Run circles around those signs of aging with the latest skin cycling routine trend!

Have you ever heard of the term "skin cycling"? Well it's not related to two-wheeler cycles but rather a skincare routine. Skin cycling is one of this year's biggest trends with many beauty enthusiasts tailored to it in their daily facial cleansing regime. 

It has become a must-have addition for everyone, regardless of whether you're already well into your skincare journey or just beginning your own exploration! So what exactly is skin cycling and why are so many turning to this trend? 

Read on to find out more about this hot new skincare sensation.

What is skin cycling?

Skin cycling is a contemporary skincare regimen gaining popularity among beauty enthusiasts. It involves alternating active ingredients to optimize skincare results while accommodating skin recovery. Introduced by skin experts and embraced by the skincare community, skin cycling has become a go-to strategy for both professional dermatologists and everyday skincare enthusiasts. With roots in Korean beauty routines, which emphasize gentler, curated approaches to skincare, skin cycling is part of a larger trend towards sustainable and mindful beauty practices.

This four-night regimen involves specific active ingredients like exfoliants and retinol, followed by recovery periods. A common cycle might include using an AHA exfoliant on the first night, a retinol product on the second, followed by a recovery night with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid on the third, and a deeper recovery with nourishing moisturizers on the fourth. The classic skin cycling routine is all about finding a balance between aggressive treatments and nourishing recovery, making it easier to tailor your skincare routine to the changing needs of your skin.

Why should I try the cycling routine?

The four-day skin cycling routine can be a game-changer for many reasons. Here are 5 reasons you might want to give it a try!

1. Personalized Skin Care

This routine recognizes that your skin's needs can change regularly. By alternating between active ingredients and recovery periods, you're essentially tailoring your skincare regimen to cater to these varying needs. For instance, if you have oily skin, incorporating salicylic acid during exfoliation may be beneficial, while those with dry skin might find glycolic acid to be more suitable.

2. Optimized Benefits of each Product

Exfoliants and retinol are powerhouse ingredients with proven benefits. By dedicating specific days to each, you're ensuring your skin reaps the full benefits of these skincare products. Dermatologists, like Dr. Jane Smith, note that this method allows for practical integration of potent ingredients while minimizing potential irritation, especially helpful for those new to active treatments.

3. Minimized Irritation

Overuse of active ingredients can lead to skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. The built-in recovery days in this routine give your skin time to rest and recover, reducing the risk of overdoing it. Initial sensitivity may occur, so it's recommended to conduct a patch test before fully committing to the regimen.

4. Building Tolerance

Gradually introducing active ingredients allows your skin to build up tolerance, reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions on your skin barrier. Monitoring your skin's response is key during the first few cycles, so keeping a skincare diary might help identify how your skin reacts to each phase.

5. Improves your Skin Health

Over time, this routine can lead to improved skin health, including smoother texture, a brighter complexion, reduced fine lines, and fewer breakouts. For personalized advice, consult a dermatologist who can help tailor a skin cycling regimen suited to your unique skin type and concerns. Additionally, many online resources and apps are available to help track your skincare routine effectively.

How does the skin cycling routine actually work?

We are here to explain all the nitty-gritty details of how to skin cycle and what kind of products work best for this incredible routine. 

Let's jump into understanding this revolutionary trend that has become a regular habit among many hardcore beauty enthusiasts!

Day 1: Exfoliation Night

Start with a gentle cleanser, then apply an exfoliating product. Exfoliants, which include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), work to remove dead skin cells, promoting a brighter and smoother complexion.

Make sure you choose the right exfoliating acids according to your skin type. Here are our favorite skin cycling products for the first night!

This scrub is like a comforting hug for your skin—but better! 

Utilizing natural cane sugar and raw honey to keep things feeling soft and sweet, this scrub is the ultimate way to get rid of dead skin cells without irritating the skin. It contains a blend of moisturizing oils that helps balance the environment on your face. Plus it smells great!

Forget other exfoliators that leave your skin raw and irritated; this gentle, light formula is specifically designed for sensitive skin with green tea extract that will help protect and nourish while deeply cleaning away dirt, oil, impurities and dead skin cells. The unique gauze pads gently scrub away congestion leaving your complexion smooth and radiant - so you can finally feel confident up close and personal.

The gentle exfoliator that will transform your dry skin! This cleverly formulated yet powerful liquid is designed to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil while still leaving your skin feeling hydrated and soft. 

The AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid is enriched with seven natural ingredients – bilberry leaf extract, sugar maple extract, sugarcane extract, orange fruit extract, lemon extract, Willow bark extract, and aloe vera extract – all of which work together to nourish and lock in moisture for all-day hydration. It penetrates deep below the skin's surface to combat tough whiteheads without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

The must-have facial product on the skin care routine for anyone with acne prone or oily skin that is looking to fight breakouts and get their skin back under control. This revolutionary exfoliator eliminates dirt, oil, and impurities so quickly and easily that it'll feel like magic! 

