Internet trends seem to change quickly, but there are some trends that are likely to continue for a long time to come. “Skin cycling” is a term coined by a New York dermatologist. Dr. Whitney Bowe, has taken TikTok and its dedicated skin care community by storm. Some of his skin cycling videos, along with the hashtag #skincycling, have garnered over 450,000 likes and over 255 million views.
Skin cycling is a method of “cycling” different skin care products on different nights. Traditional retinol is the core of this method. This is a very harsh ingredient, so you will need to “recover” your skin after each use. Skin cycling means rotating products according to a set schedule to allow time for recovery and healing to avoid irritation.
If you’re on the fence about your skin cycle or traditional retinol in general, opting for skin care with a gentler retinol alternative like bakuchiol is an easy choice. eminence organic Because the product contains only natural retinol alternatives rather than traditional retinol, it can be used daily without requiring your skin to rest, recover, or heal.
Whether you prefer skin cycling or want to explore natural alternatives that provide similar results without the side effects, keep reading to learn more about your options.
What is a skin cycle? | Traditional Retinol vs. Natural Retinol Alternatives | Is skincycling suitable for me? | Why you don’t need skin cycling
What is a skin cycle?
A typical skin cycling routine keeps things simple by following this approximate schedule:
- Night 1: Exfoliate
- Night 2: Traditional Retinol
- Night 3: Recovery and hydration
- Night 4: Recovery and hydration
Traditional retinol can be too harsh on the skin if used daily, so rest days are very important during your skin cycle.
Traditional Retinol vs. Retinol Alternatives
Retinol is a powerful ingredient made from vitamin A. The small molecules penetrate from beneath the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) to the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. health line I will explain.
Fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars should be reduced, and your skin should appear plumper. It is also attracting attention for its ability to reduce breakouts.by cleveland clinic“Clogged pores with dead skin cells and oil can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of acne. Retinol helps fight acne by preventing pores from becoming clogged.” Skin Cycling Dr. Bowe, founder of , explains: pop sugar This means that using traditional retinol “frequently” or layering it with other potentially irritating ingredients can lead to skin irritation without the desired results. “For this reason, it’s best to use retinol alone as the only exfoliating or resurfacing ingredient in your daily routine.”
Eminence Organics products do not contain traditional retinol. Instead, we formulate products with retinol substitutes that mimic the effects of retinol. These gentle options can be used day or night (unlike traditional retinol, which is only for nighttime use) and offer the smoothing and firming benefits of traditional retinol without the irritation.
One of these alternatives is bakuchiol. Babuchi plant. This plant has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years to help heal, soothe, and calm the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Nowadays, bakuchiol provides similar benefits to traditional retinol (reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restoring firmness, improving skin texture, and evening skin tone) in a gentler way. , is popular in skin care. This ingredient is found in Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer, a lightweight gel cream that hydrates all skin types. This moisturizer also contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, which visibly reduces pore size, supports the skin barrier, and smoothes uneven texture.
The dynamic combination of bakuchiol and niacinamide is also found in Radiant Protection Fluid SPF, a hydrating formula that protects with SPF 30 and leaves a dewy finish. Bakuchiol is safe even when the sun is out, making this SPF product a great choice to take care of your skin while protecting against UV rays.
Need more options for side-effect-free results? Our Natural Retinol Alternatives This is also a plant-based solution. This complex lifts the skin, giving it a toned appearance, improving skin firmness and elasticity, and minimizing visible signs of aging. Unlike synthetic vitamin A, this alternative is derived from chicory root and cod tree extracts, two natural compounds that provide the same results as traditional retinol without the side effects.
Is skincycling suitable for me?
With everyone from dermatologists to TikTokers endorsing this practice, there’s no denying that a skin cycle schedule is a good option for many people. If you have a complex ritual, skin cycling can help you simplify your routine and determine which products no longer work for you. Another great benefit is that this practice minimizes irritation.Dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick To tell Elle“It’s especially great for people with dry or sensitive skin who can’t tolerate retinoids or exfoliants.” Rest days allow your skin to repair and recover, allowing you to focus on hydrating and replenishing your moisture barrier, so your skin cycles faster. Sensitive skin types may also benefit.
