Everything you need to know about skin cycling

Every so often, a beauty guru, influencer, facialist, or even an entire country elevates a skincare routine to the status of essential, and it goes viral in less than 24 hours. Double cleansing and the Korean 10-step beauty routine , the cosmetic fast or ' skin fasting ' promoted by Japanese women, the ' no poo ' method championed by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, which suggested forgetting about shampoo altogether… In this post, we explain everything you need to know about skin cycling. Let's get started!

This time, what seems to be the unstoppable trend of the season is prescribed by dermatologist Whitney Bowe , who advocates a skincare 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', absorbs 'strong' treatments better, and regains its balance. A close cousin of the so-called cosmetic fast, Skin Cycling seems to be the new skin panacea for recovery and regeneration, promising a healthier, brighter complexion free of blemishes and imperfections.

At Beldon Beauty, we agree with the routines proposed by the doctor, but we want to emphasize that, given their specific characteristics, it's crucial to choose the right products to follow them. This applies to both your nighttime and daytime routines, as well as your rest days.

HOW IS SKIN CYCLING DONE?

Dr. Bowe talks about 4-night cycles in which you have to alternate the use of powerful active ingredients with rest phases in which you have to apply moisturizing products that soothe the skin and protect the skin barrier.

NIGHT 1

It's 'peeling night,' and exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and thoroughly cleansing pores. But be careful—simply applying a grainy scrub isn't enough. The first step is a gentle cleanser and makeup removal, followed by drying the skin completely. Then, apply a leave-in chemical exfoliant containing acids like glycolic or salicylic, depending on your skin type. To finish strong, follow with a good moisturizer.

NIGHT 2

The key ingredients are retinol and retinoids. These help renew cells, improve acne, lighten dark spots, and reduce wrinkles. Are you hesitant or do you have sensitive skin? For the first few days, we recommend using the "sandwich" technique: first, apply a light amount of moisturizer to the most sensitive areas of your face, and then repeat this application after the retinol to create a protective barrier.

As for the ideal amount of this ingredient, it should never exceed two lentils for the entire face. Oh, and of course, cleansing beforehand is also essential.

NIGHTS 3 and 4

Active rest. You would only need to thoroughly cleanse your face and apply a serum or moisturizer rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide… the idea is for it to regain its calm and begin to stand out for its suppleness and a renewed, luminous appearance. And start again the following night.

AND DURING THE DAY?

You could continue with your usual treatments, but seek advice from professionals because some steps or active ingredients may need to be changed.

At Beldon, we offer a free facial diagnosis and all the necessary tools to create a personalized routine for you. And remember, skin cycling might not be the best option 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 SKIN CYCLING

For a gentle pre-cleansing:

Lait Vip O2 Biologique Recherche

An oxygenating, purifying, and anti-pollution facial cleansing milk. It helps remove impurities and the smallest pollutant particles. It also soothes and rebalances the skin, controlling excess sebum and limiting the production of acne-causing bacteria.

For the first night:

Enzyme Regulating Cream & Peeling by Dr Schrammek

Ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin, it has an enzymatic effect and gently removes dead skin cells. The skin's texture is refined, ingredients are absorbed more effectively, and the skin is left soft and radiant.

A retinol for the second night:

Medik8 R-Retinoate

It contains the innovative hybrid molecule retinyl retinoate—8 times more potent than retinol. It visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles, evens skin tone, and smooths rough skin for a soft, rejuvenated complexion.

As a moisturizer for making the 'sandwich':

Biologique Recherche Biosensitive Gel Emulsion

Its moisturizing and soothing formula brings luminosity, nourishes and softens the skin's texture, helps reduce redness and leaves a delightful feeling of comfort.

Nights of rest:

The Better B Niacinamide Serum by Dr Barbara Sturm

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

Hyaluronic Serum Dr. Barbara Sturm

It contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, an essential active ingredient that helps slow down the natural aging of the skin and deeply hydrates its various layers. It also nourishes, soothes, and tones the epidermis and reduces 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.