The term "skin cycling" was coined by Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York-based dermatologist.
Understanding Skin Cycling
Skin cycling, as conceptualized by Dr. Bowe, is a strategic approach to skincare that involves rotating active ingredients to maximize their benefits while minimizing irritation. It's a four-night schedule designed to give your skin time to recover and rebuild.
The Classic Four-Night Routine
According to Dr. Bowe, the classic skin cycling routine works on a four-night schedule.
- Night 1: Exfoliation
- Night 2: Retinoid
- Nights 3 & 4: Recovery
How Skin Cycling Works
The concept is straightforward: use active ingredients like exfoliants and retinoids on specific nights, followed by recovery nights that prioritize hydration and barrier repair. This process ensures the skin isn't overwhelmed and can benefit from the active treatments.
- Exfoliation Night: This typically involves using a chemical exfoliant, such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
- Retinoid Night: The next night involves the use of a retinoid, which promotes cell turnover and helps with issues like acne and fine lines.
- Recovery Nights: These are crucial for allowing the skin to rest. Focus on hydrating, moisturizing, and barrier-repairing products.
Why Skin Cycling?
The benefits of skin cycling include:
- Reduced Irritation: By strategically cycling active ingredients, skin cycling can minimize irritation often associated with frequent use of powerful products.
- Improved Efficacy: The recovery nights allow the skin to fully absorb and benefit from the treatments.
- Simplified Routine: Skin cycling provides a structured approach, taking the guesswork out of skincare.
| Step | Night | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Exfoliation | 1 | Use chemical exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs). |
| Retinoid | 2 | Apply retinoid product. |
| Recovery | 3 & 4 | Focus on hydration, barrier repair. |
In conclusion, the "skin cycling" method and the term itself, were introduced by Dr. Whitney Bowe, and provides a well-structured and effective approach to skincare.
