Credit: skin-cycling
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3 min read
Skin cycling has gained popularity on social media – here’s how to do it in real life…
Whether you’re a certified pro or beauty novice, we can probably all agree that modern skincare routines can be confusing. From acid exfoliators and retinols to barrier-repair creams and overnight masks, our skincare routines contain a whole host of active ingredients that can be complicated and unclear. And while it’s sometimes tempting to simply opt out of using any acid-based ingredients for fear of wrongdoing, the results can be impressive when used correctly.
Which is where skin cycling comes in. “Skin cycling is a rotational approach to your nighttime skincare routine in which active ingredients and reparative formulas are alternated,” says Dr Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist for La Roche Posay. The aim is to reduce any irritation and allow your skin time to rest and recover in between applications. “It’s great for giving skin a night off when it feels irritated.”
A typical skin cycle lasts four days – with nights one and two dedicated to exfoliation and actives, and nights three and four to repair and recovery. This rotational approach is intended to minimise the irritation and skin barrier damage that can come from overzealous use of active ingredients.
As someone with sensitised skin, I can be quite wary of using acid-based exfoliators and retinols. So I decided to try out the skin cycling approach as a way to test-drive active skincare, without having to worry about accidentally overdoing it. For the past two months, I’ve been skin cycling, and honestly, my skin’s never looked better. Here’s what I’ve been using…
Night one: exfoliation
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Night one is exfoliation night and while you can use any acid-based toner or exfoliator, I’m obsessed with this Drunk Elephant exfoliating mask. It’s formulated with glycolic and salicylic acids to smooth the appearance of textural irregularities, pores and fine lines – while allowing you to reap the benefits of any skincare applied afterwards.
It’s suggested that you leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off but I find 5 minutes is fine for me and ensures I don’t have any sensitivity. Follow with moisturiser and your skin looks instantly more radiant and healthy-looking.
Shop Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial at Lookfantastic, £25
Night two: retinoid
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
As someone who is wary of retinol (I’ve had more than a few bad reactions in the past), I knew I needed a formula that I completely trusted, which is where Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum comes in. This beginner-strength retinol has been recommended to me heaps of times by dermatologists and also contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin E to hydrate.
After cleansing and drying the skin, apply a pea-sized amount of your retinol. If your skin is sensitive (or you’ve never used retinol before) you can apply a moisturiser first, before the retinol, to act as a barrier. This will lessen the results of the retinol but is a good way to slowly introduce your skin to the ingredient.
Formulated with 0.01% stabilised retinal, a powerful derivative of vitamin A, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum works to stimulate collagen and clarify the skin – meaning stronger, smoother skin with a brighter, healthier-looking appearance.
Nights three and four: repair
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm
I’ve been a big fan of this balm moisturiser for months now because it’s so soothing and rich but doesn’t clog pores or lead to breakouts. It’s enriched with the brand’s signature thermal spring water blend, 5% panthenol and hydrating glycerin to relieve tight, dry and cracked skin.
Perfect for those first few weeks of retinol use when your skin can appear dry and flaky, this nourishing balm soothes and protects your skin barrier, helping it to heal and recover while minimising sensitivity. I’m obsessed.
Shop La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Repairing Balm at Cult Beauty, £15
Main image: @chloeburcham
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