Formulated with natural botanical extracts, this power liquid cleanses your pores deeply. Its active ingredient Betaine Salicylate helps to remove dead skin cells and other impurities from your face, whilst leaving you feeling smooth and refreshed. In addition to this, its antibacterial properties help to prevent future breakouts. All of this results in healthier-looking skin that makes you feel more confident than ever before!

A combination skin's little miracle! Don't just settle for regular exfoliators that leave your skin feeling dry and irritated. Get the deep cleanse you need with our exfoliating peeling pad. With a unique sparkling texture, it gently exfoliates your skin while stimulating your pores to eliminate dirt, oil, and impurities without causing irritation. 

Plus, its special lemon extract formula helps to balance sebum production on excess oily areas so you can experience an even-toned complexion.

Related article: What is Exfoliation? 

Day 2: Retinol Night

After cleansing, apply a retinol product. Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, helps boost cell turnover and collagen production, reducing signs of aging and enhancing skin tone and texture.

Day 3 & 4: Recovery Nights

These two days are for skin rest and rejuvenation for your skin. Use a gentle cleanser, followed by hydrating and soothing products, such as a hyaluronic acid serum or a nourishing, calming moisturizer.

Then, repeat this cycle.

Here are a few recommendations for recovery nights!

This is more than just a regular face serum; it’s a night-time recovery hero specifically formulated for those with sensitive skin. 

The rich formula is made with Beta Glucan, which helps keep essential moisture in the skin, while coconut oil and jojoba oils help seal in the hydration and nourish skin. Not only that – this fast-acting dose of liquid gold locks in moisture on a daily basis, giving your skin an intense boost of hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on your face.

It hydrates your skin during your off recovery nights as part of your regular skin cycling routine, helping you achieve happier, healthier-looking skin. 

This concentrated serum is formulated with natural tea tree extract to penetrate deep into the layers of your skin for maximum hydration. Plus, its diminutive size allows it to fit into even the most cluttered handbags or purses. So whether you’re out and about or just chilling at home, this powerful serum will always be within reach!

This amazing serum is designed to hydrate and nourish your skin while also giving it a boost. And the best part? After just a few applications of this serum, you'll be feeling the difference right away! When used as part of an effective skin cycling routine, our Hyaluronic Acid Pure 100 is perfect for nighttime recovery. 

This powerful hydration booster helps keep your skin looking plump and refreshed following your night-time routine so you can awaken refreshed and beautiful every morning.

The must-have skin product for all skin types. This one is all you need to REPAIR and REGENERATE your skin for a more youthful look! 

When it comes to skin regeneration, you don't have to be a snail. With this rich cream, your recovery nights can be faster than you expect! Designed with an ultra-hydrating blend of natural ingredients, only Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream provides powerful results. 

The star performer in this bottle? The all-star ingredient is snails’ mucin extract - derived from real snails and chosen because of its unique fusion of HA, glycolic acid, collagen boosting peptides, elastin, and antioxidants. These properties combine to deeply hydrate while helping protect and renew your fresh skin cells during night-time recovery cycles.

Are you an oily, acne-prone person looking for the perfect lotion to moisturize your skin through recovery nights of your skincare routine? Look no more! Introducing OIL-FREE ULTRA-MOISTURIZING LOTION, the fountain of youth for tired and dull skin.

The best part about this product is that it offers hydration without any unnecessary oil. That's right! No grease here. And the innovative formula ensures that all vital elements are included to give you a youthful, glowing complexion. 

This ultra-moisturizing lotion helps keep skin hydrated and gives you a deeply pampered feeling with each application, so don't feel guilty if you decide to indulge in an extra self-care session! You deserve it.

How about the results?

Don’t despair! Results will come with time and patience, you just need to be consistent in your routine. 

If you notice that your skin is well adapting to this routine, you may decrease the night of recovery. However, if you're getting particularly sensitive skin you must increase the resting nights, besides if your skin gets irritated for using retinol you should visit a board certified dermatologist.

It’s all about finding and understanding your specific skin needs.

Where to find the best skin cycling routine products?

With the right skin cycling routine in place, you will be able to keep your skin healthy and free from inflammation. 

Our product recommendations were just a few of the great options available to kick start your amazing skin care journey. But don't stop there - check our other page at Asian Beauty Essential's page for even more great options for keeping your skin in its best condition.

Now that you’ve been empowered with the knowledge of this viral skin cycling trend and where to find some of the top products for a perfect skin cycling routine, go out there and get your glow on!