Finding the perfect skincare routine can sometimes be challenging, but when you discover the right exfoliants, creams, and serums and how to apply each, the results are oh so satisfying. Whether you have a whole shelf in your bathroom full of skin care products or are just starting to define your morning and nightly routines, sometimes it pays off to take a step back and simplify things. Enter: skin cycling.
You’ve probably heard of the viral TikTok sensation called “skin cycling.” While this routine was brought into the spotlight by Dr. Whitney Bowe, it’s been a skin care method used by estheticians and skin enthusiasts for years. Skin cycling is so popular because it strengthens the skin barrier and gives your skin an enviable glow.
Are you interested in learning how to do skin cycling in place of your other skincare routines? You’ve come to the right place! Here, we explain everything you need to know about this viral BeautyTok routine, including how long a skin cycle is and which products work best.
What Is Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling is a four-night skin strengthening schedule designed to reset your skin and help you find a routine that works best for you. It starts with exfoliation on the first night and ends with two nights of recovery (in which only barrier creams and hydrating serums are used). This nighttime routine helps you see the importance of treating your skin and allowing it time to rejuvenate. Before long, you’ll discover which combination of products provides the results you are trying to achieve.
Does Skin Cycling Work for Every Skin Type?
Like any new skin care product, you must start skin cycling with caution. While many people with various skin types have found success with skin cycling, there’s a small chance that your skin will not respond to this type of routine. For example, some people with sensitive skin may need to choose a different type of exfoliant, such as the Shir-Organic Pineapple Papaya Enzyme, or discover that the order of exfoliant and then retinol doesn’t work for them. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t try your hand at a skin cycling routine, just that you may need to switch up the regime a bit.
What if you have acne-prone skin? Is skin cycling good for acne? Yes! You could see several benefits by adopting a skin cycling routine. Exfoliating keeps pores clear, preventing breakouts, and exfoliation and retinol help soothe post-acne hyperpigmentation marks.
How to Do Skin Cycling at Home
Ready to get started with your at-home skin cycling routine? Here’s how to do skin cycling as your new nighttime routine:
Night 1: Exfoliate
You should exfoliate once weekly to remove dead skin cells and allow active ingredients such as retinoids to absorb the skin much more thoroughly.
Before exfoliating, use a cleanser to clear the skin of oils and dirt. Then apply a leave-on exfoliant like Nutriburst Night Renewal Therapy to eliminate dehydrated skin cells and increase cell turnover. Finally, use a moisturizer once the tingling sensation from the chemical exfoliation product has subsided.
You can use the Oasis Rejuvenating Exfoliant 10% or an AHA scrub instead of the Night Renewal Therapy exfoliant if preferred.
Night 2: Retinoid
It’s important to introduce your skin to retinoids because they stimulate collagen and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also benefit people suffering from skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. Retinols are reserved for the second night of skin cycling because retinoids penetrate the skin better after exfoliating.
Before applying retinol, cleanse and dry your face. Then, apply retinol to your face and massage it in.
Are you looking for the best retinol for skin cycling? We recommend Nutriburst Retinol Power Duo because it utilizes the power of hyaluronic acid to smooth, hydrate, and plump the skin. Another great alternative includes Boto-Derm Rx Forte Repair Night Cream.
Nights 3 and 4: Recovery
On the last two nights of your skin cycling routine, you will want to focus on hydrating your skin. Hydrating serums and creams repair and strengthen your skin barrier and replenish the skin’s nutrients. On the recovery days, use a gentle cleanser, apply a hydrating serum, and then a facial cream while your skin is still damp. We recommend using the Shir-Radiance Advanced Collagen Treatment Cream or an avocado face cream.
Start Your Skin Cycling Routine Today
With so many incredible exfoliants, creams, and serums available, creating a skin care regimen perfect for your skin type is easy. But sometimes, we need to strip back our routines and give our skin some relief. If you need help rejuvenating your skin, try the viral social media trend called skin cycling. This routine will strengthen your skin and give you that beautiful glow you’ve always wanted.
At Shira Esthetics, we believe simplicity is key to good skin. That’s why we use natural ingredients in all of our products. Whether you’re building out your skin cycling kit or simply looking for organic products to add to your morning and nighttime routines, we have everything you need. Start shopping for skin cycling products and more on our online shop!