Like most new beauty trends these days, skin cycling went viral on TikTok.
Anyone who has spent any time on social media will know, there’s plenty of questionable advice out there when it comes to skin and beauty, but according to a number of skin experts and dermatologists, this trend offers genuinely sound advice.
Created by New York based dermatologist, Dr Whitney Bowe, who noticed that during the pandemic peoples focus shifted away from makeup and towards skincare, however many of their routines shared via social media were taking a “kitchen sink” approach, overloaded with skincare products.
Skin cycling at its most basic is an easy-to-follow evening skincare routine, designed to prevent the irritation and sensitivity that can come from overuse of particular actives, such as retinol, and over-exfoliation. It is designed to lessen the risk of making skin concerns worse or creating new ones!
What is skin cycling?
Skin cycling is a skincare regime that involves having “rest days” by using different active ingredients on different days, with several days that leave out actives all together and instead focus on hydration and rebalancing. Like working out, where you can alternate the types of exercise you do each day, followed by recovery days for the best results.
Skin cycling simplifies when to apply actives and with what. It comes after your usual cleansing, and is an evening routine. Your morning routine can remain the same. It can also be adapted to your specific skin type – simply swap in your actives of choice or add more ‘restore’ days as needed.
Skin cycling benefits
Is skin cycling for me?
The good news is – anyone can try it! It can be adapted based on the skins individual needs, while still applying the key principles of one active per day and enough recovery days.
Whether you have sensitive, oily or dry skin or perhaps have already been using actives, at Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa, we can suggest the perfect skin cycling routine and get you on the path to smooth, plump and juicy skin without the irritation!
A sample skin cycling routine
A four-day skin cycle is the most popular, which comprises using active ingredients for two nights of the week, followed by two nights of rest – and repeating. This routine, practised by Dr Whitney Bowe, is perfect for beginners and even those with very sensitive skin:
Night 1: Exfoliation
On night one, after cleansing, start your routine by removing dead and redundant skin with your exfoliator of choice. A Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa favourite? O Cosmedics Exfoliating Cleanser or Micro Derm Exfoliant by Dp Dermaceuticals. Follow with your usual evening moisturiser.
Night 2: Retinol
Night two is retinol night as your skin will be primed and ready. Retinol is an ingredient superstar, which helps speed up skin cell turnover and targets skin concerns such as fine lines, breakouts, hyperpigmentation and scarring as well as smoothing out uneven texture and skin tone. Post cleansing, use your retinoid of choice followed by your usual evening moisturiser. Some retinols cannot be used neat on the skin and should be mixed into your moisturiser, this will be specified on the packaging.
Nights 3 and 4: Recovery and skin repair
This is your time to rest. So after cleansing, apply hydrating wonder serums like O Cosmedics Hyaluronic Serum or Dp Dermaceuticals Hyla Active Serum or moisturisers containing ceramides for skin repair. Avoid actives like vitamin A or C.
Now repeat!
Skin cycling provides structure and a clear routine to get results. By getting in sync with your skin, it allows you to achieve smoother, clearer, brighter and plumper skin over time, with a complexion that is nourished and balanced.
