What is this new approach to skincare called Skin Cycling?
Table of Contents:
Introduction
When it comes to skincare, you’re probably already well aware of the most common techniques used to improve your skin and keep it looking young and healthy. If you’re wondering what this new approach to skincare is, read on and learn everything you need to know about this growing trend. Trust me, it can’t be any weirder than snail masks.
You just might have heard of it through social media; TikTok and YouTube to be exact. Did you know that one in five skincare customers have tried an alternative approach called skin cycling? Skin Cycling is an emerging trend in skincare and was introduced to the world via TikTok earlier this year (2022).
New York City Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe is the one who originally coined this term used to describe this new approach to skincare that’s now taking the country by storm. Skin Cycling consists of a four (4) night cycle in which you use certain skincare products at specific times and days in order for your skin to obtain the best effects possible from initially beginning exfoliation and/or retinol treatment.
The Skin Cycling Schedule
Night #1 – Exfoliant
Night #2 – Retinoid
Night #3 – Recover
Night #4 – Recover
Night One: Exfoliate
When it comes to do night one, it’s said that you can actually choose whether you want to exfoliate physically with a facial scrub, or by using a chemical exfoliant which is a facial exfoliator cleanser. Dermatologists recommend the latter (the chemical exfoliator), as you will see more visible positive results from your skin. Dr. Whitney Bowe states that the first night you remove makeup and cleanse your face as usual. Then, you use a chemical exfoliator, and moisturize as usual.
Night Two: Retinoid
For night two (2), use your regular makeup remover and/or cleanser as you usually would. Then, use your retinol treatment and moisturize as usual. Retinoids can be irritating your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin, or your skin just isn’t ready for it. I did that before. I tried a retinoid when my skin wasn’t ready for it (it still isn’t), and I broke out in a red rash.
You have to wait until your skin is mature enough to use retinol. I know a lot of people can be scared of retinoids because their first experience is often scary, as mine was (I was 26 when I tried it, which is way too young). However, there are so many benefits to using retinoids (that’s a whole nother article).
Such as, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, fading age spots, evening skin tone, smoothing your skin, and more. Retinoids are able to do all of that because when it’s applied to our face, it helps increase the production of the natural collagen that’s in our skin. Retinol also stimulates new blood vessels in our skin, which helps to improve our skin tone.
Night Three: Recover
On night three (3), it’s our time to let our skin recover. We help our skin recover by moisturizing majorly! Of course, that’s after we use a gentle cleanser. Night three (3) is all about babying our skin and drowning it in the best moisturizer we have. It’s okay for the moisturizer to have Hyaluronic Acid, but aside that, just use a regular heavy duty moisturizer.
Night Four: Recover
You simply repeat the process of night three (3) on night four (4) of skin cycling.
Repeat Skin Cycling
Once you’ve completed the initial four (4) day cycle, then you can repeat immediately or at your own leisure. The whole idea of skin cycling is that your skin needs time to adjust and heal after being exposed to harsh treatment, such as but not limited to exfoliants and retinoids. It is important to give your skin some down time, so that more healthy cells can grow. You really just want to focus on nourishing our skin microbiome and repairing your skin barrier on night three (3) and four (4).
The majority of people start skin cycling are just introducing exfoliants and / retinoids into their skincare routine for the first time. Although these chemicals are absolutely fantastic for your skin in the long run, they can initially irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. These symptoms, more times than not, do not last long. The long-term benefits from using exfoliants and retinoids far out way the short-term negative effects it may have on your skin.
Conclusion
I think everyone has had their own variation of skin cycling that we’ve already been doing before the term was coined. I also feel that everyones skin routine is very personal to them because everybody’s skin is different, and has different needs. I feel it’s good to try different products and routines to find what works best for you, and your skin.
-Nicole’s Notable Nook
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