Skin Cycling: How It Works and What Are Its Benefits

Of the many social media skincare trends, one of the most talked about is skin cycling. Skin cycling is an innovative skincare routine that prioritizes the concept of rest for your skin. Instead of applying all your products every night, it alternates between exfoliation, active ingredients (like retinol), and recovery nights with just a moisturizer. This method minimizes irritation while maximizing the benefits of the actives by allowing your skin to adjust. Many skincare enthusiasts believe it can be beneficial, especially for those with sensitive skin or who are new to stronger skincare products.

What is the skin cycle?

The skin cycle may seem complicated, but it’s based on a “less is more” technique that helps you achieve healthy-looking skin while protecting your skin barrier. “To start, you’ll follow a four-day nightly routine, with a key product selected for each night. The rotation begins with exfoliation on the first night, then retinol on the second night. The third and fourth nights are spent recovering with serums and moisturizers that protect your skin barrier. The cycle then repeats,” says dermatologist Dr. Seema Oberoi Lall.

What are the benefits of skin regeneration?

Here are some of the potential benefits of skin cycling:

1. It can restore the skin barrier

The skin cycle trend makes it easier than ever to restore your skin barrier. This method provides your skin with the nutrients and water it needs, turning it into an impenetrable barrier against environmental threats. According to a 2018 study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, your skin barrier protects you from infections, harsh chemicals, and allergies.

2. It can minimize adverse effects

Tired of the consequences of your skincare routine? Add Skin Cycle to your plan. It may help reduce the potential impact of skincare products such as irritants, burning, or breakouts. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

3. It can maximize the effects of the active ingredients

“When used correctly, actives like retinol can be more effective. The skin cycle allows the skin to adapt to the chemical, which can lead to better results over time,” explains the expert.

4. It is gentle on sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, the skin cycle’s emphasis on rest and hydration may be a gentler way to incorporate activity into your regimen. However, more research is needed to prove this claim.

5. Simpler routine

“Skin Cycle can simplify your skincare routine by focusing on specific products on designated nights,” says the expert.

How does the skin cycle work?

Here is a complete guide on how to follow the skin cycle routine, explained by Dr. Seema Oberoi Lall.

Night 1

The first night of your skin cycling routine is all about exfoliation. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and deep cleans pores, prepping your skin for moisturizers and targeted ingredients. Exfoliation can allow beneficial chemicals to penetrate deeper, improving their long-term effectiveness.

Exfoliation can involve the use of a physical or chemical exfoliant, both of which can be unpleasant on the skin if used excessively. Exfoliating too frequently can cause redness and make the skin more susceptible to other chemicals. Limiting exfoliation to once every four days helps avoid irritation, while also ensuring that this essential job is included in your regular skincare routine.

Night 2

The second night of your skin cycling program is designed to deliver powerful anti-aging ingredients to your skin. This may include using a serum containing bakuchiol, a retinoid-like substance extracted from edible seeds that is used to treat blemishes and fine lines. A customized facial serum contains ingredients that are best suited to your skin type.

Night 3

This night is all about recovery, so the only thing you apply to your skin after a thorough cleanse is a moisturizer. Depending on your skin’s needs, you can apply a moisturizer formulated for dry skin or to control oil production. A hydrating serum provides extra hydration to especially dry skin.

Hyaluronic acid, oat oil, and vitamin C are examples of substances that can be found in a customized moisturizer, designed to be used every day of the skin cycle schedule, including recovery days. Gentle but effective substances like these do not require breaks between applications.

Night 4

The fourth night of a skin cycling process is a night of rest and recovery, so use the same products as the third night. After this night, the cycle is complete and you can start over from the first night. On the last two days of skin cycling, apply serum and moisturizer while your skin is still damp to improve overall hydration.

Are there any side effects due to skin cycle?

Here are some of the potential side effects of skin cycling, according to the expert.

Initial irritation: If you’ve never used exfoliating actives like retinoids or AHA/BHA, you may notice some dryness or irritation when you first start your skin cycle. This is because your skin is adjusting to the ingredients.

Increased sensitivity to the sun: Many active ingredients, especially retinoids, make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. This is especially important with the skin cycle, as the active ingredients are used more frequently. To avoid sunburn, use sunscreen consistently every day.

Remember that it is always a good idea to consult a dermatologist before starting any new skin care routine, especially if you have sensitive skin or other pre-existing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best morning routine to combat skin cycles?
While a skin cycling routine consists of using various products every night, your morning routine should be more organized. Try a consistent morning routine that includes four simple products: cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

2. How long does the skin cycle last?
A skin cycle is a four-night skin care practice where you alternate skin care products to avoid irritation, then repeat the process several times.