Ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly maintain glowing, radiant skin? Well the answer could be due to skin cycling, a skincare concept that has gained huge popularity over recent months and for very good reason, after all skin cycling has the ability to transform your skin in a short period of time! If you aren’t familiar with skin cycling, you’re probably wondering how this is so, and what it even is! Keep reading as we reveal all there is to know about this skincare trend and how it may help improve your complexion too!

What is skin cycling?

Skin cycling is a strategic approach to your skincare routine that aims to improve results while minimising irritation. It involves alternating between using active ingredients and nourishing ingredients. Instead of bombarding your skin by applying active ingredients every single night, you cycle through them over a four-night period, enabling your skin to rest for a few nights.

How does skin cycling work?

While there are plenty of variations to skin cycling, a typical skin cycle lasts for four days – two days “on” (otherwise known as “active nights” using active ingredients) and two days “off” (otherwise known as “rest nights” using nourishing ingredients). The theory behind this particular trend is to give the skin a break from products such asexfoliants and retinols which can be harsh or stripping if used consecutively over a period of time.

Your classic skin cycling routine

The skin cycling rotation begins with exfoliation on the first night(preferably with a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or glycolic acid), followed by retinol on the second. The third and fourth nights are dedicated to recovery with skin barrier-protecting serums and moisturisers to nurture and hydrate the skin. Then, the cycle repeats.

By alternating between active and rest nights, you allow your skin to repair itself and avoid overloading it with too many actives at once. The result? Better results without the irritation!

Why Skin Cycling?

With so many products out there from cleansers and exfoliators to serums, oils and more, (and let’s not forget the game-changing ingredients we all need to look out for in our skincare) it’s easy to overload our skin. So many of us will layer multiple ingredients night after night without considering recovery. Skin Cycling prevents this. Using specific products on different days regenerates the skin and improves skin quality.

Who will benefit from skin cycling?

Anyone can! If you aren’t getting the results you want out of your skincare routine despite using products with the best skincare ingredients, skin cycling could be for you! Or ff you suffer from skin irritation, skin cycling can work wonders! It prevents you overloading your skin with multiple active ingredients day after day. By avoiding overloading the skin you’ll maintain its health, balance, and overall well-being. Remember overloading the skin with excessive skincare products and ingredients can lead to skin issues or exacerbate an already existing condition! Firstly, it can disrupt the skin barrier, compromising its ability to retain moisture and protect against external aggressors. This disruption may result in increased sensitivity, irritation, and dryness. Furthermore, overloading the skin can clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts, particularly if heavy or occlusive products are used. Finally, layering too many products may interfere with the absorption and efficacy of active ingredients, leading to diminished results. Simplifying your skincare routine can help streamline your regimen and ensure that each product effectively addresses your skin’s needs.

The best products to use for skin cycling?

Since skin cycling is all about exfoliation and retinol followed by repair and nourishment, these are the products we would highly recommend:

Days 1 & 2

Vie Collection Cleansing Gel with Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic Acids – This foaming cleansing gel combines glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to stimulate cellular activity, break the intercellular glue between dead cells and thoroughly cleanse skin.

Pevonia Renewing Glycocides Cream – Combining glycolic acid with hydration hero hyaluronic acid, this treatment cream works to dissolve dead skin cells, improving skin texture and diminishing fine lines too! Skin resurfaces smoother, brighter and younger…seriously.

Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing Cream – The ultimate anti-ageing night cream, Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing Cream is a must have for photodamaged skin. Formulated with micro-retinol®, glycolic, and lactic acid, it effectively lightens, brightens and smooths skin.

Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol^® range. Every product in the range which includes Micro-Retinol^® Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol^® Essential Toner, Micro-Retinol^® Serum and Micro-Retinol^® Essential Moisturiser utilizes a specialized technology to create Retinol micro-particles that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation, and immediate results!

It’s a great, safe, and side-effect free alternative to using prescription Retinoic Acid. What’s more, every product in the Micro-Retinol® line contains a powerhouse trio of vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol^®! The addition of Vitamins C and E not only ensures Micro-Retinol^®’s stability but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved!

Days 2 & 3

Hubislab Premium Active B-tol Ampoule – anti-ageing and skin protecting this complex emulsion is formulated with a botulinum-derivative ingredient (similar to Botox) and hyaluronic acid which provides the skin with deep moisturization to maintain a radiant complexion.

Hubislab Moisture Max Hyaluron Complex 65% Ampoule – this outstanding complex serum combines hyaluronic acid, collagen and rosa centifolia flower water to quite literally blast skin with intensive moisture restoring elasticity and balance while protecting skin cells from free radical damage.

Hubislab Moisture Max Hydro Moisturiser – packed with hyaluronic acid, this moisture-rich, yet beautifully lightweight cream absorbs quickly into skin without any greasiness, providing skin with deep nourishment and a long-lasting luxurious feeling. 

Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s essential to pay attention to how your skin responds. If you decide to try skin cycling, start slowly and observe how your skin adapts.