As a skincare LOVER, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to take care of my skin and help you take care of yours. So when I heard about the latest trend in skincare, skin cycling, I knew I had to try it out for myself.
I have done Tour de France via Trek travel multiple times, my thoughts.. this is perfect for me! In this blog post, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about skin cycling, from its benefits to how it works, and everything in between.
What is skin cycling?
So, exactly what is skin cycling? Skin cycling is a skincare routine that involves alternating between different products and ingredients to give your skin a break from the same old routine. Similar to how athletes cycle through different types of training to optimize their performance, skin cycling aims to optimize the health and appearance of your skin. It works to prevent over-exfoliation by changing up your skin-care routine and allowing the skin to recover.
Overdoing your skincare risks damaging your skin barrier (the outermost layer of your skin), which can result in dryness, redness, irritation, and breakouts.
Skin cycling designates certain products to certain days rather than using all of them every single day to avoid skin sensitivity, dryness, and inflammation.
The benefits of skin cycling
Skin cycling has lots of advantages. By changing your skincare routine on a regular basis, you can keep your skin from becoming overly accustomed to certain products and ingredients, which can lead to stagnation and poor results.
The amazing part of “skin cycling” is that it makes it possible your skin to heal between treatments (exfoliating and treating). The key is to put an emphasis on recovery! Skin cycling can also help to address specific skincare concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines, by incorporating targeted ingredients into your routine.
Another benefit of skin cycling is that it can help to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. By alternating between different exfoliants, you can avoid using the same one too frequently, which can lead to inflammation and sensitivity.
This can be especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin. Due to the rebalancing effects of skin cycling, breakouts are less likely to occur. As an added perk, this strategy enhances the cumulative efficacy of the products you’re utilizing by allowing you to take advantage of the unique benefits
How skin cycling works
Skin cycling involves dividing your skincare routine into cycles or phases, each of which lasts for a set period of time. During each cycle, you’ll use a different set of products and ingredients, targeting specific skincare concerns or goals. For example, you might have a cycle focused on brightening and a cycle focused on hydration.
The length of each cycle can vary depending on your skin’s needs and the products you’re using. Some people cycle every week, while others cycle every four weeks. The key is to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.
The science behind skin cycling
The science behind skin cycling is rooted in the concept of “skin adaptation.” Over time, your skin can become accustomed to the same products and ingredients, which can lead to a plateau in results. By switching up your routine regularly, you can prevent your skin from adapting and continue to see improvements in your skin’s health and appearance.
Additionally, by incorporating different ingredients into your routine, you can address multiple skin concerns simultaneously. For example, you might use a vitamin C serum during one cycle to brighten your skin, and a hyaluronic acid serum during another cycle to hydrate your skin.
Skin cycling vs. traditional skincare routines
One of the main differences between skin cycling and traditional skincare routines is the level of flexibility and customization. With a traditional routine, you typically use the same products every day or every other day, regardless of your skin’s needs. With skin cycling, you have the freedom to switch things up as needed, depending on how your skin is feeling and what your goals are.
Another difference is the focus on ingredients. With skin cycling, you’re encouraged to use a variety of ingredients and products to address different concerns, whereas traditional skincare routines often focus on a select few ingredients.
Skin cycling routines for different skin types
The beauty of skin cycling is that it can be customized to suit any skin type or concern. Here are some examples of skin cycling routines for different skin types:
- Acne-prone skin: Cycle 1: Salicylic acid cleanser, benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, niacinamide serum Cycle 2: Mandelic acid cleanser, tea tree oil spot treatment, vitamin C serum
- Dry skin: Cycle 1: Hydrating cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, ceramide moisturizer Cycle 2: Cream cleanser, squalane oil, glycolic acid serum
- Mature skin: Cycle 1: Gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum, retinol cream Cycle 2: Milk cleanser, peptide serum, hyaluronic acid cream
Ingredients to use during skin cycling
When it comes to skin cycling, the sky’s the limit in terms of ingredients. However, some ingredients are particularly well-suited for cycling. Here are a few ingredients to consider incorporating into your routine:
- Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that brightens and evens out skin tone.
- Retinol: A form of vitamin A that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that unclogs pores and helps to exfoliate the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid: A humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
- Peptides: Amino acid chains that help to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
Beauty By Jaime Tip: Simplify your steps and choose a gentle facial cleanser, your OTC retinol or Rx strength retinoid, and moisturizer. I personally love serums so I throw them in the mix too!
Beauty By Jaime Tip: Skin care routines do not need to be difficult or expensive to be safe, efficient, and simple to follow to.
How often to cycle your skincare routine
The frequency of your skin cycling routine will depend on your skin’s needs and your personal preferences. Some people cycle every week, while others cycle every four weeks. It’s important to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.
If you notice that your skin is becoming irritated or breaking out, it may be time to switch things up. Hydrate for one night with more oily or acne-prone skin. Hydrate for two to three nights with more sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin to allow for longer repair and recovery.
Best practices for skin cycling
To get the most out of your skin cycling routine, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
Start slow: If you’re new to skin cycling, start by incorporating one or two new products into your routine at a time. This will allow your skin to adjust and prevent overloading it with too many new ingredients at once
Beauty By Jaime Tip:
Patch test: Before using a new product, always patch test it first to ensure that your skin doesn’t have a negative reaction.
Listen to your skin: If your skin is feeling dry, oily, or irritated, adjust your routine accordingly. Skin cycling is all about customizing your routine to suit your skin’s needs. Be patient: Skincare results take time, so don’t expect overnight miracles. Stick with your routine and be consistent, and you’ll start to see improvements in your skin’s health and appearance over time.
Conclusion: Why skin cycling may be the answer to your skincare woes.
If you’re looking to shake up your skincare routine and optimize the health and appearance of your skin, skin cycling may be the answer. By incorporating different products and ingredients into your routine on a regular basis, you can prevent your skin from becoming stagnant and address multiple skincare concerns simultaneously. Remember to start slow, listen to your skin, and be patient, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your best skin yet.
