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What is skin cycling?
Skin cycling is Tik-toks latest skincare trend that involves a simple yet effective revamp to your nightly routine. While some beauty trends and viral hacks are all fluff, this one is different. Many other skincare professionals agree that this derm-created method can be beneficial for repairing a skin barrier by scaling back when we get a little TOO happy with actives such as retinols and AHAs.
Skin cycling was coined by dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe and in her words "Skin cycling is a strategic method for cycling through your evening skincare products to maximize results and minimize irritation." Unlike other popular evening routines, skin cycling allows for 'rest days', giving the skin 48 hours to restore and recover.
Should I start skin cycling?
Skin cycling can benefit anyone, but it's best for those who get with sensitive skin, those who get irritated easily or those to have found the actives in products to have "stopped working" Over exfoliation is the process of applying too many actives or using them too frequently, this is detrimental to the skin and can result in a compromised skin barrier. The skin barrier has the job of keeping the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. When damaged skin is more likely to suffer from conditions such as eczema, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, slower wound healing, and more.
Typical Skin cycling guide
Night 1: Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the process of ridding those dead, dull skin cells. First, cleanse with a gentle cleanser for your skin type, pat your skin dry, and grab your favorite leave-on chemical exfoliator, this will be an acid-based serum. Then layer the serum with a moisturizer before bed.
$50.00
This power-packed facial exfoliator combines enzymatic, physical, and chemical exfoliants to refine and renew dull, uneven skin. Powered by fruit enzymes, hydroxy acids, rose quartz microcrystals, and bamboo powder, it offers our most advanced and thorough exfoliation to remove dead… Read More
$51.00
Illuminate and energize your complexion with tropical enzymes that reawaken the skin and impart an instant glow. This brightening masque digests dead skin cells, stimulates cell turnover, lifts impurities and refines pores. Pineapple + Papaya brighten, exfoliate and smooth the… Read MoreAGELESS total microderm exfoliator
Rejuvenate Brightening Peel 50ml
Night 2: Retinoid
Retinoids such as retinol and retinaldehyde are vitamin A derivatives that are used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinols are recognized as a "super ingredient" but can lead to irritation when first starting to use them or if you have sensitive skin. On night 2; cleanse and dry your face then use your retinoid as directed.
$80.00
Revolutionary science meets the proven anti-aging benefits of retinol. This breakthrough treatment masque transforms skin’s appearance while you sleep. Multi-action technology continuously releases hydrating microspheres of marine collagen to lock in moisture and delivers retinol deep into the skin to… Read More
$56.50
This ultimate anti-aging serum is to be used in the evening for cell repair and health. As cells go under oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, Vitamins A (retinaldehyde) & B3 (niacinamide) condition the cell membrane encouraging cellular respiration. This allows… Read MoreAGELESS total overnight retinol masque
Retinaldehyde Serum with IconicA 1oz
Night 3 and 4: Rest & Recover
Skin cycling sets itself apart from other skincare routines on nights 3 and 4. To give your skin barrier time to repair, do not use any actives and focus on hydration.
Cleanse your skin, leave it a little damp then apply a hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid before your moisturizer.
& Repeat.
$78.00
This concentrated topical filler contains six forms of lower and higher molecular weight hyaluronic acids to rapidly smooth away the appearance of wrinkles. Delivers an immediate, noticeable boost of hydration. Fill in fine lines without an injection. DETAILS Concerns All… Read More
$25.00
Get quenched and chill out with this deep dip of cool hydration! This revitalizing mask is among our Top 2 Best Sellers! It's packed with fresh avocado butter, extract and oil to deliver key fatty acids to support the outermost… Read MoreAGELESS total pure hyaluronic filler
Guac Star Soothing Avocado Hydration Mask 3.25oz
Skin Cycling Personalization
Skin cycling is completely customizable and should be adjusted depending on your skin type and current state. Here are some examples.
If you are prone to sensitivity and redness, the recovery nights can be increased to look like this:
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Night 1: Exfoliate
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Night 2: Retinoid
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Night 3: Recovery
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Night 4: Recovery
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Night 5: Recovery
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Repeat
If you have relatively normal skin and are accustomed to retinoids, you can drop a recovery night for a shorter 3-day cycle:
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Night 1: Exfoliate
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Night 2: Retinoid
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Night 3: Recovery
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Repeat
Some people have opted for a 7-day skin cycle:
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Night 1: Exfoliate
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Night 2: Retinoid
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Night 3: Recovery
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Night 4: Exfoliate
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Night 5: Retinoid
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Night 6: Recovery
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Night 7: Recovery
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Repeat
The Bottom Line
Skincare proffesionals and consumers have fallen in love with this minimalist approach to an evening routine as it concentrates on total skin health versus a "quick fix" to a problem. Browse our top picks for skin cycling throughout the post to get started.
$39.00
Your skin's first defense against dullness. Jumpstart your daily brightening routine with this luxurious cream-to-foam cleanser. It sweeps away impurities and exfoliates in one step to help visibly brighten and refine the skin. Its mushroom-derived enzyme, bamboo spheres and smart-sensing… Read MoreILUMA intense brightening exfoliating cleanser
$80.00
This intensive blend of retinol, glycolic acid, and lactic acid helps to repair visible signs of aging and revitalize the appearance of dull skin. An advanced peptide complex actively fights the appearance of wrinkles and improves uneven tone. Designed for… Read MoreAGELESS total retinol-A crème
$61.00
Restore the look of healthy skin with soothing botanicals and powerful antioxidants. This Hydration Masque, infused with Hyaluronic Acid and CoQ10, restores skin tone, increases elasticity, and boosts collagen production. Rosehip + Hibiscus re-energize the skin and provide deep hydration… Read MoreRestore Hydration Masque 50ml
$82.00
Their #1 bestselling serum softens the appearance of wrinkles, supports skin elasticity and fights environmental damage.Fresh, energizing aroma courtesy of natural orange peel. DETAILS CONCERNS All Skin Types Dull Skin Suggested Use Apply to cleansed skin in the morning and… Read MoreVITAL C hydrating anti-aging serum 1.7oz
