On day 1, the idea is to remove dead skin, allowing skin regeneration, which allows the active ingredients to work efficiently. (Image: Shutterstock)
This skin care method consists of alternating active and rest phases to improve skin health, prevent acne and delay aging.
Skin cycling is an intriguing skincare concept that is becoming increasingly popular due to its innovative approach to improving skin health. It's basically about altering your skincare routine or products strategically to ensure that your skin is constantly stimulated and that the active ingredients remain effective. This technique is gaining popularity because it helps improve the overall health of the skin.
Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, Aesthetic Physician and Founder of ISAAC Luxe (International Skin and Anti-Aging Center), says, “It includes alternating retinol and alternating the use of exfoliants and including a day where you do not use any actives for your skin barrier to be repaired. From morning toning to nighttime repair, Skin Cycling maximizes the effectiveness of products, ensuring they harmonize with the ever-changing demands of your skin.
And he added: “The skin cycle constitutes the skin care protocol, avoiding excessive use of exfoliants and retinol. Your alternative daily use of retinol and the skin barrier has enough time to repair itself. The idea behind skin cycling is based on the fact that our skin can get used to the same products over time, making them less effective. By mixing things up regularly, you prevent your skin from stagnating and maximize the benefits of your skincare products.”
DR Rozy Badyal, MBBS, MD Dermatology, DNB, Consultant Dermatologist at Kaya Skin Clinic, New Delhi, talking about the skin cycling process, shares, “It is a four-day skin care regimen with the first night to exfoliate the skin, the second to apply a retinoid and remaining nights for recovery and skipping active ingredients. The goal is to prevent the skin barrier from being compromised due to excessive use of active products. “It is very similar to the way athletes alternate exercise with rest periods to obtain the best result.”
HOW DOES SKIN CYCLING WORK?
It is a process that lasts four nights: Exfoliation, Retinoid and Recovery and repeating the procedure as necessary.
- NIGHT 1: EXFOLIATIONThis is a chemical or mechanical peel that uses an agent with glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid. The idea is to remove dead skin, allowing skin regeneration and allowing the active ingredients to work efficiently.
- NIGHT 2: RETINOIDThe use of retinoids improves cell renewal to improve collagen and elastin production, which helps in acne and aging.
- NIGHT 3 AND 4: REST/RECOVERYThis period is intended to nourish the skin's microbiome and allow the skin barrier to recover from the active ingredients by adding a hydrating facial moisturizer.
Siddha Jain, Business Director at Bombae, says: “The skin cycle is the manifestation of the “less is more” beauty approach in 2024. It means adapting your skincare routine to allow your skin to rest and maintain its health. This routine prevents over-exfoliation or inflammation and is perfect for skincare beginners. Since there are so many products today that promise glowing skin, it can also feel overwhelming.”
The expert further added, “The 4-day skin cycle process can be customized based on one's health and skin type, but it is important to know that this trend is limited to afternoon routines only, as morning routines are still the same as always.”
