Are you a skincare junkie and invest a good chunk of your finances in high-end skincare products? If you think that’s you, you must have come across the term ‘Skin Cycling’ in the past weeks. It is a popular beauty trend these days, and on Tik Tok alone, #skincycling is associated with over 120 million views. So what exactly is this crazily followed trend of skin cycling, and do dermatologists approve of this? We will tell you all about skin cycling today and uncover all the facts and myths associated with it, so let’s dive in!
What Is Skin Cycling; Here's Why You Should Try It?
Created by the New York-based board-certified dermatologist and research scientist Dr. Whitney Bowe, skin cycling is a technique of how to use skin care products. When the pandemic hit, people started paying more attention to beauty and skincare. That’s when Dr. Whitney Bowe noticed that though people’s interest in skincare has increased, they do not know what products work best for their skin. “People seemed to know more about skincare than ever before, but their skin was blotchy and sensitive and breaking out because they were taking a more-is-better approach.” Thus, now the popular beauty trend ‘Skin Cycling’ has been invented.
Let’s hear from the creator herself what she has to say about skin cycling- “It’s a thoughtful approach to your PM (night) skincare routine that encourages you to use products in a specific way to set your skin up for success while dialing down unnecessary irritation,”
Skin cycling is a four-night cycle, as the name suggests, which helps your skin absorb all the nutrients, eliminating the toxins and making it ready for the day ahead. The best thing about this famous beauty trend is even newbies to skincare can get it right at once. Here’s how you do it:
Night 1- Exfoliator
The first night of skin cycling is about going deep within your skin and cleaning your skin pores. This night you are advised to use a leave-on chemical exfoliant that includes alpha or beta hydroxy acids. After cleansing, exfoliate your skin with a chemical exfoliant instead of a physical exfoliant. And remember, do not use exfoliators that burn or irritate your skin.
Night 2- Retinol
On the second night of the skin cycling period comes the turn of retinol. It contains Vitamin A derivatives that help your skin reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since retinoids are one of the potent skin care products, they should be the first patch tested and used in low concentrations. After cleaning your face, pat it dry and apply an even layer of retinol to your skin. If you have really sensitive skin, experts suggest applying moisturizer to the sensitive areas, like under the eye and side of the nose, before applying retinol.
Night 3 & 4- Recovery Moisturizer
The following nights of the skin cycling period are given to moisturizing. People also call it the recovery period, where you are not bashing your skin with exfoliators or retinoids but giving it a chance to recover since the nighttime skincare regime is all about removing impurities and toxins and replenishing the skin. Hence, skin cycling focuses on moisturizers for two days to keep your skin replenished and blooming.
Skin Cycling- Its Benefits And Myths Unlocked
Skin Cycling is not just any trend created by a famous influencer, it got famous on Tik Tok and Instagram, and we dare to say, for all the right reasons. Following a skin cycling routine has some awe-inspiring benefits for your skin; not only does it help your skin revitalize, and it helps your skin absorb all the active nutrients from the skincare products for maximum benefits.
It helps repair your skin barrier
The skin barrier is a natural phenomenon that helps your skin protect against harsh chemicals, infections, and allergens. When the natural skin barrier of the skin is shattered, it results in skin issues, ranging from mild acne to eczema and atopic dermatitis. Over usage of harsh chemical products can harm the barrier leading to irritation and redness. Skin cycling allows your skin to reconstruct its skin barrier by limiting the use of exfoliators and retinoids.
Caters to one problem at a time
Skin cycling has been a game changer for a number of people, and it is changing the lives of many every day. Since it is a four-day cycle, every day focusing on a different product and targeting a specific issue helps to deal with the problem from within. This process was initially introduced to limit the use of products, letting your skin comprehend the nutrients of a single product, and that is what it does.
Aids against seasonal skin issues
Did you know your skin needs different products in summer than in winter? Well, many people use similar products throughout the year, which leads to seasonal skin issues, dryness, patchiness during winter, and a sticky feeling during summer. Skin cycling is the key to protecting your skin from such issues by giving it time to recover during the night.
Beneficial for eliminating negative effects of products
One of the very important benefits of the skin cycling period is that it detoxifies your skin. Yes, it’s a rehab for your skin that lets loose all the impurities and negative effects of the chemical products. For all the time you have been lathering up your products on your skin, skin cycling allows your skin to eliminate all the negative impacts and replenish itself.
Many dermatologists agree that the less is more approach of Dr. Whitney Bowe finds skin cycling an excellent archetype since people of all gender, ages, and skin types can adapt to it. There are necessarily no harmful effects of skin cycling; it depends on using the right product kind and concentration. Meanwhile, check out The Brow & Skin Studio’s services, and get yourself our specially formulated acne products.
