Skin cycling is the current trend in skin care. This is a concept that is currently making a real buzz on TikTok. And this is no joke! Contrary to what one might be tempted to believe, this is a beauty routine idea that pays off. Moreover, a dermatologist is behind the skin cycle which offers a method to take care of the skin through skilfully selected night care.
Skin cycling: the concept
The concept of skin cycling or cycle of the skin was created by Dr. Whitney Bowe. The 43-year-old dermatologist is also the founder of Bowe Beauty. The concept proposes a night care routine involving the daily use of specific active ingredients and the programming of “rest” phases for the skin.
In practice, the program is therefore carried out in 4 stages (over 4 nights):
- Night 1: Exfoliation
- Night 2: Retinoid-based treatment
- Night 3 and 4: Hydration and reinforcement of the skin barrier
Once a skin cycle is completed, another can be started, and so on. The objective is then to boost the functioning of the skin and to strengthen it thanks to targeted treatments.
How to adopt skin cycling?
Skin cycling involves using specific products each time. Each treatment is preceded by a wash with a gentle, irritant-free cleanser. The product must then be applied to very dry skin.
For the first night, the exfoliation is carried out with a product based on chemical exfoliating ingredients rather than physical exfoliants which are more aggressive and likely to damage the skin barrier. The scrub will then be based on salicylic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid. The ideal would be to use a leave-in treatment.
For the second night, it is necessary to use retinoids, more precisely retinol which is well known for its anti-wrinkle properties. This will be the only ingredient used each time. Given the rather aggressive nature of retinol, it is important to start with small doses.
On the third and fourth night, the skin must rest in order to preserve the skin's moisture barrier. Suspending the use of exfoliants and retinoids will allow the epidermis to recover. This is also an opportunity to feed it with ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Embellished, strengthened and rejuvenated skin
Two cycles are enough for the results to be seen. The skin is visibly healthier, more radiant and younger. To the touch, its texture is softer.
Be careful, you must each time use a product that is adapted to the nature of your skin (normal, dry, oily, mature, sensitive, etc.). Also, each treatment ends with the application of a moisturizer.
Finally, if you have the slightest doubt about skin cycling, it is advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist who will recommend the most suitable care. You can then find the products you need in our catalog.