Skin Cycling: How to optimize your skincare routine?
Have you heard of THE latest beauty trend? It’s skin cycling. Its goal is to get the most out of your favorite products while giving your skin the rest it needs. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of skin-cycling, you will know everything: how it works, how to adapt it to your daily care and the mistakes to avoid. Ready to discover how to revolutionize your beauty routine? Let's go!
SUMMARY
- What is Skin Cycling?
- How to start Skin Cycling?
- What results can you expect from Skin Cycling?
- What are the mistakes to avoid when Skin Cycling?
I) What is Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling is an innovative skin care method invented by Withney Bowe, an American dermatologist. It consists of alternating the use of different products and active ingredients in a specific routine organized in cycles over several days. The objective is to optimize the benefits of the products while minimizing the risks of irritation or over-stimulation of the skin.
A) How does Skin Cycling work?
Skin cycling is therefore based on a four-day cycle, each with a specific objective. Here is a concrete example of this cycle:
- Day 1: Exfoliation - Chemical, the exfoliation eliminates dead cells and prepares the skin to receive the next treatments.
- Day 2: Retinoids - This family of cosmetic ingredients stimulates cell renewal and improves skin texture.
- Day 3: Hydration and Repair - This day focuses on intense hydration of the skin as well as strengthening the skin barrier with nourishing products.
- Day 4: Rest - The skin is left to rest without active products to avoid any irritation.
B) What are the benefits of Skin Cycling for the skin?
Skin cycling offers many advantages:
- Optimization of product effects - By alternating product types, the skin receives a variety of beneficial ingredients without the risk of overloading it.
- Reduction of irritation - Giving the skin days of rest helps minimize its sensitization and therefore the inflammation responsible for redness.
- Improved texture and radiance – Exfoliation and the use of retinoids promote smoother, glowing skin.
- Intense hydration - Days dedicated to hydration help repair and strengthen the skin barrier, ensuring skin is better protected against external aggressions.
C) Is Skin Cycling suitable for all skin types?
Yes, skin cycling is suitable for all skin types, but it is important to adjust the products used according to each person's specific needs. For example, for sensitive skin, one could choose gentle exfoliants and low concentration retinoids. For oily skin, products based on salicylic acids could be integrated.
II) How to start Skin Cycling?
A) What are the basic steps of Skin Cycling?
Adapting a new routine can seem complicated, here is our structured plan over several days to help you:
- Day 1: Exfoliation
- Use a gentle chemical exfoliant containing Fruit Acids (AHA) like our Exfoliating Peel. Its enzymatic action gently eliminates impurities and dead cells without irritating the skin.
- Day 2: Application of retinoids
- Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, are cosmetic ingredients that you can find in serums. Start with a low concentration to avoid irritation and gradually increase the frequency of use.
- Day 3: Hydration and Repair
- Use our Radiance Soothing Gel for intense 24-hour hydration. The combination of Aloe Vera and Hyaluronic Acid soothes thirsty skin and strengthens the hydrolipidic barrier. It can be used as a day and night cream.
- Day 4: Rest
- On this day, let your skin rest by using only gentle products like a cleanser and makeup remover. Thus the skin recovers and maintains its natural balance.
B) How often should we practice Skin Cycling?
The frequency of skin cycling depends on your skin type and its tolerance to the different products used. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a four-day cycle, as described above. Here are some tips for adjusting frequency according to individual needs:
- Sensitive skin : Start with a seven-day cycle to allow the skin to better adapt to the active ingredients. For example, use retinoids once a week and gradually increase if your skin tolerates them well.
- Normal to combination skin : A four-day cycle is generally appropriate. If your skin responds well, you may consider shortening the cycle to three days.
- Oily skin : You can increase the frequency of exfoliation and retinoids to twice a week if your skin tolerates these products well.
Skin cycling is a customizable method, by adapting the cycle to your skin type and choosing suitable products.
III) What results can be expected from Skin Cycling?
A) How long does it take to see results with Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling is a gradual method that requires a little patience before showing visible results. Generally, it takes between four to six weeks to observe the first positive effects. This time frame corresponds to the skin's natural renewal cycle, which is 28 days, where skin cells regenerate and adapt to the new routine.
B) What types of skin problems can Skin Cycling solve?
Skin cycling is effective in treating various skin problems, this routine helps to:
- Reduce imperfections : By regulating sebum production and gently exfoliating, skin cycling helps reduce the appearance of spots and blackheads.
- Improve the radiance of the skin : The alternating use of exfoliating and moisturizing products reveals more luminous and even-toned skin.
- Reduce the signs of aging : Retinoids, often included in a skin cycling routine, stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
C) How to optimize the results of Skin Cycling?
To maximize the benefits of skin cycling, here are some practical tips:
- Adapt the routine to your skin type : Listen to your skin and adjust the frequency of cycles according to its needs. For example, if you experience irritation, it is best to extend the rest time between active cycles.
- Avoid excess : Do not overload the skin with too many active products at once. Respect rest days to allow the skin to regenerate.
- Sun protection : Always use sun protection during the day, especially when you include active ingredients like retinoids and AHA/BHAs which can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
IV) What are the mistakes to avoid during Skin Cycling?
A) What are the signs that your skin does not tolerate Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling can sometimes lead to unexpected reactions. It is crucial to monitor your skin to identify signs of tolerance or intolerance. Signs such as redness, itching, irritation or a burning sensation may indicate that your skin is not coping well with the product or frequency of application. For example, if you notice that your skin becomes very red and irritated after applying an exfoliant or retinoid, you may need to reduce the frequency of these products.
B) How to adjust your routine if irritations appear?
If irritation occurs, it is important to react quickly to protect your skin. Here are some tips for adjusting your routine:
- Reduce frequency : If you use active products like retinoids or exfoliants, try applying them less often. Go from every two days to every three or four days, for example.
- Use soothing products : Include products that soothe and repair the skin barrier like our “Sweet Banana” Soothing Mask. It calms irritated skin to help it regain its natural balance.
- Hydrate more : Hydration is crucial when your skin is irritated.
C) What products should you avoid during Skin Cycling?
Certain products may exacerbate skin problems when used in conjunction with skin cycling. Here are some examples of products to avoid:
- Mechanical scrubs : Physical exfoliants, like grain scrubs, can be too abrasive and cause micro-tears on skin already sensitized by chemicals. In this routine, we therefore advise you to only use the enzymatic action of our Exfoliating Peel , leaving it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
- Alcohol-based products : Alcohol can dry out and irritate the skin. Opt for alcohol-free formulas to avoid damaging your skin barrier.
- Products containing irritating essential oils : Certain essential oils can cause allergic reactions or irritation, especially on already fragile skin.
Skin cycling is therefore an effective method of improving the health of your skin, but it is crucial to carefully monitor your skin's reaction and adjust your routine accordingly. With the right products and a well-adapted routine, you will have soft, healthy skin.
