WHAT IS SKIN CYCLING?

There are a few simple skincare rules that are obvious to savvy consumers – we know how important regular cleansing, moisturising and daily SPF application are for the skin. But when we start adding more products, like anti-ageing cosmetics or exfoliants, things get a little more complicated. You may be wondering: how often should we apply each of them? And in what order should they be applied?

TikTok has given us a lot of skincare trends in its short existence. From double cleansing to glass skin, we’ve seen a lot of skincare tips we can either do or don’t. When it comes to one of the latest trends, skin cycling, the success of this recommendation lies in its versatility. Those who regularly care for their skin can rotate skincare products to get a wide range of results.

WHAT IS SKIN CYCLING ?

The concept of rotating cosmetics presented on social media is relatively new, although the idea itself should sound familiar, as these methods have been recommended by dermatologists for years.

The term “skin cycling” is coined by Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City. According to Bowe, the classic Skin Cycling program consists of a four-night schedule. The first is exfoliation, the second is retinoid time, and the third and fourth are recovery nights, during which the focus should be on hydration and repairing the skin’s protective barrier. Once the cycle is complete, the process is repeated.

The idea is to incorporate specific cosmetics with higher concentrations of active ingredients, such as AH acids or retinoids, into your skincare routine only on certain days of the week, while allowing your skin to rest and regenerate for the rest of the week.

While these skincare routines are commonly recommended for those with sensitive skin , rosacea, or psoriasis, anyone can benefit from this skincare regimen by incorporating a range of effective skincare products while minimizing the risk of irritation.

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF A CARE ROUTINE?

Your specific skincare routine may vary depending on your skin type, desired results, and preferences. It seems like everyone has their own preferred skincare routine, but one of the easiest options is to use an exfoliator the first night, a retinoid the second, and then rest for at least two nights. Exfoliation can be done in the morning, while retinoids should be applied at night, so it’s usually easiest to simply schedule additional treatments into your evening routine to stay consistent. If you’re seeing good results, stick with your skincare routine. If you notice any inflammation, redness, irritation, or other concerns, pause your cycle and talk to your dermatologist.

Exfoliants and retinoids are the most important products to include when skin cycling. While these products are essential for skin renewal, stimulating collagen production, and improving skin firmness and texture, they can be problematic. Frequent use of exfoliants and retinoids can lead to inflammation and damage to the skin barrier. For this reason, skin cycling allows people to reap the benefits of these products without the unnecessary risk of skin irritation.

CHOOSING A SKIN EXFOLIATION METHOD

The goal of exfoliation is to remove the outermost layer of the epidermis, which consists of dead keratinocytes. This allows subsequent products to be more easily absorbed by the skin, evens out skin tone and texture, and helps reduce the risk of breakouts and acne flare-ups.
There are various types of peels on the market. The most popular are those containing abrasive granules. They do their job very well, but they are not recommended for people with sensitive skin or active acne lesions. The next group are chemical peels, which in turn are divided into acid and enzymatic.

CHOICE OF RETINOIDS

Retinoid is the term most commonly used to refer to skincare products containing active ingredients derived from vitamin A and designed to prevent and counteract signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, these are raw materials that work very hard on the skin and can cause irritation. A cyclical skincare routine can help avoid this adverse reaction to retinoids. One form of retinol – the modern RETINOL H10 used in ORIENTANA SERUM is free of irritating properties and will be suitable even for those who are new to this ingredient.

MOISTURIZING AND REGENERATION

During the four-day care cycle, the two remaining days after exfoliation and retinoids are devoted to moisturizing and regenerating the skin. Cosmetics with ceramides such as modern SERUM WITH CERAIDS , nourishing oils and butters such as NATURAL CREAMS , soothing plant extracts and moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or trehalose will work great here.

IS SKIN CYCLING SAFE?

A cyclical skincare routine is not ideal for all skin types. Exfoliating twice a week may be too intense for some skin types (once a week is recommended), so it is worth consulting your dermatologist or cosmetologist, who can take a look at your skin and establish a program that is right for you. If you have very sensitive skin, skip this process from your skincare routine.