Beauty and skincare trends do not live an eternity. While the 10-step Korean skincare is quite the fad but it’s a work of patience and sheer dedication. This has redirected people into embracing minimalism, highlighting the hype of skin cycling.
“Work – Rest – Recover – Work” – it’s just the endless yet perfect cycle we humans adapt to. As much as your body needs rest and time to recover after a weeklong intense workout, your skin is no different. Skin cycling is the path between elaborate and minimalistic skincare, balancing the use of actives and ingredients without overfeeding skin.
What rose to fame through viral “TikTok” videos is now a dermatologist-approved skincare routine. But, does it make a difference and it’s just another short-lived popular trend? Let’s dive right into it, shall we?
What is skin cycling?
Skin cycling is a strategic and deliberate way to follow a rotational skincare night regime. It’s just a way to let your skin breathe and not overwhelm it with too many products before snoozing for the day. It’s a way to break free from the exhausting 6 or 10-step skincare.
It’s a four-night rotational skincare regimen alternating between using active ingredients to give your skin time to rest and recover. Regular use of the active ingredients minimises efficiency as your skin might get used to it.
Skin cycling – 4-steps for effective care
The concept of skin cycling has managed to entice all beauty buffs with its excellent skin benefits. Negotiating the lengthy skincare regime yet getting that glorious skin is now not a far-fetched dream with the trending routine. Here’s how the rotational regime is done:
Night one – Exfoliation
The first night is all about exfoliating away dead skin cells and letting your skin breathe. Ideally, an exfoliating product that is a blend of different skin-friendly acids is perfect for sloughing dead cells. This step ensures you have fresh skin allowing better penetration of the next product. Opt for an exfoliator serum rich in acids like AHAs, lactic acid etc. instead of a harsh scrub exfoliator.
Our recommendation: Dr. Sheth’s Extra Gentle Peel with Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid & Pomegranate Extract
Night two – Retinoids
The powerful active ingredient can do wonders for your skin when used appropriately. It helps in reducing signs of ageing but excessive use can flare up the skin. After washing and cleaning, dab your face dry and apply retinoid-enriched serum or cream. If you have sensitive skin, you can try retinol sandwiching. Apply a light moisturiser followed by a layer of retinoid and top up with moisturiser again.
Our recommendation: Re’equil 0.1% Retinol Night Cream
Nights three and four
Allow your skin the much-deserved rest time. After two intense nights involving exfoliator and retinoid, it’s time for your skin to recover. The focus for the third and fourth days is to improve the skin barrier through hydration. With the first two days of using strong actives, recovery days should primarily focus on keeping skin hydrated, nourished, and maintaining the skin barrier. The cycle repeats starting with exfoliation the next day.
Do skin cycling work and its benefits?
Is skin cycling just another fad or does it work? With the trend exploding on TikTok, it does help level up your night skincare routine. The method can be modified as per one’s need. The regime is good for people with sensitive skin struggling with signs of ageing. The ingredients can vary depending on skin type. For example, if you have oily, acne-prone skin you can consider adding a salicylic acid cleanser.
Our recommendation: COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Starting a new skincare routine is like experimenting, testing, and trials. Know your skin type before choosing the appropriate product. This approach might not be for everyone. If you are suffering from irritation, you might want to stop following the trend.
- The core of skin cycling is to improve the efficacy of the ingredients. With a minimalistic approach, it reduces skin irritation.
- It incorporates non-toxic skin acid and active ingredients adjustable to the skin. Active work is better with rest and recovery days.
- The scientifically proven formulations and 4-day alternation help in improving the appearance and overall function of the skin. It significantly reduces negative impacts like redness, peeling, and burning.
- Exfoliation and retinoids are quite effective with anti-ageing properties. It helps in reducing fine lines, wrinkles etc.
Have you tried the trend yet? Happy Skin Cycling
