What is Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling is precisely what the name states: a cycle. It's described as a thoughtful approach to your evening skincare routine which encourages you to use products in a specific way. It sets the skin up for success by reducing irritation and maximising the efficacy of retinol.
A skin cycling routine spans four nights. The first night includes exfoliation with a chemical exfoliator such as lactic or glycolic acid. This is to remove dead skin cells on the skin's surface ready for night 2.
Night 2 is for retinol. Retinol is one of the most powerful ingredients you can use in your skincare routine. It speeds up cell turnover to address ageing and acne and has been found to improve collagen and elastin production.
On nights 3 and 4, it's time to let your skin recover. This is done by nourishing the skin's microbiome and repairing the skin's barrier.
What's the difference between the skin's microbiome and the skin's barrier?
Skin microbiome - the skin is home to millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which make up the skin microbiome or the skin flora. These microorganisms support the immune system. Much like the gut microbiome, the skin also has its over microbiome.
Skin barrier - the skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin called the stratum corneum. The Stratum Corneum's job is to protect your skin and body from the external environment.
Should you start skin cycling?
Skin cycling has been created to decrease the irritation caused by retinol. For beginners, the amount of recovery nights may need to be extended. The opposite is also true. If you have adjusted well to retinol over a long period of time then there may be no need for you to try skin cycling.
Melissa <3
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