Skincare and haircare essentials

Rich Skxn Spotlight: Skin Cycling

Skin cycling is a term coined by Dr Whitney Bowe. It went viral on TikTok, as it introduced an easy to follow routine for exfoliant and retinoid beginners. What is it? Essentially a 4-day night-time routine where you rotate between active ingredients and recovery nights.

 

Why is skin cycling recommended?

It allows your skin to recover between using actives. This helps to minimise irritation and keep the moisture barrier intact. 

It looks like this:

  • Day 1: exfoliate
  • Day 2: Retinol
  • Day 3: Recover
  • Day 4: Recover

 

So, in detail. your night-time routine would look something like this:

  • Step 1. Oil cleanser
  • Step 2. Water-based cleanser
  • Step 3: Exfoliator (on day 1)
  • Step 4. Hyaluronic Acid
  • Step 5. (On day 2): Retinol
  • Step 6. Moisturiser

Are you already using retinoids and chemical exfoliants? Here’s an intermediate and advanced routine you might want to try:

An Intermediate Routine:

  • Day 1: Exfoliate
  • Day 2: Recovery
  • Day 3: Retinol
  • Day 4: Recovery
  • Day 5: Retinol
  • Day 6: Recovery
  • Day 7: Retinol

 

 

Or an advanced routine:

  • Day 1: Exfoliate
  • Day 2: Recovery
  • Day 3: Retinol
  • Day 4: Retinol
  • Day 5: Retinol
  • Day 6: Retinol
  • Day 7: Recovery

 

Word of Advice

These routines are a guide only. It’s important to listen to your skin. Described routines are more suitable for those with acne/oily/combination skin. 

We also recommend the sandwich method for retinol nights, where you layer your retinol with moisturiser before and after. This will minimise any irritation caused by the product. 

If you are new to chemical exfoliants and retinoids, start with the beginner’s guide. Sensitive and Dry skin will need more breaks in-between treatments, so adjust accordingly.

Ready to start your skin cycling routine? Here’s a few product recommendations to get you started: 

 Exfoliation Day

  1. Oil cleanser -> Purifying Honey Oil Cleanser
  2. Water- based cleanser -> Cleanser 
  3. Exfoliate -> BHA Exfoliating Solution
  4. Hydrate -> CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
  5. Moisturise -> Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream

Retinol Day

  1. Oil cleanser -> Purifying Honey Oil Cleanser 
  2. Water- based cleanser -> Cleanser
  3. Hydrate -> CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
  4. Retinol -> Fountain of Youth Serum
  5. Moisturise -> Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream

 Recovery Day

  1. Oil cleanser -> Purifying Honey Oil Cleanser
  2. Water- based cleanser -> Cleanser
  3. Hydrate -> CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
  4. Moisturise -> Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream 
Back to blog