Picture this: you only own a handful of skincare products. You know exactly what to use each night, and your routine is the most optimized its ever been. You no longer over exfoliate and give your skin barrier nights to rest and recover. This enticing trend is called Skin Cycling and was coined by dermatologist and scientist Dr. Whitney Bowe. This has gone ultra viral on TikTok and other social media platforms alike.
What is Skin Cycling?
This skincare routine works on increasing the effectiveness of your nighttime routine. Skin cycling is a four night process:
Night 1 – Exfoliation
Night 2 – Retinol
Nights 3 & 4 – Recovery
“There are two groups of people who will benefit most from skin cycling: those who are overwhelmed by all the products out there and not sure where to start, and those who are already using great products but reaching a plateau in results,” Dr. Bowe says.
source
This process not only simplifies the routine, but also isn’t too rigid which means it works for all skin types and concerns. You don’t have to stick to specific products as there as many options to work for more sensitive skin types or those just starting their journey.
*Note: What do you use in the morning you ask? Your daily gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen! I also add a Vitamin C for my specific skin type and concerns.
My Skin Cycling Results
You will see noticeable effects right away such as glowing and hydrated skin, then more intensive results will start to appear after a couple months of continuous Skin Cycling. An improvement in fine lines, hyperpigmentation and acne are just some of the skin concerns effectively treated through this process.
Here is my skin before Skin Cycling, (but still doing daily skincare):
Here is my skin after two weeks of Skin Cycling:
Since I already do maintain my daily skincare routines, I didn’t expect a huge difference in my skin. To my surprise, though, my face looks overall brighter and more even-toned! What do you think?
Products I Recommend
When it comes to choosing your exfoliant for night 1, this can be a cleanser, toner or serum option. You can also choose from a variety of acids such as salicylic, glycolic, polyhydroxy, lactic, mandelic, etc.
I have been using the APRILSKIN Carrotene Clarifying Serum. This uses key ingredients like beta-carotene (precursor to retinol) and niacinamide to help improve acne and uneven skin.
Next, you can choose your Night 2 retinol to be as gentle or strong as your skin likes.
I have been using retinol on and off for over a year now and tried many different formulations. Currently, I’m using the Avene Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream.
Finally, on the last two nights of skin cycling recovery you want to ensure an ultra-gentle routine. I add in some extra soothing serums and facial oils. My top favorite serums have been the Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum and the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum.
I make sure to use a facial oil on the Skin Cycling recovery nights too. I love both of of these juicy oils: Kinship Oat Ceramide Relief Oil and Love By Jade Glow Serum.
You can use the same moisturizer every night to simplify the Skin Cycling process. I recommend picking one that makes your skin feel plump and hydrated! You can do a sandwich method on your retinol night if you are more sensitive or new to retinoids.
Read more about retinol for beginners here!
One of my favorite moisturizers is Stratia Skin Liquid Gold. It has ultra-soothing properties to protect the skin barrier and moisturize even the most sensitive skin.
Dr. Bowe Skin Cycling Wrap-up
Overall, I love the idea of Skin Cycling! The skincare market is very over saturated which makes the daily skincare routine way too complicated. Less is more when it comes to exfoliating acids and you can absolutely over do it. I would recommend anyone to try out Dr. Whitney Bowe’s Skin Cycling routine to simplify skincare and maximize their results!
What do you think about Skin Cycling? Is it worth it, or just another trend?
This is a much different idea than my previous blog on intuitive skincare, which is definitely a more advanced technique. If you want to try another skincare routine option, check this out!
Sources:
https://drwhitneybowebeauty.com/blogs/derm-scribbles
https://www.allure.com/story/what-is-skin-cycling-tiktok-trend
I like the idea of skin cycling. It does make things easier!!
Definitely simplifies the routine!