The latest skincare trend has well over 60 million views on TikTok with the hashtag #skincycling.
But, this one is different, as it comes endorsed by dermatologist and scientist Dr. Whitney Bowe. I am always in favour of a trend that supports protection of the skin barrier. So often, active ingredients such as retinoids and acids are used continually, in the hope of turning back the clock or gaining perfect skin (neither of which exist).
Also, all these products have the potential to be harmful, especially if overused, so the idea of taking a step back or purposefully stopping these in a cyclic manner is a positive approach.
How Skin Cycling works:
Night 1: Exfoliation
Cleanse and apply your exfoliant of choice, then moisturise.
Night 2: Retinoid
Cleanse. Moisturise potential dry/irritant zones (under eye, around nose and lips, and neck) apply your retinoid (small amounts). Finish with moisturiser.
Night 3 + 4: Recovery
Cleanse and use your recovery moisturiser. Something ceramide-based would be ideal. My favourite is Skingredients Skin Good Fats.
Our skin barrier
The recovery phases gives the skin a break, to help restore and replenish the barrier of the skin. When our skin barrier is working optimally, subsequently it keeps in moisture and provides protection from external irritants. It is so important, therefore, to look after this hard-working surface.
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Advantages of the Skin Cycling method include:
✔ Easy to follow
✔ You can continue to use your favourite products for each step
✔ A purposeful, methodical, skincare routine means being consistent
✔ Avoids overuse of skin irritants such as exfoliants and retinoids... less is more!
✔ Recovery and protection of the skin barrier is so important, especially when using active ingredients
So, what do you think? Is this something that appeals to you? If you are stuck for suggestions on which products to use, feel free to message me on my Instagram.
Michelle
Skin Health Pharmacist
