Skin Cycling: Is this TikTok trend worth a try?
If you’re on the skin care side of Instagram or TikTok, you’ve likely come across the term “skin cycling”. With over 3.5 billion views on TikTok, skin cycling grew tremendously popular in the past year. While social media (TikTok especially) has birthed a lot of questionable beauty and wellness trends, this skincare trend has been okayed by several certified professionals (and with good reason too) and is here to stay.
What is Skin Cycling?
Skin Cycling is based on the principle that the skin should be given “rest days” from applying actives such as retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and other exfoliants. Although the term was recently coined by Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York based dermatologist, this practice of giving your skin a “recovery” break from actives has been recommended for years by dermatologists.
Why has this trend gained so much traction now you may ask? A major effect of the pandemic was a skin care “boom”, where elaborate, multi-step routines became the norm. It did not take long for people to realise that slathering your skin with countless actives also comes with its fair share of side effects. The term “skin cycling” just put a name to a more minimalist approach to skin care which is aimed at balancing out the effects of actives with super hydrating products.
How does Skin-Cycling Work?
Beginners are advised to start with a classic four- night cycle.
Night One: Exfoliation Night
Cleanse your skin and use an exfoliating product. Dr. Bowe recommends a leave-on product to a wash-off product as this would be more effective. She also recommends a product with an exfoliating acid instead of grainy scrub because acids are more effective and more gentle on the skin barrier. Shahi Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum and Youth to the People Mandelic Acid + Superfood Unity Exfoliant are both excellent options. If your skin burns after applying the product, you’re advised to wash it off right away. It is safe to leave it on, however, if there is only a slight tingle. A cream should be applied after the exfoliating product. Dr. Bowe’s Bowe Glow Microbiome Nourishing Cream is specifically formulated for this. However, other good hydrating creams such as La Roche-Posay Toleraine Double Face Moisturizer or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid should suffice.
Night Two: Retinol
Cleanse your skin and pat it completely dry. Put some moisturising cream underneath the eye, on the skin around the corners of your nose, on the marionette lines and on your neck. Dr. Bowe explains that these areas are quite sensitive and the cream would act as a buffer and prevent/minimize irritation in those areas. Next, apply your retinoid over the whole face, down the neck and across the décolletage. Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol is a good option.
If you are new to retinol, it can be quite irritating to the skin. Skin cycling is one of the safest ways to introduce retinol into your routine.
Nights Three and Four: Recovery
After cleansing, while your skin is still damp, apply a hydrating serum. Serums that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin or niacinamide such as Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Serum and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 are excellent for the skin. Apply a moisturizer next and if your skin still feels dry, layer on some squalene or rosehip oil.
Benefits of Skin Cycling
A major benefit of skin cycling is that you enjoy the amazing benefits that active ingredients like retinol bring while avoiding the possible side effects like to dryness, flaking, and irritation. Skin Cycling would also strengthen and nourish the skin barrier which is always a plus.
People who suffer from acne may benefit from this practice too. A damaged skin barrier may exacerbate acne flare ups in some people. By being more gentle on your skin, focusing on hydrating and giving your skin the much needed break from actives, you may find that acne flare ups are few and far between.
As an added bonus, it can make your skincare routine more interesting and enjoyable. So, if you’re looking for a way to switch up your beauty routine, skin cycling might be the perfect fit.
