
Using various products every night is the focus of a skin cycling programme, but your morning routine needs to be more organised. Try a routine that you stick to every morning that includes the following four products: cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturiser, and SPF.
Start your regimen with a cleanser like the Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Creme Cleanser and then go on to a vitamin C serum like the Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment. Apply a daytime moisturiser, such as Revitalising Supreme+ Youth Power Creme, after that.
What kind of skincare should I apply during the day?
It’s recommended to keep to a straightforward morning skincare routine to match your evening skin cycle rotation. The essential skincare routine consists of a cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF. You can also add a vitamin C serum or choose for a daytime moisturiser containing vitamin C, such as our NEW Even Better ClinicalTM Brightening Moisturiser.
Begin your morning routine with a mild liquid cleanser with Liquid Facial Soap Mild, then add an optional vitamin C-infused brightening serum by using Even Better ClinicalTM Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interruptor. Apply your preferred daytime moisturiser next, and then apply a high-SPF product, such as SuperdefenseTM City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector.
Questions and Answers
What is the duration of skin cycling?
A four-night skin cycling regimen is the most basic. This means that there will be two nights of treatment and two nights of recovery.
Does skin cycling really function?
Skin cycling, according to the trend’s inventor, doctor Whitney Bowe, helps lessen inflammation-related redness and peeling. This is particularly valid for those with sensitive skin. She claims it also results in a complexion that is smoother and brighter. There is no current scientific study that supports these assertions.
