Everything you need to know about skin cycling

Every so often, a beauty guru, an influencer, a facialist, or an entire country elevates a cosmetic routine to the status of a "must-have," and it goes viral in less than 24 hours. The double cleanse and the 10-step Korean beauty routine, the cosmetic fasting or ‘skin fasting’ promoted by the Japanese, the ‘no poo’ championed by actress Gwyneth Paltrow which proposed forgetting about shampoo… In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about skin cycling. Let’s go!

This time, what seems to be the unstoppable trend of the season comes prescribed by dermatologist Whitney Bowe and advocates for a care cycle in which strong active ingredients should be limited to just a few days a week and applied in small amounts.

The consequences? The skin ‘rests,’ makes better use of ‘strong’ treatments, and regains its balance. A close relative of the so-called cosmetic fast, Skin Cycling seems to be the new skin panacea in terms of recovery and regeneration, and it promises a healthier, more luminous face free of blemishes and imperfections.

At Beldon Beauty, we agree with the rhythms proposed by the doctor, but we want to emphasize that, given its particularities, it is extremely important to choose your products very carefully to follow it. This applies to your evening routine, your morning routine, and your rest days.

HOW DO YOU DO SKIN CYCLING?

Dr. Bowe speaks of 4-night cycles in which you must alternate the use of powerful active ingredients with rest phases where you must apply hydrating products that soothe the skin and protect the skin barrier.

NIGHT 1

This is ‘peeling night,’ and you must resort to exfoliation to remove dead cells and thoroughly clean the pores. But be careful: it is not enough to apply a granular texture treatment. The first step is to perform a gentle cleanse and makeup removal, dry the skin very well, and then apply a leave-on chemical exfoliant based on acids like glycolic or salicylic, depending on your skin type. To finish on a high note, you should then apply a good moisturizer.

NIGHT 2

The stars are retinol or retinoids. These help renew cells, improve acne, fade spots, and reduce wrinkles. Are you afraid or do you have sensitive skin? For the first few days, we recommend using the ‘sandwich’ technique and applying a small amount of moisturizer to the most sensitive areas of the face beforehand, and repeating this application after the retinol to create a protective barrier.

As for the ideal amount of this active ingredient, it should never be more than two lentils for the entire face. Oh, and of course, a prior cleanse is also mandatory.

NIGHTS 3 and 4

Active recovery. You just need to clean your facial skin well and apply a serum or moisturizer rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide… the goal is for it to regain its calm and start to stand out for its juiciness and a renewed, luminous appearance. And then start over the next night.

AND DURING THE DAY?

You could continue with your usual treatments, but let the professionals advise you because you might need to change a step or an active ingredient.

At Beldon, we have our ‘Free Facial Diagnosis’ and all the necessary tools to create a tailored routine for you. And remember, skin cycling might not be the most suitable thing for you.

Even so, we want to share some products that fit perfectly with Dr. Bowe’s plan and that we consider completely safe and effective.

THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR PRACTICING SKIN CYCLING

For a gentle prior cleanse:

Lait Vip O2 Biologique Recherche

An oxygenating, purifying, and anti-pollution facial cleansing milk. It helps remove impurities and the smallest polluting particles. Additionally, it soothes and rebalances the epidermis, controlling excess sebum secretion and limiting the production of acne-causing bacteria.

For the first night:

Enzyme Regulating Cream & Peeling by Dr. Schrammek

Ideal for oily skin and skin with imperfections, it has an enzymatic effect and gently removes dead cells. The skin’s appearance becomes refined, ingredients are absorbed better, and the skin is left soft and luminous.

A retinol for the second night:

R-Retinoate by Medik8

Contains the innovative hybrid molecule retinyl retinoate—8 times more potent than retinol. It visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone, and softens rough skin to achieve a smooth, rejuvenated complexion.

As a moisturizer for the ‘sandwich’:

Emulsión Gel Biosensible by Biologique Recherche

Its hydrating and soothing formula provides luminosity, nourishes and softens skin texture, helps reduce redness, and leaves a delicious feeling of comfort.

For rest nights:

The Better B Niacinamide Serum by Dr. Barbara Sturm

It is a vitamin B3 serum that acts directly on the pores, reducing and refining their appearance to achieve a radiant complexion. Thanks to its powerful active ingredients, it also combats hyperpigmentation and prevents premature aging while strengthening the skin barrier.

Hyaluronic Serum by Dr. Barbara Sturm

It possesses a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. An essential active ingredient that helps slow down the skin’s natural aging process and deeply hydrates its various layers. Furthermore, it nourishes, soothes, and tones the epidermis and softens wrinkles and fine lines.

If you still have questions about this viral routine, don't hesitate to contact us. Because remember… every skin is unique.