When it comes to skincare, there's a lot of questionable information all over the Internet. Recently, TikTok & Refinery 29 has turned our attention to a beauty trend called, "Skin Cycling" - a four-part nightly skincare routine proven to help with uneven skin texture and breakouts. Before you jump in. . .Skincare is very personal & what works for Me, may not work for You or Vice Versa and, You should be Cautious. The reason this routine caught my attention, other than the fact that it has amassed an enormous 3.5 billion views on TikTok, and has dermatologist backing. It just appeared to be perfect for lazy people like Me.
What is skin cycling?
Skin cycling is Dr. Whitney Bowe's method of keeping over-exfoliation from damaging the skin and promoting skin recovery. She is credited for introducing the concept of skin cycling to TikTok, but many other skin-care enthusiasts agree that it's legit. “I don’t skin cycle in the morning,” says Dr. Bowe. “I keep the routine predictable: cleanse, pat dry, use a vitamin C product, apply an antioxidant, moisturize and use SPF — this all protects your skin from the stressors of the day.” The evening is when things change.
It's a very simple 4 Night Cycle - - After cleansing & patting your skin dry, you either - - Exfoliate, Apply Retinol, or Moisturize.
Night One - After cleansing the skin & patting dry. Apply an exfoliating product to the skin, an exfoliating acid like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid. Dr. Bowe recommends a leave-on product (like a peel pad), which she says will be most effective. Then, simply follow with your moisturizer.
Night Two - After cleansing & patting your skin dry. Choose a Retinol product. This could be in the form of a serum, cream, or oil. Dr. Bowe suggests a pea-sized amount for the entire face.
Nights Three & Four - Involve cleansing, patting your skin dry and following with a very simple and gentle moisturizer. Nothing more. This step is for two nights and is intended to give your skin time to heal and ready itself for the next 4 night Cycle.
Sound simple, Right? Dr. Bowe recommends you get intentional and start keeping a log. She also cautions that the timing or intensity of the products in this process can change or look different for you if you’re oily or congested as opposed to dry or sensitive - for example, oilier skin types might go a bit heavier or more frequent with the exfoliation-based products, like those containing a salicylic acid.
Sky Clinic's Dr. Salome Dharamshi, an aesthetic doctor and skincare expert, explains that those who are acne-prone or have dull and pigmented skin will see the greatest skin benefits from skin cycling. However, anyone could give it a go to freshen up their complexion (though it may be a good idea to consult your derm if you're very dry or very sensitive). Dr. Dharamshi says. . "a skin cycling routine is an ideal way to introduce active ingredients to the skin, giving it time to absorb those ingredients and benefit from the healing cycle".
My Skin Cycling Regime.
I do not use Retinoid products during the Summer because I'm always out in the Sun. And, truth be told I want to jump in the pool or lay out at the beach, whenever. I did make a few modifications to Dr Bowe's formula to suit my oily skin concerns, and always do a double cleanse. Recently, Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel became my second cleanse. Now that I only wear make-up on special occasions, I use Micellar water as my first cleanse, then wash with Acure. However, if I have worn massive amounts of SPF, then Matcha Cleansing balm is my first cleanse before the Acure.
Night one is Exfoliation - After cleansing, the Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% is applied with a cotton pad all over my face & neck. I pile on Cerave Moisturizing Lotion and watch TV before bedtime.
On Night 2 Retinoid - After cleansing, I apply a dab of moisturizer to corners of my nose, mouth & under my eyes. Then, combine two drops of The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% with Sephora 1% Bakuchiol in my hand, and apply to my face & neck. Let it sit for five minutes then apply moisturizer.
On Nights 3 & 4 (Recovery Nights) - I have two choices after cleansing. Either apply Good Molecules Discoloration Serum or The Ordinary Buffet Serum depending on the needs of my skin. Then, moisturize after 5 minutes. That's my Lazy skincare procedure right now, and it's all subject to change.
Does Skin Cycling Work?
According to Dr. Bowe - "If you stick with Skin Cycling™, over the next few months you’ll really see that transformation - that’s when things like fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts and dark spots can start to improve". The Most effective skincare products take time to really deliver is what I've been told, time and time again. So far, I have seen no dramatic results in the three week period of use. But, like every skincare program, consistency is Key. So, I'll continue until all my supply is gone. Then. . .
If you already have a skincare routine that works well for You. Please continue, and do not give this new trend another minute. We do so much better, when something works so well, that it becomes our Tried & True. Same with skincare. Stick with what works for you. Do not jump onto the next best thing. . . like I have a tendency to do.
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