A Beginner's Guide to Skin Cycling with Clinic 42
While there's a plethora of new SkinTok beauty trends surfacing regularly, including the good, the bad and the bizarre, one Tik Tok trend has lived up to the hype and is worth adopting. Enter Skin-cycling. Just like we need rest days from exercising, our skin needs recovery time to ensure our skin barrier is not overstimulated. Skin-cycling is a simplified evening skincare routine that combats the overuse of active ingredients like retinol, leading to skin irritability and sensitivity. We asked the experts at Clinic 42 to weigh in on what to do, and when…
Via @maiacotton
What is Skin-Cycling?
Skin-cycling, a term coined by New York-based dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe, is a four-day skincare approach which rotates different active ingredients in your routine to target specific concerns and provide a balance of benefits to your skin. The likes of retinol and exfoliation can be harsh on the skin - by taking breaks from active products, skin-cycling allows the skin to rest and recover, while still receiving the benefits of targeted ingredients, ultimately leaving you with glowing, refreshed skin. Dr Bowe explains that Skincare routines have ‘become so overly complicated and confusing, and people aren’t getting the results they want – or even close. People were taking a kitchen sink approach to their skincare, mixing and matching ingredients that simply don’t play well together! Skin cycling takes a ‘less is more’ approach by being thoughtful and deliberate about your skincare routine.’
Via @zendaya
SKIN CYCLING ROUTINE: EXFOLIATE, RETINOID, R & R, REPEAT
Night 1 - EXFOLIATE
For day one of your cycle, exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which will give you an instant glow and prep well for day two. After exfoliating, it's important to moisturise your skin to help restore hydration and protect your skin barrier. Look for a moisturiser that is appropriate for your skin type and contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
Remix Recommends:
ZO Skin Health Dual Action Scrub - Available from Clinic 42
Night 2 - RETINOID
The second night is focused on using a retinol product to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and smooth out texture and uneven skin tone. Retinol is a powerful product and should be used sparingly. If you feel as though you’re not using enough, you’re probably doing it perfectly right. If you have sensitive skin you could use a thin layer of moisturiser underneath to create a barrier.
Remix Recommends:
Synergie Skin Care A+ serum - Available from Clinic 42
Night 3 & 4 - REST AND RECOVERY
For the next two nights allow the skin to rest. For recovery nights you want to focus on hydration and moisture to nourish the skin’s microbiome and give your skin barrier some TLC after the previous night’s resurfacing treatments. Remix spoke with Dr Ellen Selkon, one of local Auckland specialist boutique cosmetic clinic, Clinic 42’s leading doctors, who suggests, “As a boost twice a week, use the Environ Focus Care Youth Tri Botanical Revival Masque and don’t remove it until the next morning, sleeping with it on overnight.”
Remix Recommends:
Environ Focus Care Youth Tri Botanical Revival Masque - Available from Clinic 42
Via @naraaziza
Boost your glow
Dr Selkon also recommends highly specialised treatments every now and then to promote collagen production for an even complexion. “Twice a year I would recommend either a course of Dermapen microneedling or Venus Versa NanoFractional Resurfacing to stimulate collagen and elastin and treat texture and fine lines. IPL pre or during winter months is a must, to remove all signs of pigment and redness. All these treatments really boost collagen and give the skin a lift to help maintain a beautiful complexion.” Clinic 42 is a doctor-led cosmetic clinic, head in and have a chat with their experts to solve any skin concerns you may have.
Advertisement
