Upgrade Your Beauty Routine: Discover the Power of Skin Cycling

Are you looking to take your skin care routine to the next level and get glowing, radiant skin? Skin cycling might be the answer! This skincare trend, started by Dermatologist Whitney Bowe, took over TikTok. Whether you're a beginner just jumping into the world of skin cycling or an experienced enthusiast who's heard about its positive results, here is your guide to all things related to this unique beauty practice - from what it is and how it works, to how to properly do it for maximum benefit. Now let's get started with transforming our complexion!

What is Skin Cycling and How Does It Work

Picture this: you've tried every single skin care product on the market but still haven't achieved the radiant skin you've been dreaming of. That's where skin cycling comes in. This innovative skin care approach involves, as the name suggests, cycling through different products and ingredients to keep your skin continuously rejuvenated. The idea is Exfoliating, over the counter retinol or prescription strength Retin-A, moisturizer and sunscreen.

Benefits of Skin Cycling

Did you know that your skin goes through a natural process of shedding dead skin cells? This is known as skin cell turnover, and it typically takes about 28 days for new skin cells to reach the surface. However, as we age, this process slows down, causing our skin to look dull and tired. That's where skin cycling comes in. By implementing a skincare routine that promotes healthy skin cell turnover, you can achieve brighter, more radiant skin. Skin cycling typically involves using gentle exfoliants and nourishing products to support your skin's natural renewal process. Not only does this result in a more youthful appearance, but it can also improve the efficacy of your other skincare products. So, if you're looking to boost your skin's radiance and overall health, consider incorporating skin cycling into your routine.

Tips for Creating a Successful Skin Cycling Routine

Let's face it, taking care of your skin is essential. However, it can be quite confusing when it comes to creating a skin cycling routine. One of the most crucial tips for a successful routine is to determine your skin type. Is it oily or dry? Combination? Sensitive? Knowing this is key to choosing the right products. Another important aspect is to remember to moisturize, always. Moisturizing keeps your skin hydrated and happy. Sunscreen is going to be your new best friend; the use of retinol is great, however you do want to be more mindful of wearing sunscreen since retinol is photosensitive and all that hard work won't last if you do not use sunscreen.

Products to Help Get Started with Your Skin Cycling

Regimen

Where do you start? Well, there are some essential products that you should consider as part of your routine. First up, an exfoliant will help slough off dead skin cells and promote cell regeneration, leaving your complexion glowing. The exfoliant I use at the moment is from Paula's Choice (2% BHA liquid exfoliant). You want an exfoliant that you can leave on overnight vs the exfoliating scrubs. Next, a retinol product helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots giving you, the appearance of younger, healthier skin and it also increases skin cell turnover. For retinol I use a prescription strength since I've been using retinol for years. If you are new to retinol, I would recommend an over the counter one from Hero Cosmetics one that has been in the market for a long time and approved by dermatologists is Differin Gel. Last but not least good moisturizer and SPF when you first start skin cycling you may feel dry and that is why a good moisturizer is essential, the moisturizer I love and always go back to is from Hero Cosmetics the Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer if you want something more medical grade, I suggest EltaMD Barrier Renewal. As far as SPF goes Hero Cosmetics is my go-to superlight Force Shield sunscreen and better yet it is great for acne prone skin, and it is a mineral sunscreen. If you want something medical grade EltaMD UV Clear is also a great one. The best part of skin cycling is that it can be applied not just to your face but neck as well. Believe it or not we often tend to leave the neck behind and while you are taking care of your face the neck could also use some TLC.

Skin Cycling Schedule

Now that we have covered what exactly is skin cycling and makes it so special, you are wondering how to incorporate it into your routine. Dermatologist Whitney Bowe recommends the following and it's what I've been doing since. If you are a beginner, day one will look like this. Recovery means moisturize on these days you want to hydrate your skin, some like to do recovery night with Aquaphor or Vaseline. If you are prone to breakouts, I would not recommend this clogs your pores creating new breakouts. Instead try Elta MD Moisturizer. You can also follow retinol night with a moisturizer allow the retinol to absorb before applying your moisturizer. If you notice your skin is dry, tight, irritated, red patches you may want to start out with the more gentle approach (See table 3).

Exfoliation Night

Retinol Night

Recovery

Recovery

Repeat

If you are someone more advanced or has been using retinol for quite some time or when you feel your skin is ready to go from the above to something more aggressive the following will do.

Exfoliation Night

Retinol Night

Retinol Night

Retinol Night

Recovery

Repeat

If you are someone who has sensitive skin, dry skin, or has never tried any of the products listed, start out with more of a gentle approach.

Exfoliation Night

Retinol Night

Recovery

Recovery

Recovery

Repeat

Listen to your Skin when first starting out, start small and then increase from there depending how your skin reacts and depending on your skin type. You do not need to over-exfoliate, follow one plan and stick with it no need to overdo it. A pea size amount of retinol for the face is plenty for the neck you want two pea size amounts.

How to Incorporate the rest of your routine

Now that we have covered how to skin cycle you may be wondering well what about the rest of my routine like toner, moisturizer, eye creams etc. On exfoliation nights you do not want to apply anything else leave as is, for retinol night you can follow it with your moisturizer remember to allow the retinol to absorb before applying your moisturizer. You can then follow the following morning with cleanser, toner, serums, eye creams, last is your moisturizer followed by sunscreen. Always apply products from lightest to heaviest and allow some time in between applications for products to penetrate into the skin before continuing with the next step. If you wish to apply serums or toner on recovery nights you may do so always start with toner, serums, eye creams and then your moisturizer.

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Hope you find this useful and Happy Cycling!