Just when you thought you got your skincare game right, another trend pops up to tell you, wait something is missing!
Using an SPF come rain or shine? Check! Double cleansing? Check! No Mixing of Retinols with acids? Check! Skin Cycling?
What’s that….?
Don’t worry, our skincare obsessed friends, we have got you covered. Skin cycling is yet another new trend that has popped up on our radar.
Skin cycling is not taking your skin on a cycling day, but creating a well thought weekly plan for your skin’s needs. It is a dermatologist developed and approved routine that has been trending on TikTok. It doesn’t involve any whacky ingredients or extra hours to be spent. All it requires is a skincare routine that requires rest days in between your active ingredient-based treatment to allow your skin’s barrier to recover and flourish.
The Pioneer Of The Trend
The New York-based dermatologist behind the concept is Dr Whitney Bowe, who has shared her why’s and how’s for the ultimate skin cycling routine on TikTok. It is primarily focused to prevent the irritation and sensitivity that can result from over-exfoliation and overuse of certain actives, like retinol. Skin cycling is a very flexible skincare approach which is easily customizable for each skin’s needs.
The concept entails a cycle of usually 4 days where you use certain harsh ingredients on certain days and then follow up with rest days. Skin cycling prevents the skin barrier from being compromised because of overusing harsh ingredients. Also, it’s a great way to have a clear, concise skincare routine in place to achieve optimum results.
Breaking Down The Skin Cycling Routine
A breakdown of a skin cycling routine looks like the following:
- Night 1: Cleanse, Exfoliation – using a chemical exfoliant such as an AHA or BHA product and then Moisturize.
- Night 2: Cleanse, Apply Retinols which will now absorb better because of exfoliation the night prior and then Moisturize!
- Night 3: Cleanse and Recovery – focusing on hydrating the skin with products containing lipids, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides.
- Night 4: Cleanse and Recovery – again focusing on hydration and repairing your barrier.
- Repeat the cycle again!
This routine will give a break to how often you use harsh ingredients that possibly irritate your skin and give you a much healthier skin barrier as you are focusing on only hydrating and moisturizing on recover days.
Dr. Bowe adds a disclaimer saying anyone who has an active skin condition, like acne or rosacea, or if anyone uses prescription medication should consult their dermatologist to make changes to their skin cycling routine. Moreover, if one has not tried retinol or acids before, they should carefully introduce them one at a time.
The Wondrous Benefits
According to its creator, Dr. Bowe skin cycling can help in managing signs of sensitivity and irritation that are due to possible use of harsh, excessive exfoliation or using too many active ingredients at once. Skin cycling works towards a smoother, clearer, brighter and plumper skin over time, while also ensuring the skin is nourished and balanced.
A stronger and faster route may not be the best but a route that is more balanced will help in the longer run. According to Dr. Bowe, results from skin cycling start showing soon. “You can expect to see a healthier glow and radiance to your skin. Overall, the skin should look and feel more hydrated and softer.” In the longer run, few months to be exact you will see fewer fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts and dark spots.
Try following this trend and let us know if these claims have an impact and really do help!
