If you haven’t heard about skin cycling, we’re glad you’re here because this fad is something every skincare junkie needs to know about. Anyone who uses skincare actives or basically anyone who has too many products in their routine needs this trend. The fact of the matter is, you might be overfeeding your skin with too many products and sometimes that can do more damage than good.
Skin cycling is a trend that basically streamlines your skincare routine so that you are using all those products correctly and not damaging your skin in the process. This trend maps out when to use skincare actives and when to use barrier repair products within a week so that you aren’t just layering on products at random and consequently mistreating your skin. While the actual skin cycling trend suggests the routine goes on for 4 days and then begins back on the 5th day, we do have 7 days in a week and the 4-day cycling might get a bit difficult to keep up with. Here’s a simple skin cycling routine to follow through the week that will be gentler on your skin and very effective.
A Beginner-Friendly Guide To Skin Cycling
Day 1: Sunday
The first day of your skin cycling journey can be kicked off with exfoliation. Opt for a chemical exfoliator that will gently and effectively exfoliate your skin. We prefer using an exfoliating mask on clean skin followed by a toner, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Since you are using a chemical exfoliator, avoid toners with glycolic acid or other AHAs and BHAs. A simple hydrating toner and soothing serum will work well for exfoliation day. If you are reluctant to try chemical exfoliating masks and peels, try a powder exfoliator that is like a physical scrub but way more gentle on your skin.
Day 2, 3, 4: Monday to Wednesday
From the second day onwards, you can use your skincare actives and follow it for the next two days. If you have active acne, add a salicylic acid serum to your CTM routine. But if it is overall skin improvement that you require, add a retinol serum to your nighttime CTM routine. If you don’t want to use serums because it’s an extra step, you can opt for cleansing, toning or moisturising products infused with these skincare actives such as a retinol-infused night cream or a salicylic acid-infused face wash or toner.
Day 5, 6, 7: Thursday to Saturday
Ditch the products from the previous day and focus solely on skin barrier repair products. Because the next three days need to be reserved for your skin to heal. Use a hydrating cleanser, nature-infused toner, and a ceramide cream moisturiser to repair your skin and keep it healthy. Since your skin has been going through intensive treatment with skincare actives these past 3 days, the next 3 days should have none of those skincare actives so that your skin has a break and can regain its strength.
Give this beginner-friendly skin cycling routine a try because it is super easy to follow and is a necessity for every skincare junkie, irrespective of your skin type.
Featured Images: Pexels
