Wondering if you should make skin cycling a part of your skincare routine? Here’s everything you need to know about this viral trend. 

Skin cycling is trending on social media and for all the right reasons. You must have come across skincare experts raving about the incredible benefits of this skin practice. But what exactly is skin cycling, and can it really transform your skincare routine? This buzzy phrase may sound like a new fitness routine, but it is all about giving your skin a structured, balanced approach to treatments and actives. Skin cycling might be the solution if your skin feels overburdened by harsh products or multiple steps, especially when the weather changes.

What is skin cycling?

Skin cycling is a night-time skincare practice that involves using active ingredients only on certain days, and following them with recovery days. While actives work wonders for your skin, excessive usage can damage your skin barrier and lead to skin issues like redness and irritation. This strategy allows your skin to heal and repair itself by distributing the application of retinol, exfoliants and serums throughout a cycle rather than slathering them on daily. There’s more. Skin cycle is an excellent way to simplify your skin routine and boost its effectiveness. 

How to skin cycle?

When it comes to curating a skin cycle for your nighttime skincare routine, you need to take your skin type into consideration. Once you have figured out your skin’s unique needs, you can safely try this viral skincare trend. Here’s how to start:

Night one: exfoliation

Start your skin cycle with gentle exfoliation to thoroughly cleanse your skin and prep it for the actives. Instead of using physical exfoliants and scrubs that can damage your skin, look for chemical exfoliators and exfoliating acids that contain ingredients like AHAs, BHAs and PHAs. These are more effective and better for your skin barrier health. After this step, use a thick moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Don’t forget to use a broad-spectrum SPF before stepping out in the sun the next morning.  If you are searching for an effective exfoliant, try By Biolite’s AHA Foaming Mousse. The formulation is a unique blend of glycolic acid, lactic acids and other potent ingredients that work synergistically to gently exfoliate your skin without causing any irritation.  

Night two: retinoid

Day two of your skin cycle involves retinoid application. Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is known for its skin renewal and collagen-boosting properties. When applied topically, retinol penetrates the deep layers of your skin and stimulates the production of new, healthy skin cells while also encouraging the shedding of old, pigmented skin cells. As a result, it reveals fresher, more even-toned skin underneath. Since retinol has the potential to dry out or irritate your skin, you need to exercise caution while using it. This is why it is beneficial to make retinol application a part of your skin cycle routine.If you are new to retinol, it is recommended to apply a nourishing moisturizer before your retinol serum to prevent dryness and irritation. If you are looking for an effective yet gentle retinol formulation, you can try By Biolite’s Bright Skin Complex. The product fuses retinol with two scientifically-proven age-fighting complexes in an instant re-texturizing, line-diffusing base to give you an even-toned, flawless complexion. 

Night three and four: repair and recovery 

The third and fourth nights of your skin cycle are for repair and recovery. Give your skin a chance to heal by avoiding retinoids and exfoliating acids on recovery nights. Instead, focus on hydration and repair with soothing ingredients. Start by cleansing and then apply a nourishing serum formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide, glycerin orniacinamide. Follow with a hydrating moisturizer to lock in the hydration. 

Skin cycling is an excellent way to simplify your routine and achieve healthy, radiant skin–no matter the weather.