So, what exactly is skin cycling, a nighttime skincare routine, that’s blown up on social media? Skin cycling, also known as skin rotation or skincare rotation, is a method used in skincare routines to optimize the effectiveness of different skincare products over time.
Read on to learn more about this buzzy skincare trend and how you can curate your own skin cycling routine.
What is Skin Cycling & How Does it Work?
The concept behind skin cycling is to vary the types of products used on the skin in a strategic manner, typically on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This approach prevents the skin from becoming overly accustomed to a specific set of ingredients, thereby reducing the risk of diminished results over time.
By alternating between products that address different skincare concerns, such as exfoliation, hydration, and anti-aging, skin cycling aims to maintain skin balance and enhance overall skin health. However, it's important to note that while skin cycling can be beneficial, it should be tailored to individual skin types and sensitivities to avoid potential irritation or adverse reactions. Consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional can provide valuable guidance in developing an effective and personalized skin cycling routine.
What are the Benefits of Skin Cycling?
Products like exfoliants and retinol can do a number on the look and feel of your skin when they’re overused (think irritation, dry and dull). So you are cycling these products throughout the week only to find out that it may help you avoid over-exfoliation and protect your skin barrier.
Now in our opinion Skin Cycling seems like a lot of work and you are still using harsh chemicals too it. If you use skincare that is Clean, Plant-Based, Alcohol FREE, Chemical FREE, then you’ll never have to worry about damaging your skin barrier, and you will achieve incredible results without all the chemicals.
Here is a routine your skin can live with!
Night One: Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a crucial step in skincare that involves the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion beneath. This process can be achieved through physical exfoliation, which involves using abrasive particles or tools to manually slough off dead skin cells, or chemical exfoliation, where specially formulated acids, enzymes, or other active ingredients dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and facilitate their removal.
Exfoliation not only enhances the skin's texture and appearance but also helps to unclog pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the absorption of subsequent skincare products. However, it's essential to exfoliate in moderation and choose the appropriate exfoliation method for your skin type, as over-exfoliation can lead to irritation and sensitivity. Regular exfoliation, when done correctly and tailored to individual skin needs, can contribute to a healthier and more vibrant complexion.
For this step, one of our favorites is CLARITY PURIFYING FORMING CLEANSER. This fresh-foaming cleanser helps purify and exfoliate to unclog pores, leaving skin looking smooth and refined.
Night Two: Apply Retinoids
Applying retinoids is a key component of many skincare routines, known for their remarkable ability to address various skin concerns and promote skin rejuvenation. Retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, work by stimulating cell turnover, boosting collagen production, and encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells. When applying retinoids, it's important to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage to minimize potential irritation. These potent compounds can effectively address issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and acne by unclogging pores and promoting a more even skin texture. Due to their exfoliating and renewing properties, retinoids are typically applied at night to clean, dry skin, followed by a moisturizer to help mitigate potential dryness or sensitivity.
Sun protection is paramount when using retinoids, as they can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage. Incorporating retinoids into a skincare regimen with care and consistency can lead to impressive and long-lasting skin improvements over time. Consulting a dermatologist before adding retinoids to your routine is advisable to ensure proper usage and address any individual concerns.
Nights Three & Four: Hydrate and Repair
Hydrate and repair are two fundamental steps in an effective skincare regimen, working in tandem to nurture and revitalize the skin. Hydration involves replenishing the skin's moisture barrier, ensuring it retains water and remains supple. This is achieved through the application of hydrating products like moisturizers, serums, and hydrating masks, which lock in moisture and prevent dehydration-induced dullness.
For this step, our HARMONY FACE & TONER is unlike anything you have ever used before. After cleansing your skin spray this hydrating, soothing toner, with a touch of Vanilla Shimmer that will transport you with its heavenly scent. You should also never skip moisturizer. Apply FREEDOM DAY & NIGHT MOISTURIZER each night for a boost of hydration and firmer-feeling skin with plant-based collagen.
Repair, on the other hand, focuses on revitalizing and healing the skin from daily stressors, environmental damage, and signs of aging. Repairing products, such as those containing antioxidants, peptides, and growth factors, aid in restoring the skin's natural resilience and repairing damaged cells. Combining hydration and repair steps helps maintain skin health and balance, fostering a complexion that is both well-moisturized and resilient against external aggressors. Customizing these steps according to skin type and concerns can lead to a vibrant, youthful, and well-nourished complexion.
Which Skin Types Benefit from Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling can offer benefits to a wide range of skin types, making it a versatile approach in skincare routines. Oily and acne-prone skin types can benefit from skin cycling by incorporating products that target excess oil production and breakouts during specific periods while focusing on hydration and gentle exfoliation at other times. Dry and sensitive skin types can also find value in skin cycling, as it allows for alternating between nourishing and soothing products to prevent overexposure to potentially irritating ingredients.
Combination skin types can optimize their routine by addressing different zones with varying concerns, such as oiliness in the T-zone and dryness on the cheeks. Even mature skin can benefit from skin cycling by incorporating anti-aging ingredients like retinoids and peptides intermittently, promoting collagen production and minimizing fine lines. While skin cycling can be advantageous for a variety of skin types, it's important to tailor the approach to individual needs and sensitivities, taking into account factors like age, lifestyle, and specific skincare goals. Consulting with a skincare professional can help guide the development of an effective and customized skin cycling routine.
Seratopical Revolution for Your Skin Cycling Needs
Seratopical Revolution is a full skincare routine that was developed by science to give you fresh, glowing, hydrated, wrinkle free skin, without any chemicals. With its revolutionary new delivery system, P3P Complex, a Tri-Peptide advanced chain of amino acids that penetrate your skin deeper than ever before. With P3P you will experience Collagen Rejuvenation, improved elasticity, and younger looking skin.
Some products are too essential to skip out on and should be used every day of your routine, including RADIANT FACE and NECK SERUM. Our groundbreaking serum offers skin the benefits of line reduction, firmness, even tone, strengthening, hydration, radiance, and antioxidants, and if the winter dryness is getting you down it’s perfect to add to your morning routine.
Seratopical Revolution products are cruelty-free, free from phthalates, parabens, sulfates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone.
