What Is Skin Cycling And Is It Worth the Hype? A Beginner’s Breakdown

Skin cycling has been an ongoing trend in the world of beauty and skincare. You’ve probably seen it pop up on Instagram, with influencers swearing by its abilities to help achieve glowing, healthy skin.

Skin cycling is a skincare routine that’s been trending. It involves popular anti-ageing compounds and exfoliating materials.

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What exactly is skin cycling, and is it worth all the hype? Here’s a beginner’s breakdown.

What is Skin Cycling?

Broadly speaking, skin cycling is a nighttime skincare routine that alternates between active treatment products used on certain days, followed by recovery days.

The cycle recommended using certain products on some days, like retinoids and exfoliating products, and then giving your skin enough time to recover and reset.

A typical nighttime skincare routine following the skin cycling regimen includes:

• Night 1: Exfoliation (chemical exfoliants like AHAs/BHAs) to remove dead skin cells.
• Night 2: Retinoid – a substance mainly popular for its anti-ageing properties. It helps in boosting cell turnover, fighting acne, and reducing fine lines.
• Night 3 and 4: Recovery nights. These nights, your skin is allowed to breathe and recover. However, it doesn’t mean that there’s no skincare involved. You have to focus on hydration and barrier repair with moisturisers, toners and serums on these recovery nights.

Then, you repeat the cycle.

What Are The Benefits of Skin Cycling?

People claim to love this skincare routine for the balance it offers - with the right steps to exfoliate your skin, followed by strong compounds, and then giving it the time to repair.

Another benefit is that it’s an easy, simple, and effective way to achieve a routine, without being overwhelmed. Since the days are mapped out, one can be more consistent with their skincare routine.

It’s also easily customizable, in case your skin’s needs differ.

Can Beginners Try Skin Cycling?

Yes, the routine is perfectly suitable for beginners, especially if you’re using active compounds for the first time. Many beginners make the mistake of using these products daily and end up with irritation or breakouts. Skin cycling offers a controlled way to introduce them without overdoing it.

However, not all compounds are for all skin types, so it’s always best to patch test before you start to use any product full-fledged.

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Who Should Avoid Skin Cycling?

No skincare routine can be a one-size-fits-all kind.

If you have the following, you may need a different routine:

• Have severe acne that needs medical attention or daily prescription treatments
• Have certain skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. You should consult a doctor before trying any new skincare regimen.

For most beginners, skin cycling is a safe and effective way to get into active skin care ingredients. Have you tried skin cycling? Tell us in the comments below.