Skin Cycling: What is It? Why You Should Try It.
Skincare trends come and go. Many of them are quickly dismissed as nothing more than marketing hype. One recent beauty trend that’s here to stay, however, is Skin Cycling. It has earned a solid reputation in the hearts and minds of both medical professionals and those who practice it because Skin Cycling really works.
What is Skin Cycling?
Skin Cycling was developed by dermatologists as a way to help minimize skin sensitivity after using active ingredients. The idea is to alternate using medical-grade skincare products with days of rest, allowing the skin to recuperate in between.
Why do Skin Cycling?
You may have noticed that over the years more and more products containing actives have hit the marketplace. Twenty years ago we had predominantly retinols and alpha hydroxy acids. Now we see the proliferation of fancy pharmaceutical formulations that contain powerful ingredients such as vitamin-C, peptides, niacinamide and various acids.
The problem with using so many active ingredients at the same time – and too frequently – is the potential for skin irritation and more seriously, skin inflammation. This is the perfect example when too much of a good thing” can be harmful and a “less is more” approach is recommended for best results.
How to Skin Cycle for Healthy Skin
The beauty of Skin Cycling is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Each person is different and so is their tolerance to active ingredients. Some people, for example, can use retinols every single evening and a vitamin-C serum in the morning with no issues. This same routine can leave another person’s skin red and irritated.
If you have given up using certain actives because the latter scenario describes your skin perfectly, then you may benefit from Skin Cycling. It’s very simple. Start alternating days between using certain products and giving your skin time to recover. The days in between you can either skip all products altogether (except your cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sun protection of course), or use fewer active ingredients.
Examples of Skin Cycling
If you’re still not clear exactly how to make it work for you, here are some popular ways to alternate your skincare routine to minimize irritation from actives and maximize skin health.
Scenario One
Day One
Morning: cleanser, toner, vitamin-C serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
Evening: cleanser, toner, retinol, peptides and moisturizer.
Day Two
Morning: cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen.
Evening: cleanser, toner and moisturizer. Skip active ingredients.
Scenario Two:
Day One
Morning: cleanser, toner, vitamin-C serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
Evening: cleanser, toner and moisturizer. Skip active ingredients.
Day Two
Morning: cleanser, toner, vitamin-C serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
Evening: cleanser, toner, retinol, peptides and moisturizer.
Of course the scenarios above are just examples and you can adapt them to suit your particular skin needs and condition. You can add more days when you use no active ingredients if you find that it helps your skin look and feel better.
iIf you’re not sure help is always available. Simply ask someone at your skin clinic if Skin Cycling is right for you.
Give us a call at 613-342-0220 to find out more about Skin Cycling recommendations by the professionals at BrockvilleMediSpa. We invite you to book a personalized consultation with Dr. Steyn or Nurse Vicki. Look better without looking different!
