The term “skin cycling” was coined by Whitney Bowe, MD, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist. Skin cycling is a nighttime skincare routine that cycles between product application and rest. A four-day cycle is the most popular and consists of using active ingredients, or products designed to treat skin conditions like acne or signs of aging, two nights of the week, followed by two nights of rest, and then repeating. The benefit of adopting a skin cycling routine is that it can help prevent the skin barrier from being compromised due to the overuse of active ingredients. Skin cycling creates a consistent and effective routine for optimal results be maintain the health of your skin.
Night 1: Exfoliation
Prepare to clear your pores and slough away dead dull skin. First, cleanse with a gentle face wash and pat the skin dry. Then, apply a leave-on chemical exfoliant, such as a serum that includes alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids.
SkinCeuticals® Product Recommendation: Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight or Retexturing Activator
Night 2: Retinoid
Retinoids* help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and then thoroughly dry your skin; you do not want to apply the retinoid to damp skin. If you have not used a retinoid before, apply a thin layer of moisturizer to sensitive areas, including under the eyes, around the corners of the mouth, at the base of your nostrils, and on the neck. Then, apply the retinoid. A pea-sized amount of product can be used for your entire face. Finish by applying a layer of moisturizer on top of the retinoid.
SkinCeuticals® Product Recommendation: Retinol .05 or Retinol 1.0
*If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, it is recommended that you avoid using retinol-based products.
Nights 3 and 4: Repair and Recovery
Your skin has been hard at work, it is time to ease into recovery. Simply wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a hydrating serum or moisturizer that does not include active ingredients like AHA, BHA, or retinoids. Use fragrance-free products that contain skin-repairing additives like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. For best results, apply moisturizer on damp skin to lock in hydration.
SkinCeuticals® Product Recommendation: Hyaluronic Acid (H.A.) Intensifier or Hydrating B5 Gel
The Benefits of Skin Cycling
Skin cycling is effective because it gives your skin the time it needs to heal between treatments. It is a simple cycle that can be incorporated into your at-home skincare routine and is ideal for people with skin sensitivity that cannot tolerate harsh ingredients on a daily basis. The regimen encourages people to cleanse and moisturize their face nightly and space out harsher treatments that can irritate the skin.
Schedule a Skincare Consultation
Our team of skincare professionals can help you develop an at-home regimen that is designed to address your individual concerns. There are many ways to adapt this type of at-home application of cosmeceutical products to prevent sensitivity or overworking of the skin for each individual while still achieving desired results.
Contact us today to learn more about how skin cycling can transform your at-home skincare routine! Speak to a member of our team by calling 785-227-9235.
