What is Skin Cycling?

When Skin Cycling, your evening routine is based on a 4-night cycle to ensure better absorption and tolerance of active ingredients such as retinol, chemical exfoliants, and Vitamin C. This philosophy was developed by New York dermatologist Whitney Bowe who wanted to offer her patients a routine that maximized the effects of active ingredients while minimizing their effects on the skin barrier. 

How does Skin Cycling work?

As the name suggests, it is a routine that is repeated in a 4-day cycle. However, it is only the active ingredient of the evening routine that changes, the morning routine remains the same every day! The cycle is simple: exfoliation, retinol, and recovery! 

Night 1: Exfoliation

The first night of the cycle consists of exfoliating the skin. The goal is to get rid of dead skin cells, clean pores, and prepare the skin for the active ingredients of the rest of the cycle. Exfoliants that are "chemical" and not physical (with exfoliating beads) are preferred. They work with active ingredients such as AHAs (lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, etc.) and salicylic acid (BHA).

Our suggestion: The SUPRA RADIANCE Double Peeling Radiance Mask, which contains a complex of glycolic, lactic, and malic acids for radiant skin!

Night 2: Retinol

Now that the skin is well prepared to receive active ingredients, it's retinol's time to shine. Known for its anti-aging and acne-fighting properties, retinol's effectiveness comes from its action on cell renewal. Belonging to the retinoid family (a derivative of Vitamin A), retinol is an antioxidant frequently used in anti-aging skin care. It can be found under several names in an ingredient list: retinyl palmitate, retinyl linoleate, retinaldehyde, propionic acid, or retinyl acetate. If you're new to retinol, the important thing is to use it gradually (start with a small dosage!) and to test your skin's reactivity by applying it to the crook of your elbow before applying it to your face!

Our suggestion: CICA-FILLER Anti-Wrinkle Filling Serum, which contains Bakuchiol, a highly effective retinol-like ingredient that offers maximum tolerance to the skin.

Nights 3 and 4: Recovery

As the exfoliants and retinol begin to work, give your skin a break. The idea here is to strengthen and repair the skin barrier after using powerful actives. For your serum, choose a treatment that contains Hyaluronic Acid to restore, and moisturize in-depth. 

For the cream, look for a product that contains nourishing and repairing ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and squalane. 

Our suggestions: PREMIUM The Cure Absolute Anti-Aging which is formulated with Niacinamide, Hyalu-3 Concentrate containing three forms of Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin as well as CICA-FILLER Anti-Wrinkle Filling Cream, which as the name so aptly states, contains a repairing complex for the skin.

What about your morning routine?

Unlike the evening Skin Cycling routine, the morning routine is very simple! We start by cleansing the skin with a gentle cleanser to remove any traces of exfoliating ingredients or retinol that could increase the skin's photosensitivity during sun exposure.  Next, choose a Vitamin C serum. Its antioxidant action protects the skin from free radicals during the day! To moisturize the skin, you can choose your favorite moisturizer. Finally, it is important to apply sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays (check the packaging) with a minimum protection of 30 SPF. 

Now that you know all about Skin Cycling, feel free to use the calendar below to make sure you stay on top of your routine. Simply check off the circle corresponding to the day of the cycle that you have completed.