Skin Cycling: Explained and Its Importance

The Benefits of Skin Cycling with Seven Shimmers

Concerned about introducing new ingredients into your skincare regimen? Discover the concept of skin cycling for a gentle approach to improving your skin’s health with Seven Shimmers.

Understanding Skin Cycling

Curious about skin cycling? Explore the insights provided by dermatologists, Dr. Hannah Kopelman and Dr. Kristina Collins, as they delve into what skin cycling entails, its potential risks, and the proper way to implement it.

Understanding Skin Cycling

Have you heard of skin cycling? It’s actually a legitimate skincare practice aimed at preventing irritation. According to Dr Kopelman, skin cycling involves alternating between different treatments on different nights.

For instance, you couldexfoliate one night, use retinol the next, and then have a break to nourish your skin for a couple of days. This approach is beneficial for those with sensitive skin looking to incorporate active ingredients gradually and effectively.”

Moreover, according to Dr Collins, allowing your skin recovery time can enhance tolerance to these ingredients and improve results while protecting the skin barrier.

Is it Necessary?

Not everyone finds it essential, but according to Dr. Collins, skin cycling can have its benefits in preventing over-exfoliation and irritation, especially for individuals new to potent actives like retinol.

“For those with sensitivity or who are inexperienced with powerful compounds such as retinoids or acids, skin cycling may be a useful method to avoid irritation,” notes Dr. Kopelman. “I particularly recommend this approach for patients who have faced challenges with skincare products in the past.”

Are there any risks?

Fortunately, skin cycling is generally safe for most individuals. However, those with highly sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea should proceed with caution, cautionsDr. Collins.

Using exfoliants or retinol excessively can lead to irritation, dryness, or breakouts if not properly balanced. It is crucial to pay attention to your skin’s reactions and adjust the regimen accordingly,” she emphasizes.

How to Begin Skin Cycling

To initiate skin cycling, start by using a chemical exfoliant like an AHA or BHA to eliminate dead skin cells and prime your skin for better product absorption, advises Dr Collins.

For stimulating cell turnover and addressing concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, and acne, consider applying a retinol or retinoid as suggested by Dr Collins.

Prioritize hydration and barrier repair by incorporating a gentle, nourishing moisturizer or products enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide, per Dr Collins’ recommendation.

After completing the recovery phase with a night of hydrating and restoring your skin, you can proceed to repeat the cycle, advises Dr Collins.

Key Points to Remember

If you have sensitive skin or react poorly to strong skincare products, consider trying skin cycling to enhance your skin’s tolerance. However, if you have very sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, proceed with caution.

Start your cycle with exfoliation, then incorporate retinol on the second night, followed by nourishing treatments on the third and fourth nights before restarting the cycle.