If you’ve been on #BeautyTok even a little bit, you’ve heard of skin cycling. This method, which is popular among dermatologists Dr. Whitney Bowe, quickly took off last fall because it didn’t look like a skincare routine. Pretty girls like me are instantly attracted. Finally, it seems like the answer to all our burning questions: How often does it usually take to get rid of? But what is the best skincare layering concoction for hydrated, supple skin?
As a beauty writer and someone always looking for the best skin care tips to keep my skin smooth, I’m committed to cycling in September 2022. This is my six month update on my skin cycling journey . Spoiler alert: I ended up seeing good, consistent results—but I wasn’t using a fancy product.
About my skin
My pale, very sensitive skin has gotten a lot of flare ups and downs. I was put on Accutane when I was 14 to fight cystic acne. Six months later, my skin was pale, and dry as a rock. Then, my acne returned two years later, and I was forced to be more careful about my skin care and find products that didn’t irritate. Now, in my early twenties, I feel like I’m struggling, but I still struggle with rosacea, stubborn pimples, and scars. My goal in skin cycling is to treat my rosacea and hope to feel more comfortable going without makeup. And to avoid irritation and stubborn pimples, of course. Here we go!
What is leather cycling?
ICYMI: Skin Cycling has the following weekend routine: Cleansing night, retinoid night, and two full recovery days. all something hydrating. Yes, it’s that simple. When repeated in this order, this strategy allows the skin barrier to rest properly instead of being thoughtlessly removed by peeling it off.
To understand more, I spoke with a certified dermatologist. Dr. Joel L. Cohen. “The concept of cycling skin care has been used by dermatologists for years,” says Cohen. Although the term “skin cycling” sounds new, it is recommended for patients whose skin is dry with the use of retinoids or anyone with acne, to get sun damage, large pores, or hyperpigmentation (my hand). These conditions do not have to be sports to participate in leather cycling. Dr. Cohen recommends bad skin cycling for all body types. So if you are still wondering how to apply skin care products properly, this method is your answer. “People (who are skin-rotating) can expect an improvement in rough, sun-prone or acne-prone skin, while also achieving smoother, more radiant skin.” bright and shining.” Who does not like the sound of smooth, light skin?
How is my skin round
My skin cycling routine is pretty cool. And to be clear, my cycle time is not perfect (read: I forget four days what part of my cycle I am). If I of course Good for her, my skin rests for the recommended two days after using the retinoid. But when my schedule is busy, my skin has four recovery days until I remember to exfoliate again.
I’ve learned that it’s important to stay on top of exfoliation and retinoid night because they help skin cells to turn over during the rest of the day to help hydrated, glowing skin. However, we have to be real with ourselves and take it day by day. If you add a recovery day here or there you won’t be behind, I promise! In fact, the rest day might be better for people with sensitive skin like me. Here is the program I follow:
Night 1: Elimination night
There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Exfoliators are tools that improve skin quality, like a silicone brush (hi Foreo Luna), while chemical exfoliators contain, well, exfoliating ingredients like a peel. pads or toner. It is recommended to use chemical exfoliants for this night, although I also use a silicone scrubber to remove my makeup. Personally, I love the Aztec Secret Indian Treatment mask for nighttime exfoliation. I mix it with apple cider vinegar, let it sit for 10 minutes and wash it off. (Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant also works wonders). Then I give my face a lymphatic massage with gua sha and facial oil. This is my favorite night of skin cycling because the mask leaves my pores feeling like they can breathe again.
Amazon
Aztec Indian Healing Clay
If you want the benefits of a deep pore clean face at home, look no further. This mask works as a vacuum for your pores, drawing out all the impurities in just 5-20 minutes.
Paula’s choice
Skin Finishing 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This product surpasses all BeautyTok, and it’s because of its exfoliating power to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and make wrinkles less noticeable – in one night.
Amazon
Gua Sha Facial Tool
For extra relaxation and facial rejuvenation, add guava juice to your routine. It can help improve the drainage of lymph, increase circulation, and other things, which can make the skin better and brighter.
Night 2: Retinoid night
As much as I love skin care, I have a Target budget most of the time so I’m smart about which products deserve a place on my shelf. For two nights, I wash my face with a cleanser and then apply the CeraVe resurfacing retinol serum. CeraVe is a very popular and affordable product, so I always feel good about using their goodies. Just two pumps is all it takes.
CeraVe
Retinol Serum
This retinol serum is less than $20, and it works like a charm. Licorice root, niacinamide, and essential ceramides work together to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.
Night 3 + 4: Rest night (called hydration)
For me, a restful night is all about hydration and lymphatic drainage. I wash my face with Byoma’s jelly cleanser and gently pat the toner on my chin, forehead and nose if I see whiteheads forming. I know, I know—you should technically only use a chemical exfoliant at night, but I can’t help it. I gently pat it if I see clogged pores and breakouts at the edges because I want to clean the area thoroughly before applying any product on top. Then I rub some Naturium squalene oil on my face and neck and get a massage. If I’m feeling lazy, I’ll skip this step and mix Byoma’s liquid with La Roche Posay’s liquid. And that’s an honest, perfect skin racing formula.
Naturium
Squalane Facial Oil
A lightweight, non-greasy, hydrating, plant-based facial oil that softens and smooths the skin? Say it again. Add this high-quality squalene face oil to your routine if you want to ensure a healthy skin barrier.
Biome
Serum makes the water clean
This ultra-light, water-boosting serum can help you get bouncy and glowing skin with the help of home energy such as squalene and glycerin.
Biome
Jelly Cleanser Cream
Remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil without stripping your skin with this gentle Byoma cleanser. Licorice root and green tea work together to improve and balance your skin tone and support your skin barrier.
La Roche Posay
Double water climate control
Suitable for even the most sensitive skin, this affordable moisturizer absorbs quickly into your skin to provide 48 hours of hydration. Recommended by dermatologists worldwide, you have ability to trust this product to deliver hydration and restore healthy skin.
What I learned
Before skin cycling, my routine was like a guessing game of knowing exactly when to use chemical exfoliants and retinoids, and when to opt for natural products. From my experience, this rotation period has helped bring the pores and impurities to the surface quickly (aka purging). Even though I get occasional pimples, they are there love very easy to deal with. I have a hard time getting those weird little bumps that look like pimples but aren’t actually pimples under my skin (if you know, you know). In fact, I’ve been washing my skin for a day as I tell you this. As you can tell from my before and after pictures, my taste has faded a bit. I have come to terms with the fact that my red skin may be genetic and will not go away, but it has definitely calmed down since I started my skin cycling journey.
Whether you’re wondering if skin cycling is right for you, or you’re frustrated with your current skin cycling routine, my advice is this: Be patient, let your skin feel better (no picking breakouts!), take it one day at a time. at one point in time. No one can promise that skin cycling is the answer to all your skin struggles. However, the formula helps all skin types feel comfortable with exfoliants and retinoids without its irritation. Best of all, this process can lead to that dewy look we all want at the end of the day. That said, it is 100% normal for your skin to go through a period of pimples following exfoliation and retinoid night. And in fact, it’s a good thing as it helps your skin to clean impurities. Consistency is the key to long-term results and it takes product experimentation to find what works best for your skin.
