Skin cycling is a new term that I have seen circulating social media and thought I would share how I personally use it in my skincare routine and why I like it so much. I’m not sure who exactly coined the term “skin cycling” but board certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe made it very popular. Dr. Bowe has extensively shared the benefits to skin cycling and how best to use it in your own skincare routine. Though it seems to be a new term, I have been using this concept in my skincare routine for years. Skin cycling is the using products with “active” ingredients (exfoliants and retinols, etc) on certain nights and then on the other nights allowing your skin to rest by using products to moisturize or soothe thus minimizing irritation.
I don’t have sensitive skin but I personally like this type of product rotation because my skin gets the benefit of using stronger active ingredients every few nights while allowing my skin not to get too irritated from overuse because there are rest/repair nights in between. Obviously everyone has different skin types and skin goals so this may work for some but you should always do what’s best for you skin to ensure maximal results from your products. Below is my current nighttime skin cycling routine and details on what nights I typically use each product. (Occasionally I will change things up from time to time but for now, this is primarily what I’ve been doing on a regular basis.)
Skin Cycling Schedule
Retinol Nights (Monday, Thursday)
These are the nights that I use my Retinol product in my routine. Below are the products I use and in the order I use them:
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
I remove my makeup with this cleansing balm.
Colleen Rothschild Balancing Gel Cleanser
This is my second cleanse.
Pixi Glow Tonic
A gentle chemical exfoliator that I swipe on with a cotton round
Currentbody LED mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)
I use this mask for 10 minutes 6 nights a week.
CosRX Comfort Ceramide Cream Mist
I spritz this over my entire face for a bit of moisture before applying my essence.
I’m From Rice Toner
This helps to really plump fine lines and I like to apply it on damp skin.
Neocutis Illuminating Eye Cream
I apply my eye cream before I apply all of my serums and moisturizers.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
This is the retinol I am currently using. It is quite mild so I can increase it to more than 2x/week if I wanted to but for now, I use it twice a week.
Naturium Barrier Bounce
I like to use a hydrating serum afterwards and this one is one of my all time favorites. It plumps and brightens while also protecting the skin barrier.
Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide
This is an amazing nourishing night cream that also helps to plump and firm the skin.
Exfoliating Nights (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday)
These are the nights when I use a strong exfoliating/resurfacing serum in my routine. I always prefer chemical exfoliation over physical exfoliation when I’m choosing to exfoliate my skin.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
I remove my makeup with this cleansing balm.
Colleen Rothschild Balancing Gel Cleanser
This is my second cleanse.
Pixi Glow Tonic
A gentle exfoliating toner that I swipe on with a cotton round
Currentbody LED mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)
I use this mask for 10 minutes 6 nights a week.
CosRX Comfort Ceramide Cream Mist
I spritz this over my entire face for a bit of moisture before applying my essence.
I’m From Rice Toner
This helps to really plump my skin and I like to apply it on damp skin.
Neocutis Illuminating Eye Cream
I apply my eye cream before I apply all of my serums and moisturizers.
Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum (discount code: MAREESYE)
This doesn’t exfoliate intensely but this is a strong brightening serum that also targets anti-aging concerns. It does wonders to help fade dark spots and even out my complexion.
Naturium Barrier Bounce
I like to use a hydrating serum afterwards and this one is one of my all time favorites. It plumps and brightens while also protecting the skin barrier.
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream
I like a rich nourishing moisturizer as my final step even in the warm weather. Especially since I use many actives in my skincare routine, I prefer a moisturizer that really helps to maintain and protect my skin barrier.
Repair Nights (Wednesday, Saturday)
Recovery night is the night that I don’t use any strong active (retinol, acids, etc) skincare products and just focus on nourishing my skin. I find giving my skin a break like this throughout the week ensures my skin doesn’t get overly irritated from all the powerful products I use the other nights.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
I remove my makeup with this cleansing balm.
Colleen Rothschild Balancing Gel Cleanser
This is my second cleanse.
Colleen Rothschild Micro Mineral Soothing Toner
It’s soothing, calming and incredibly hydrating. I drench a cotton pad and swipe it all over my face.
Currentbody LED mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)
I use this mask for 10 minutes 6 nights a week.
CosRX Comfort Ceramide Cream Mist
I spritz this over my entire face for a bit of moisture before applying my essence.
TirTir Milk Skin Rice Toner
I love how hydrating and soothing this toner feels on the skin. I pour a little into my hands and pat it into my face.
Rhode Glazing Milk
This glazing milk is super nourishing and really supports my skin barrier. I also pour it into my hands and pat it into my face. It’s a must have on repair nights!
Neocutis Illuminating Eye Cream
I apply my eye cream before I apply all of my serums and moisturizers.
Naturium Barrier Bounce
I like to use a hydrating serum afterwards and this one is one of my all time favorites. It plumps and brightens while also protecting the skin barrier.
Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide
This is an amazing nourishing night cream that also helps to plump and firm the skin.
Have you tried skin cycling? And if so, what is your current routine??
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