When it comes to social media skin and wellness trends, our feeds can be a mixed bag of information. Skin cycling is the latest to go viral, and unlike other trends, this one comes from an actual dermatologist. The method, originally coined by dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe who recommends rotating or “cycling” through products in the evening to prevent irritation and promote skin recovery.
“Skincare routines have become so overly complicated and confusing, and people aren't getting the results they want - or even close,” says Dr. Whitney Bowe. “When you try to push the workhorses (the acids, the retinoids), you can actually do more harm than good — including damaging the skin barrier, experiencing low-grade chronic inflammation, increasing free radical damage, accelerating the aging process and worsening hyperpigmentation. Skin cycling takes a 'less is more' approach by being thoughtful and deliberate about your skincare routine.”
Let's dive into what skin cycling is, how it works and who it benefits.
What is Skin Cycling and How To Do It?
Skin cycling is a four-night routine that involves rotating through actives and phasing in time for recovery and barrier repair. Once you finish the cycle, you repeat the process. The strategic approach to skin care drives results and minimizes irritation, regardless of skin type.
For Fine Lines & Wrinkles
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Night One:
Exfoliate with Lactic Superficial Retexturizing Serum.
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Night Two:
Treat with Night Renewal Cream.
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Night Three:
Recover with Hydration Intensifying Serum (normal to combination skin) or Hydrating Cream (dry skin).
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Night Four:
Recover with Hydration Intensifying Serum (normal to combination skin) or Hydrating Cream (dry skin).
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Repeat
For Dark Spots & Hyperpigmentation
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Night One:
Exfoliate with Enhance Brightening Cleansing Powder.
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Night Two:
Treat with TranEXamide Discoloration Treatment Serum.
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Night Three:
Recover with Age-Defying C+ Advanced Antioxidant Serum.
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Night Four:
Recover with Age-Defying C+ Advanced Antioxidant Serum.
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Repeat
For Acne-Prone Skin
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Night One:
Exfoliate with Mandelic Gentle Resurfacing Serum.
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Night Two:
Treat with Acne BPO Treatment Gel.
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Night Three:
Recover with Hydration Intensifying Serum.
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Night Four:
Recover with Hydration Intensifying Serum.
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Repeat
For Redness-Prone Skin
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Night One:
Exfoliate with Mandelic Gentle Resurfacing Serum.
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Night Two:
Treat with Enhance Brightening Complex.
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Night Three:
Recover with Age-Defying C+ Advanced Antioxidant Serum.
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Night Four:
Recover with Hydration Intensifying Serum and Soothing Lipid Recovery Cream.
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Repeat
*Remember to use mineral sunscreen daily, as active acids increase UV sensitivity.
The Benefits of Skin Cycling
It can be confusing to know what the different active acids do, how often to use them, and in what combination. The simple approach to building a routine ensures active acids are used carefully and effectively.
Whether you're new to skincare or an active acid expert, skin cycling can prevent over-exfoliating and damage to the skin barrier. By protecting and supporting the skin barrier, you're less likely to experience flaking, peeling, sensitivity and inflammation.
Advanced Skin Cycling vs. Skin Cycling
Skin cycling is a four-night routine that involves rotating through actives and phasing in time for recovery and barrier repair. Looking for less recovery and more results? Enter: Advanced Skin Cycling.
The three-night routine drops one of the two recovery nights. Your routine will instead look like this: Exfoliation Night, Retinoid Night, Recover, repeat.
