How To Skin Cycle (2 Different Ways)

Skin cycling is not a passing TikTok trend, many estheticians have already been recommending a rotation of products to their clients as a strategic way to enjoy the benefits of active ingredients and exfoliants without over stimulating the skin. But there is another way to skin cycle, more aligned with nature’s rhythms, synchronized with your monthly menstrual cycle. When I first discovered this method I thought yes, this is genius. As women, our skin behaves quite differently from week to week so switching up your skincare routine to accommodate these changes just makes sense. Read below to learn more about skin cycling both the weekly way, and the monthly way to help you decide which method is best for you. 

WEEKLY SKIN CYCLING 

The weekly skin cycling routine that is circulating social media right now was coined by Dr. Whitney Bowe, NYC based dermatologist. This 4 day rotation includes exfoliating on the first night, applying a vitamin A the next night, and then having two recovery nights using purely moisturizing ingredients. This way, your skin can reap the skincare benefits of chemical/physical exfoliants and vitamin A without imbalance or irritation. This cycle can be effective for those dealing with sensitized skin, acne, eczema, rosacea, or discoloration. 

WEEKLY SKIN CYCLING BENEFITS

You CAN have too much of a good thing. And we have all been guilty of using too many resurfacing ingredients and products at once in hopes of accelerating results. However, over-exfoliating can lead to a damaged moisture barrier and inflammation in the skin that can actually make you look older, dry, and sensitive.

HOW TO WEEKLY SKIN CYCLE

Here’s a skin cycling routine you can try today to pave the way to better, healthier skin. Of course, this is a general guide and the products, and amount of days can be customized to suit your skin’s unique needs. 

Night #1: Exfoliate

After using your usual cleanser, go in with a chemical or physical exfoliator. It could be another cleanser, scrub, toner, serum, or mask. As long as it contains a chemical exfoliant like fruit enzymes, lactic acid, or salicylic acid or physical exfoliation like oil cleansing with a cloth, scrubs, or clay masking. These will gently lift or slough away dead skin cells and impurities while softening the skin and leaving behind a radiant glow. Finish up with your moisturizing steps. 

Product picks: 2-in-1 Hibiscus Exfoliating Mud, Simply Brilliant

Night #2: Apply a vitamin A

On night two, apply a vitamin A serum after cleansing. Vitamin A is one of the most powerful and effective skincare ingredients that you can add to your routine. With the unique ability to speed up healing, prevent acne breakouts, promote natural moisturizing, and stimulate collagen production. This high-performing vitamin will transform the appearance of your skin. Osmosis only uses vitamin A in the form of Retinaldehyde because it  is gentler on your skin when compared to other forms of vitamin A such as Retinol. 

When applied topically, Retinol can cause skin irritation, sun-sensitivity and some retinol products are not recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Whereas Osmosis vitamin A serums using retinaldehyde are deemed pregnancy and sun safe, and are also kinder on your skin, more effective, and can be used on the skin long term.

Follow up with Infuse mist if using an Osmosis Vitamin A serum, but do not follow up with any moisturizing steps. 

Product picks: Calm, Correct, Renew

NIGHTS # 3 & 4: Let The Skin Recover

These are your recovery nights where you will focus on nourishing your skin with soothing, repairing, and strengthening skincare products. Even if you have acne prone skin, take a break from any and all exfoliating products. After cleansing you can use a hydrating mist, serum, oils, butters, balms – even a hydrating mask like Mango Barrier Repair Mask. 

Product picks: Rescue, Quench, Vitamin C Regenerative Balm

Repeat

After the fourth night, you can start again with the cycle.

Keep scrolling to learn how to monthly skin cycle up next.

HOW TO CYCLE YOUR SKINCARE WITH YOUR MENTRUAL CYCLE

Menstruation is technically considered the first  phase of our cycles from a hormonal perspective. But I like to begin thinking about my monthly skin care cycling with the Luteal phase, which occurs between ovulation and menstruation, your skin will typically be at its most inflamed, premenstrual acne may begin to form due to the rise in progesterone and testosterone, making it an ideal time to prepare for “period skin”.

LUTEAL (Autumn)

Immune function drops, hair becomes greasy and brittle, skin becomes oily and sensitive. Collagen and hyaluronic acid levels start to drop. Before and during a period, you might experience increased oiliness of the skin. This is because the immune system fluctuates with our monthly hormonal cycle, allowing acne causing strep, eczema causing dermatoxins, and other skin troublemakers to reach the skin through the lymphatic system. Time to prepare for your menstrual hibernation phase and focus on boosting your immune system within. This is a great week to have a facial to get the skin in its best shape and minimize menstrual skin flare ups and concerns. At home this is the week you want to bring in your exfoliating products or routine.

Product Picks:  Pure Enzymes or 2-in-1 Hibiscus Exfoliating Mud. 

MENSTRUAL PHASE (Winter)

Your immune system is at its lowest strength, and so is your skin. Medical Medium teaches us the immune system drops 80% around this time to redirect its attention towards your reproductive organs. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are low. You appear dull, dry, deflated, and sensitized. Less collagen and hyaluronic acid is produced at this time, breakouts are at an all time peak due to a lowered immune defense against skin troublemakers. It is time to rest, and use products to hydrate, and calm your inflamed skin.

Product picks:  Rescue, Replenish, Beauty Sleep Gel Moisturizer

Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum truly is a “period skin” super hero!

FOLLICULAR PHASE (Spring)

Your skin is on its best behavior. Right before ovulation, estrogen is on the rise and your skin looks sensational. Your mood bounces back and so does your skin, which experiences more natural moisture and collagen production. Everything is new again, your skin is more elastic, and breakouts subside. Time to heal and bring yourself back to balance. You can bring your actives and exfoliation back in to help further revive post-period skin, or implement a bi-weekly exfoliation routine that you would do in the luteal phase, and follicular phase.

Product picks:  Pure Enzymes , 2-in-1 Hibiscus Exfoliating Mud. 

OVULATION PHASE (Summer): Time to bask in your glow. Your skin is firm and plump. Hair is luscious and shiny. As progesterone increases while you’re ovulating, so will oil production. Higher estrogen levels will have collagen at an all time peak.. Prepare for bouncy glowing skin and hair all around!  But according to Medical Medium information our immune system also drops around 40% at this time, shifting its focus to reproductive organs. Which could explain why many women report an increase in breakouts during this time of the month.This might be a good time to focus on maintenance products to enhance your radiance, and products that protect and strengthen the skin, saving exfoliation habits for the following week in luteal phase to recover from any ovulation flare ups and prepare for “period skin” ahead.

Product Picks: Rescue, Replenish, Vitamin C Regenerative Balm, Quench

Be consistent with your skin routine in order to see results, and remember you might need to customize your cycle days depending on your skin concerns and products being used. You’ll also want to make sure you’re applying sun protection when working with exfoliating products to keep your fresh skin protected during peak and prolonged sun exposures.