Step aside, multi-step skincare routines. It is time for a four-day skincare regimen to assume the spotlight, instead. And you don’t have to take our word for it. When Dr Whitney Bowe, a New York-based dermatologist, first shared her routine of cycling skincare ingredients, she had little idea that it would go viral and spawn a similar haircare trend as a spin-off. With over two million to her credit, Bowe was responsible for introducing legions of netizens to the virtues of alternating certain active ingredients in a planned, phased manner. So, what is the hype around skin cycling? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is skin cycling?
Before you buy into the latest, buzziest skincare trend or overhaul your entire routine, it helps to know what you are getting into. With skin cycling, the logic is straightforward. This regimen is based on using certain active ingredients and then giving your skin sufficient time to rest and recover. As per Dr Bowe’s schedule, the ideal skin cycling routine involves: exfoliation night, retinoid night, recovery night and another recovery night.
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What are the benefits of skin cycling?
Exfoliation and retinoids are both crucial cornerstones of a skincare regimen, but you knew that already. Now, it is also worth considering that both these powerhouse ingredients can potentially cause irritation to the skin. This is where Dr Bowe’s recovery nights enter the chat—a handy way to allow your skin some downtime instead of bombarding it with an onslaught of potent ingredients every day. This phased routine allows your skin to reduce its sensitivity with a slow-yet-steady formula of frequency.
Skin cycling steps: How to get started?
Ready to give this skincare trend a whirl? It helps to bear in mind that skincare doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on how your skin responds to this cycle, you can modify as necessary.
Night 1: Exfoliation
Your skin cycling routine starts with clearing away all the grime from your skin with an effective cleanser. Once you have a clean canvas to work with, your choice of chemical exfoliant will be able to penetrate deeper. Since physical scrubs can often be abrasive on the skin, Dr Bowe prefers chemical peels instead.
Tira recommends:
Minimalist AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% Face Peel
Bioderma Sebium Smoothing Concentrate Night Peel
Night 2: Retinoids
Noticing your skin looking and feeling clearer and brighter already? The main party has not yet started. Allow retinol to boost skin cell turnover and collagen production to give you the glowing skin of your dreams. A handy way to ease your skin into using retinol is to start by cleansing, applying a pea-sized amount and then layering it in with moisturiser at night. PS: Retinol is known to increase skin sensitivity to the sun, so you’ll want to make optimal use of this skincare powerhouse in your PM routine.
Tira recommends:
The Formularx Gentle Retinol Complex Serum - Renaissance
Olay Retinol Night Serum (30ml) And Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Serum (30ml) Combo
Night 3 and 4: Recovery
You’ve already been getting extra credit on your skincare assignment. It is now time to sit back and reap the benefits. The next two nights are primarily for allowing your skin to repair and restore while you supply it with all the hydration it needs. If you find that your skin has been feeling sensitive after the first two steps, you can dial up the recovery nights to create a skincare routine that is tailor-made for you.
Tira recommends:
Neutrogena Super Hydration Combo
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
What to know before you try a skin cycling routine?
While internet trends can often spot a good skincare sitch on the horizon, it helps to factor in your own skin’s needs. As a rule of thumb, those with oily and combination skin can get the maximum payoff from exfoliants and retinoids. Sensitive skin, on the other hand, may not be quite as friendly to two active ingredients within the same week. It helps to pay close attention to what your skin is trying to tell you so you can adjust and adopt any online skincare trend accordingly.
