Skin Cycling: Just Another TikTok Trend or Something More?
If you are spending some time on TikTok, you have probably seen many different trends for hairstyling, nails, and skincare. Those trends tend to appear, then we hear someone says it is dangerous and so and so. TikTok provides us with many information, but much of it can be harmful. Pseudo-dermatologists are everywhere, but it is on you to choose who you will trust.
Recently, we have heard about a trend called skin cycling. This method is all about ‘less is more’. By simplifying your skincare routine, picking the right active ingredients, and promoting skin recovery you actually can get better and healthier skin. Keep reading to learn more about this new skincare hype.
What is Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling is a method that allows you to use active ingredients, but also let your skin rest, so you can avoid possible irritations. It is a four-day circle that alternates between active ingredient nights as well as recovery nights. Let’s see what your routine should look like.
Night One
The skin cycle starts with an exfoliation night. All those dead skin cells will be off your face. First, start with a gentle cleanser, and pat your skin dry.
Thick As Thieves Pure Glicolic and Lactic acid peel is one of the products you should definitely try in the process of skin cycling. There is very little that this peel can’t do. Glycolic acid and Lactic acid works perfectly together, allowing your skin to be renewed and clean.
Then you can apply a serum that has alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids in it. You can also apply a scrub if that is what you prefer. This is going to slough away the upper skin layer, preparing it for night two and your dose of retinoids.
Night Two
The second night of skin cycling is retinoid. As heard before, retinoids speed up the process of skin cell turnover. Since they are vitamin-A based, they are also known for treating acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, but also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, since some people can’t tolerate retinol every night on their faces, cycling might be crucial for that too.
Again start by cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser, and make sure to pat dry it really well. You shouldn’t let it be half dry, or even damp. Then apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to the whole face. If you haven’t used retinol before this, start small and don’t be afraid if certain irritations appear. Stick with a low percentage if your skin is sensitive or reactive.
Nights Three and Four
These nights are also called recovery nights. Now that your skin is exfoliated and got the dose of retinol it is time to let it rest, hydrate it, and repair the skin barrier. On these nights, you can simply clean your skin, apply a moisturizer, and that’s it! Make sure that your moisturizer doesn’t have active ingredients. You can apply this water-based moisturizer that is a real Gem in a Bottle.
Benefits and Possible Downsides of Skin Cycling
The main benefit of skin cycling is improving your skincare routine and using more active ingredients. Exfoliating products are powerful and can do a lot of good things to your skin.
However, the most important thing to remember is to listen to your skin. Some people fit right in this cycling process, while others need to tailor it. If you are experiencing irritation, simply increase recovery nights. On the other hand, if you want to add more retinoids, then you can omit one recovery night. It is that simple.
If you notice that your skin is itchy, irritated, or rough then stop it, and get back to your normal skincare routine. Don’t forget your sunscreen in the morning. It is important to protect your skin from damage as retinoids and exfoliants do their thing at night.
People with eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions should consult with their dermatologist before starting this new skincare trend.
