Skin Cycling the latest skincare trend
Skin cycling was a concept created by American Dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe. The idea behind this is to minimize irritation, and maximize results. With the market being so oversaturated it can be very confusing to know what “trends” are good and which ones to steer clear of!
So, what is skin cycling? and is it worthwhile? In the simplest terms skin cycling is a four-day skin routine that is then repeated. This alternates between using highly active ingredients to letting the skin rest and recover. The concept behind this is very clever in a market that is constantly telling consumers to use more Vitamin C, more Retinol, more exfoliants etc compromising the skin barrier. Dr Whitney Bowe has now made it “trendy” to stop the overuse of active ingredients and I’m so here for it!
Let’s talk it through..
Night 1
Typically, night 1 is your exfoliation night. When we say exfoliation a serum with a combination of different acids is more effective, think a glycolic, AHA that is formulated in 8-10 percent strength. By chemically exfoliating the skin, you are helping to brighten and unclog pores but also this will help make your pores smaller over time and help with fine lines and wrinkles. I recommend following your chemical exfoliant serum with a simple hydrator.
TIP– If you are skin slugging by using a petroleum hydrator at night skip that step for this night as it can drive the exfoliating serum deeper into the skin causing irritation and damage to the skin.
Night 1 Product Options
Light Ceutic – Dermaceutic
Hyal- Dermaceutic
Soothing Cream-Biopelle
Advanced Moisturiser-Biopelle
Night 2
Night two is your retinoid night!
Retinol is a very hot topic when it comes to skincare. People either love it or experience too much sensitivity and opt to not use it at all. Skin cycling can help to introduce retinol into your skin routine with less side effects however this is nota one size fits all, always speak to your dermal therapist if you are unsure and start with a low strength, then work your way up!
Patients often try a retinoid and give up within the first couple of weeks because of the dryness, irritation, and purging, but they need to push through that!You must always follow a retinol with a hydrator application.
Night 2 Product Options
Activ Retinol 0.5 % – Dermaceutic
Retriderm 0.5% or 1% -Biopelle
Hyal- Dermaceutic
Soothing Cream-Biopelle
Advanced Moisturiser-Biopelle
TIP– If you’re just starting off with Retinol try a “retinol sandwich” apply moisturiser to a clean face in areas which experience sensitivity nasal labial folds, around the mouth and under eyes then apply retinol followed by another layer of moisturiser. If you are prone to sensitivity I would recommend starting off with the Activ .5% by Dermaceutic instead of the Retriderm as it is water based and the “Retinol Sandwich technique will be less effective.
Night 3 & 4
After your two push nights when exfoliants and retinoids are used to deliberately to push skin out of its comfort zone it’s now time for recovery. the same concept as working out in the gym and incorporating rest days to allow your body to recover, is the same for your skin. Night 3 and 4 are all about nourishing the skin microbiome and repairing the skin barrier.
Night 3 Product Options
Hyal- Dermaceutic
Soothing Cream-Biopelle
Advanced Moisturiser-Biopelle
Tensage 40 Vials
TIP– Experiencing purging or redness? Pop on a Tensage 40 growth factor vial underneath your moisturiser to help aid the skins recovery
After personally trialling this for a month, I must say I do love this concept. The first two weeks I purged a lot. Pop on your Omnilux Contour mask for 10 minutes before doing your night routine and this will help make the purging period more tolerable. Where no make up if possible and don’t stress! Trust the process it will pass, and it will be SO worth it. If you are experiencing sensitively you can also add another rest night in there directly after your 2nd rest night. My skin feels smooth and soft and any congestion that was underlying around my chin has been brought to the surface leaving me with a smoother complexion.
My Routine
AM
Gentle Cleanser
Daily serum
Hyal
K Ceutic
PM
Night 1
Light Ceutic
Hyal
Night 2
Activ .5
Hyal
Rest nights X3
1 Vial per week
Hyal
If you’d like to try this method come and chat to us and we can tailor a routine to suit your skin and your skin goals.
Happy Skin Cycling!!
Blog by Eliza Dilling
