Have you ever heard of the term "skin cycling"? Recently, this skincare technique has been trending on social media.
Skin cycling is a method for maintaining healthy skin and preventing the side effects of using products with active ingredients.
For those of you who are curious to learn more, let’s checkout the full explanation in the following article!
What Is the Skin Cycling Technique?
Skin cycling is a term first popularized by New York dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., FAAD.
Dr. Bowe initially introduced this technique to her patients as part of their facial skincare routine.
Later on, she shared it on social media, where it quickly went viral. Her introductory video about the method has been viewed over 100 million times.
To put it simply, skin cycling is a skincare method that follows a 4-night routine and is repeated in cycles.
During the first two nights, the skincare routine focuses on using active ingredients.
For the last two nights, the focus shifts to rest days, using only basic or gentle skincare to allow the skin to recover.
The skin cycling method is recommended to be applied only at night because it is more effective and can avoid the risk of irritation from sun exposure.
For patients who are new to using active ingredients in skincare products, such as retinoids or chemical exfoliants, this method is considered very helpful and worth trying.
Even though there is no research to support this method, however, dermatologists say it is based on a good facial skincare routine to avoid continuous exposure to harsh active ingredients.
Benefits of Skin Cycling
There are several benefits of skin cycling that you should know, including:
1. Repairing a Damaged Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is the topmost layer of skin. Its function is to act as a natural barrier for the layers of skin beneath it from negative external factors, such as sun exposure, dust, pollution, and bacteria.
Furthermore, the skin barrier can also prevent and protect the skin from infection or allergic reactions.
However, if you apply too much skincare, especially products containing active ingredients, the skin barrier is at risk of damage.
In this case, skin cycling plays a role in preventing this damage. This treatment method gives the skin time to rest and recover.
2. Avoiding Skin Problems
Skincare products containing active ingredients, such as exfoliants and retinol, can trigger inflammation and other skin issues if used too frequently.
So, by practicing skin cycling, you can help reduce the risk of those side effects.
This treatment method gives your skin time to rest and adapt to the active ingredients.
So, the less frequently you use products containing active ingredients, the less likely you are to experience side effects.
Skin Cycling Methods
If you want to try the skin cycling method, here are the steps you need to take:
1. Night One: Exfoliation
The first night starts with exfoliating, as this step focuses on removing dead skin cells.
By exfoliating, dirt and dead skin cells are cleared away, allowing the skincare products you use afterward to work more effectively. Here are the steps you need to take on the first night of using the skin cycling method:
- Cleanse your face using the double cleansing method, using micellar water followed by a facial wash. Gently and slowly rub the product into your face, then rinse and pat dry.
- Use an exfoliating product, such as a cream, serum, or toner containing AHA/BHA. Ensure that you don't experience any side effects, such as burning or inflammation, after using the product. Then, wash your face and pat dry.
- Use a moisturizer to soothe your skin.
2. Night Two: Retinoid
The second night of the skin cycling technique focuses on using skincare products containing retinol.
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that is useful for fading fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
The active ingredient retinol can be harsh on some skin types. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use retinol by combining it with other skincare products that soothe and protect the skin barrier.
For the second night of applying the skin cycling technique, follow these instructions:
- Cleanse your face using the double cleansing method. Afterward, ensure your face is dehydrated to prevent irritation from the retinol application.
- Apply a thin layer of the retinol-containing product evenly to your face.
- Once done, apply moisturizer evenly, especially under your eyes, around the corners of your mouth, and at the bridge of your nostrils, to help soothe your skin.
3. Third and Fourth Nights: Recovery and Rest Phase
The third and fourth nights of applying the skin cycling method are called the recovery phase, or rest phase for the skin.
In this phase, you only need to cleanse your face using the double cleansing method, followed by the application of serum and moisturizer.
The focus of this phase is on hydrating and moisturizing the skin with the application of basic skincare.
This phase provides an opportunity for the skin to recover after previous exfoliation and the use of skincare products containing quite harsh active ingredients.
That was a complete explanation of the skin cycling technique, its benefits, and how to apply it.
To achieve optimal results, repeat this method regularly and consistently in the following weeks.
If you experience any undesirable reactions, it is recommended to extend the recovery phase or overnight.
In addition to skin cycling, another simple way to keep your skin healthy is by drinking mineral water regularly.
There are many benefits of mineral water for your skin, and one of them is keeping it hydrated. As a result, your skin stays moisturized and less prone to dryness.
However, you need to make sure the mineral water you drink is of high quality. That is why you should choose #AQUADULU.
This is because not all mineral water is AQUA. AQUA is a safe and healthy mineral water that is naturally protected from contamination thanks to its secure water source with protective layers.
Furthermore, AQUA also tastes naturally cool and refreshing without being stored in the fridge.
So, let's drink AQUA DULU to help maintain your healthy skin! Created by nature, AQUA is 100% PURE mountain mineral water with nothing added, just as nature intended you to drink it.
