First Thing's First
By now, you’ve probably got a pretty good grasp of the basics of an effective, everyday skincare regime; with the bare minimum being a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF. It’s when you start adding to the basics, incorporating exfoliants and serums with active ingredients that it gets a bit tricky. How often? In what order? Once a day or once a week? Is there such a thing as too much of this or too little of that? If you find yourself thinking, “If only there were a simple formula I could follow” then Skin Cycling is the answer you’ve been looking for.
So, What is it?
Skin Cycling is a four-night skincare regime that you cycle through; exfoliating on night one, applying retinoids on night two, and focusing on hydration and barrier repair on nights three and four, making the second half of the cycle a ‘recovery’ period for your skin. The result? Less sensitivity, reduced irritation and redness, and, according to those who make a living by turning the camera on themselves, “achievement of a filter-like complexion.”
While #skincycling may be new to Gen Z influencers and #skintok content creators, it’s a well-known (and evidence-based) treatment protocol in dermatology. Long before it was a trending hashtag, those in the skincare know have seen the benefits of using products strategically; introducing actives in a calculated way and targeting specific skin concerns without damaging the skin barrier or causing irritation.
The Proof is in the… Patience
Skin Cycling isn’t something you try for a week or two and then ditch in favour of whatever new skincare trend catches your eye mid-scroll. Think of it like a new wellness regime, an eating plan or a workout schedule, for example. Results won’t be immediate but if you stick with it, don’t skip a day and trust the process, you’ll see the benefits in between eight to 12 weeks.
The way we see it, patience makes perfect. Some of the benefits you can expect from Skin Cycling include pores looking smaller, skin tone evening out and a level up in both the radiance and glow departments.
To find out more about this trend, chat to your therapist or doctor at your next Skin Renewal appointment. There’s a really good chance you already have all the products you need to get started sitting in your bathroom cabinet, it’s just about figuring out which to use on which day. That’s the other thing we LOVE about this skincare movement; it’s as kind to your bank balance as it is to your epidermis!