Looking to make your skincare work even more effectively? ‘Skin cycling’, coined by New York dermatologist Whitney Bowe, may be the answer. The whole idea is that you give your skin recovery days in the same way you do your muscles after exercise. Skin cycling is a regular, four-night skincare routine that alternates nights of applying active ingredients with rest and recovery. The result? Minimised irritation, a strengthened skin barrier and improved appearance.
Skincare is never a one-size-fits-all approach, but if you want to see what skin cycling can do for you, then here’s how to do it:
NIGHT 1: Exfoliate
Use an acid to slough away dead skin cells and wake up glowing. Exfoliation aids penetration of your active ingredients for night two.
Want to add an acid to your routine? Try: Dr. LeWinn's Reversaderm Corrective Skin Peel
NIGHT 2: Apply retinoids
Choose a vitamin A product, which will boost your collagen and elastane production and increase skin cell turnover. Retinoids can be irritating, though. So, if you have sensitive or reactive skin, pick a lower concentration to help your skin acclimatise.
Ready for a Vitamin A product? Try: O Cosmedics Retinol Concentrate 1%
NIGHTS 3 AND 4: Recover
Avoid all actives. It’s all about recovery, hydration and barrier repair now. Use only hydrating products that have nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, squalane or ceramides.
Keen to hydrate your skin? Try: Ego QV Ceramides Moisturising Cream
And there we have it, that's your beginner's guide to skin cycling! Repeat this four-night cycle regularly for healthy, radiant skin.
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