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If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a complex skincare routine or experienced irritation from using multiple active ingredients, skin cycling might be the solution you’ve been looking for. This innovative approach alternates the use of powerful products, allowing your skin to benefit from various vitamins and nutrients without overloading it.
In this article, we unpack the key elements of a skin cycling routine and how it works.
What is skin cycling?
Skin cycling is a skincare routine that alternates active treatments with rest days in between. Unlike a one-size-fits-all regimen, skin cycling is flexible, allowing you to adjust it based on your hormones, changing skincare goals or seasons. By listening to your skin’s responses, you can adjust the frequency of active products to avoid potential damage while maximising their benefits.
The beauty of skin cycling is that it evolves with you. As your skin needs change, this method remains adaptable and personalised.
Does skin cycling work?
Yes, skin cycling can be a transformative approach to skincare. To understand the science behind it, it’s important to first unpack the skin’s renewal process.
Our skin goes through a regeneration cycle, where old cells are shed and new cells come to the surface. This cycle varies for everyone depending on factors like age and lifestyle. For most adults under 50, this process takes roughly 28 to 56 days, while for those over 50, it may extend to 84 days or more.
While skin renewal naturally slows down with age, exposure to UV rays, pollution and other external stressors may also cause cumulative damage to skin cells and DNA.
Over time, this delay in cell turnover weakens the skin’s defences against environmental stressors, increasing the risk of dryness, uneven texture and discolouration.
There are two ways skin cycling can help support the skin's natural renewal process:
1. It encourages the shedding of old, dead cells through gentle exfoliation, clearing the way for fresh skin underneath.
2. It promotes the faster development of healthier skin cells with the introduction of a retinoid and allows your skin to recover.
How to skin cycle: a step-by-step guide
Skin cycling is a four-night routine that alternates between exfoliation, retinoid treatment and hydration. Instead of applying the same products daily, this cycle introduces active ingredients on specific nights, followed by up to two rest nights.
Here’s a look at a typical skin cycling routine:
Night 1: exfoliation
Start your skin cycling routine with an exfoliator to eliminate dead skin cells and prep your skin to fully absorb the next treatments.
Opt for an exfoliant packed with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic or glycolic acid. AHAs help reinforce the skin’s barrier, safeguarding against harmful external factors.
Night 2: retinoid
On the second night, apply a retinoid-based product such as a cream or serum. Retinoids are a group of vitamin A derivatives known to help reduce fine lines and uneven pigmentation. They also help enhance epidermal turnover, stimulate collagen production and combat oxidative stress.
Retinoids can be potent, so it's best to start with a lower concentration like 0.3% to avoid possible irritation. Then, gradually increase the strength to 0.6% to 1.0% as your skin builds tolerance.
Nights 3 and 4: recovery
During this phase, skip exfoliants and retinoids to allow your skin to heal and rejuvenate. Use moisturisers and nourishing creams that support your skin's barrier and microbiome.
If you experience sensitivity, consider extending your recovery phase. It's best to consult a dermatologist to determine the right skin cycling routine for your specific skin type and concerns. They may also recommend adjusting the cycle and duration of your recovery nights to suit your specific needs.
What products to use for skin cycling
At Medik8, we offer vegan, science-backed formulas to support your skin cycling routine. Here are our top product recommendations:
- Exfoliant — Our Pore Refining Scrub assists in decongesting enlarged pores and restoring your natural glow. Plus, its velvety formula allows follow-up products to penetrate deeper.
- Retinoid — For those new to Vitamin A, we recommend our Intelligent Retinol 3TR, which targets visible signs of premature ageing, leaving the skin looking plumper and smoother.
- Cleanser — For sensitive skin or flare-ups, we suggest using our Calmwise Soothing Cleanser. If you double cleanse, start with our Micellar Mousse or Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil to remove SPF and makeup followed by a gel or cream cleanser.
- Moisturiser — Our Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream has been shown to improve skin barrier function by 30% and provide an instant 55% increase in hydration.
Elevate your skin cycling routine with Medik8
No matter your skin concerns, skin cycling offers a gentle, customised way to hydrate, fortify and repair your skin. Explore our skincare solutions now, formulated with nourishing ingredients that are ideal for all skin types.