Is skin cycling a game changer in your beauty routine?
Skin cycling is a beauty trend to get behind, experts say. Here’s why those in the know believe it may be the key to a healthier complexion.
In an era where many of us can decipher product ingredients and grasp the distinction between retinol and retinal, it’s easy to forget that just a few generations ago, most skincare routines comprised a bar of soap and not much else.
While it’s great there have been so many advancements in skincare, there have also been instances of people damaging their skin barrier due to incorrect or excessive use of active ingredients.
Were our grandparents on to something all along when it comes to simplified skincare?
According to the experts, yes and no.
Actives, including retinoids, are proven methods for repairing and protecting the skin and can be tolerated by most skin types – so long as they’re used in moderation.
But this is where things get cloudy, as individual interpretations of a conservative approach will vary.
In an effort to counteract the misuse of actives, the practice of skin cycling began to take off on TikTok and so far, it’s been met with an overwhelmingly positive response.
Although the concept of skin cycling isn’t new, it wasn’t really discussed beyond dermatologists’ offices until it gained prominence on social media.
View this post on Instagram
- Skincare 101: Why a skin purge may be the secret to a healthy complexion
What is skin cycling?
The term “skin cycling” was popularised by US dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe in 2021 to describe spacing out skincare actives over the course of a week to prevent overwhelming the skin while providing adequate time to heal.
This practice evolved into a four-night routine that cycles between an exfoliation night, a retinoid night, followed by two recovery nights.
Since the method became popular online, Dr Bowe’s skin cycling explainers on TikTok have gone on to receive millions of hits, and the before-and-afters of people practising skin cycling are equally impressive.
“Skin cycling is the latest skincare trend taking over TikTok, and unlike other trends that are more hype than substance, I agree with the ethos behind this movement,” GP and co-founder of The Secret Skincare Dr Deb Cohen-Jones says.
View this post on Instagram
Is skin cycling for specific skin types only?
No – anyone can introduce skin cycling into their skincare routine and find it beneficial.
However, those with sensitive or dry skin types will find the practice particularly useful because these types are prone to damaged skin barriers.
Is simplifying your skincare key to better results?
Skin concerns and conditions vary from person to person, but if skin cycling has taught us anything, it’s that taking a more conservative approach to using actives might actually yield more effective results.
“When introducing strong and, in particular, prescription-strength actives, cycling or alternating with more simple ingredients on the ‘off nights’ is the key to building tolerance in the skin to enable more prolonged use of active ingredients,” Dr Cohen-Jones says.
“Your skin barrier can become easily compromised if new strong actives aren’t introduced cyclically as we suggest in our treatment plan for all new users or those introducing higher concentrations.”
View this post on Instagram
Putting skin cycling into practice
Skincare fanatic Liz Claire observed a noticeable improvement to her skin once she decided to practice skin cycling.
“To avoid compromising my skin barrier, I alternate two days of protecting my skin with (using) hydrating and nourishing products that are packed with antioxidants,” Liz says.
“On the third day I use 10 per cent mandelic acid to prevent breakouts as it’s antibacterial and helps unclog your pores; for day four, I’ll use my probiotic retinol to prevent and reduce fine lines and hyperpigmentation – then I repeat the cycle, and it’s really as simple as that.”
Since Liz adopted the practice, she’s found it kept her cystic acne at bay.
“Giving your skin breaks in-between actives is so important,” Liz says.
“For those with sensitive skin, in addition to skin cycling, you can try the sandwich method, which involves applying moisturiser before and after retinol so that it’s diluted and less harsh on the skin.”
View this post on Instagram
- Peptide boost: Does your skincare need to include peptides?
Written by Charlotte Brundrett.
