The not-so-new skincare trend that everyone is talking about. Let’s dive into Skin Cycling.
What is it exactly?
Skin Cycling is a trend that’s knocking around on TikTok. The concept is not new; it’s been around for a really long time. It’s also been referred to previously as microdosing.
Essentially, it’s the process of rotating skincare products in your routine to improve their efficacy and minimise irritation.
Why might it be good for me?
In general, skincare products, ingredients and skincare can be pretty overwhelming. There is a tendency to want to try everything all at once, which can often lead to irritated, unhappy skin.
Skin Cycling is a less is more approach to skincare, a method that allows you to have set days where you use specific actives and other days where you hydrate and repair. So, you’re getting the best results for your skin and using actives correctly but avoiding irritation.
What does a typical Skin Cycling routine look like?
Skin Cycling only takes place in your nighttime skincare routine as this is when we generally use actives such as exfoliating acids and retinoids.
A four-day cycle would look something like this;
Night Number One: Cleanse, eye cream, exfoliate, moisturise.
Night Number Two: Cleanse, eye cream, retinoid, moisturise.
Night Number Three: Cleanse, eye cream, hydrating/repairing serum, moisturiser.
Night Number Four: Cleanse, eye cream, hydrating/repairing serum, moisturiser.
Skin Cycling is very much about you and your skin and should be tailored as such.
For example, if you have normal, non-reactive skin, you might follow a four-day cycle: exfoliate, retinoid, repair, repair and then begin again. Or, if you have sensitive skin like me, you might follow a five or even six-day cycle: exfoliate, retinoid, repair, repair, repair and then begin again.
In a nutshell, skin cycling helps you correctly rotate your actives and on-actives, so you’re getting the best results while also reducing the chances of irritation.
For more deep-dives into skincare trends and ingredients, take a look at the Skincare Guides section of my website or follow me on Instagram or Tiktok.
