Skin care trends do appear to be like fashions that do not last too long, but one new routine in dermatology is gaining a strong foothold and that is skin cycling. The concept is based on a rotational technique for active ingredients to be used over a number of days, thereby helping skin health with reduced irritation. But do the scientific studies back this method, or is this simply a fashion for one more season? This article will investigate the science of skin cycling, its advantages, and its effective implementation. 

What Is Skin Cycling?

Skin cycling is a systematic approach in skin care, which involves alternating the application of active treatment nights with recovery nights so that one can get optimum therapeutic effects with minimal irritation. Such a cycle comprises: 

Typical Four-Night Cycle:  

  • NIGHT 1: Exfoliation – Chemical exfoliation makes use of AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) to slough off dead skin cells and improves penetration of products (Draelos, 2018).  
  • NIGHT 2: Retinoids – Use retinol or prescription-strength retinoids to produce collagen and speed cell turnover (Mukherjee et al., 2006).  
  • Nights 3 & 4: Recovery – Hydration and soothing using, among others, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide to repair and strengthen the skin barrier (Purnamawati et al., 2017). 

This cycle repeats so that the skin may be pampered with the advantages of active ingredients without over-sensitizing itself. 

The Science Behind Skin Cycling

1. Prevents Overuse of Actives: Various skin care products, including retinoids and exfoliants, can cause irritation if used too often; studies show that overuse of exfoliants can cause redness, peeling, and compromise the barrier function (Loden, 2003). Skin cycling prevents adverse outcomes by spacing the application of strong actives while still allowing efficacy. 

2. Supports the Skin Barrier: The skin barrier is made of ceramides and fatty acids, as well as proteins, which effectively reduce water loss and keep away harmful agents from the environment above. On the contrary, harsh ingredients can further weaken this barrier, thus causing dryness and irritation (Purnamawati et al., 2017). Recovery nights in skin cycling surely help in restoring the barrier so that the skin remains healthy and resilient. 

3. Enhances Product Absorption: It is during the cycle of exfoliation nights that dead skin cells are effectively sloughed off such that active ingredients like retinoids and those of hydration will penetrate through into the deeper layers more easily. Studies have also shown that exfoliated skin can absorb more topical treatments, enhancing their effects (Draelos, 2018). 

4. Reduces Inflammation and Sensitivity: Changing the skin routine from active treatment to recovery every night allows for the better control of inflammation. When the product is overused, speedy aging and a tendency for high sensitivity can evolve. Recovery days can mitigate this risk by making skin cycling less aggressive and more tolerating to serious actives (Callender et al., 2020). 

How to Implement Skin Cycling

Here is a new cycle for skin cycling. Dermatologists recommend beginners use it for 4 nights and adjust as needed according to the skin’s reaction:  

  • Night 1 (Exfoilation):  Apply the glycolic or salicylic acid after cleansing as a chemical exfoliant.  
  • Night 2 (Retinoid): Dime-sized retinol or prescription retinoid with a moisturizer.  
  • Nights 3 & 4 (Recovery): Reconstruct healthy skin barrier hydration with ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.  

Sensitive skins may add more recovery evenings to the cycle, while tolerant skins may reduce it to one. 

Does Skin Cycling Really Work?

The concept over which almost all the dermatologists agree is skin cycling for balancing the good of active ingredients and protection of the skin barrier. It has been shown by clinical studies that even with the periodic applications of retinoid, good beneficial effects on wrinkles and texture can be achieved like in daily applications but it reduces irritation (Mukherjee et al., 2006). Controlled exfoliation, it is further reported, improves skin renewal without causing microdamage (Draelos, 2018). 

Skin cycling works, but not everyone will require it. Very tough-skinned people sometimes manage daily active ingredients without showing signs of irritation. Those who are treating specific concerns such as acne or hyperpigmentation may have to do it more frequently. 

Skin cycling is a science-based approach that embraces the maximal possible skin care efficacy with less irritation. Alternating between an active night and a recovery night is known to further augment product absorption while keeping skin barrier protection and preventing inflammation. Results vary according to the skin type; for many, however, skin cycling seems to be an effective and sustainable route to healthy, glowing skin. 

References

  1. Callender, V. D., St. Surin-Lord, S., Davis, E. C., & Maclin, M. (2020). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: Etiologic and therapeutic considerations. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 21(4), 489-503. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-020-00510-1 
  2. Draelos, Z. D. (2018). Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available? Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 79(2), S15-S20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.04.031 
  3. Loden, M. (2003). The clinical benefit of moisturizers. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 17(1), 2-6. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-3083.2003.00564.x 
  4. Mukherjee, S., Date, A., Patravale, V., Korting, H. C., Roeder, A., & Weindl, G. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: An overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 1(4), 327-348. https://doi.org/10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327 
  5. Purnamawati, S., Indrastuti, N., Danarti, R., & Saefudin, T. (2017). The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: A review. Clinical Medicine & Research, 15(3-4), 75-87. https://doi.org/10.3121/cmr.2017.1363 

 

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