If your skin is oily and prone to breakouts, doing a skin cycle may not be possible.In a video from medically,Dermatologist Dr. Muneed Shah Using traditional retinol, she says, “every four days is probably too infrequent to see any benefit, especially if you have acne or something you’re really trying to get rid of.”
According to the Eminence Organics product support team, skin cycling is an introductory option for anyone looking to maintain a “consistent exfoliation routine.” If you have a heavy hand or a tendency to overuse skin care products, skin cycles may also be an option.In an interview with Elleexplains Dr. Bowe.[Skin cycling] Adopt a “less is more” approach to your routine. This encourages strategic use of products rather than adding product after product. ”
How to start your skin cycle: Routine
If you’re convinced that skincycling is the best option for you, you might be inspired to start right away. There are only three steps, so there’s a good chance you already have the skin cycle products you need. Before you start, set a reminder on your phone’s calendar so you can keep track of which days in your skin cycle.
Night 1: Preparation and exfoliation
Start your skin cycle routine by cleansing your skin, patting it dry, and exfoliating it. Exfoliation removes the dull surface layer of the skin by buffing away dead skin cells, makeup, and impurities, leaving the skin clean and smooth. If you exfoliate regularly, you’ll notice that your skin becomes smoother, your pores clearer, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles reduced.
Eminence Organics offers a wide range of exfoliating products. Some of our favorite exfoliants include the best-selling Stone Crop Oxygenizing Fisofoliant, the delicious Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% (paired with soothing Chamomile Tonic), and the warming Turmeric Energizing Treatment. there is.
You may prefer a 2-for-1 product. In that case, you can combine your cleansing step with an exfoliant and use Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser or Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser.
Night 2: Apply traditional retinol.
Apply traditional retinol on the second night of your skin cycle routine. Like exfoliants, retinoids come in a variety of formulations, from masks and creams to serums. These are available in different concentrations, and dermatologists recommend starting with lower concentrations and gradually increasing to higher concentrations.
Night 3: Recovery and hydration
On the third night, you’ll want to give your skin time to rest and repair. Now is the perfect time to introduce masks, serums, and moisturizers made with calming, calming, and nourishing ingredients. Recovery days are when your skin recovers from the intensive active ingredients you applied during the first two nights of the cycle.
Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence and Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Mask are packed with natural ingredients that soothe and soothe your skin’s moisture barrier. Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Acid Serum can also be used for hydration on recovery days, as it contains deeply replenishing ingredients. Vegetable hyaluronic acid complex.
Night 4: Recovery and hydration
End the cycle on the second night of recovery. On the second night, you’ll want to let your skin rest and recover with the help of soothing ingredients. Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream, and Echinacea Recovery Cream are all replenishing options to keep your skin calm. happy customers, Sharon A.calls Echinacea Recovery Cream a “miracle moisturizer” and says in an online review: [due to dryness]. I have sensitive skin and the botanical ingredients definitely made a difference. I have received many compliments on the condition of my skin, so I would like to continue using it. ”
Why you don’t need skin cycling
While it may have its perks, you don’t actually need to go through a skin cycle to achieve clear skin. As mentioned above, there are gentle plant-based retinol alternatives that mimic traditional retinol and provide similar effects without the worry of irritation. Like traditional retinol, both bakuchiol and our natural retinol alternatives visibly lift and firm the skin’s appearance and smooth wrinkles. However, traditional retinol often causes side effects such as dryness, redness, UV sensitivity, and peeling. Our options, on the other hand, are made with botanical ingredients that avoid skin irritation.
If you want to skip the skin cycle, you can use age-correcting products such as: Bamboo Firming Fluid, Bamboo Age Corrective Mask, Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face and Neck, Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. Or try our Bakuchiol + Niacinamide collection, which combines a Bakuchiol + Niacinamide moisturizer with Radiant Protection SPF Fluid.
If you want to use a retinol replacement daily, you can do that. If you are interested in natural alternatives, consider contacting your local Eminence Organics Spa partner to help you choose the right option for you.
