What is skin cycling Reddit
What is skin cycling good for
What does skin cycling mean
Ask Doctor Anne: What is skin cycling and do you need to do it?
Every once in a while, a new skincare fad sweeps TikTok, leaving everyone perplexed about what it is and whether they should follow it. The most recent is skin cycling, as far as I can tell because these trends tend to emerge faster than I can keep up.
WHAT IS THIS SKIN CYCLING THAT EVERYONE IS DISCUSSING?
But what is skin cycling in reality? Is it necessary for proper skincare regiment, and more importantly, is it actually new or was it recycled from an era before the present Tiktok generation was even born, like enormous shoulder pads?
What is meant by skin cycling?
The idea behind skin cycling is that instead of utilising potent skincare products like Tretinoin or potent chemical peels on a daily basis, you should alternate between using potent skincare products and calming skincare products, such as your go-to moisturiser. The fundamental idea is the same despite the various "recipes" I have read, which give various cycle durations between the active nights or concentrate on various actual actives or their combinations.
Don't overexfoliate or damage your skin barrier; instead, give your skin a break.
What is the origin of skin cycling?
According to what you've read online, Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist, invented the skin cycling technique as a way to let her patients with sensitive skin incorporate potent actives like Tretinoin and chemical exfoliants into their routines without causing them any discomfort. Dr. Bowe, a dermatologist in New York, has been active on social media for quite some time. She started uploading videos to YouTube eight years ago, but, as far as I can tell, hasn't been very active there recently. Dr. Bowe also wrote a book titled "The beauty of dirty skin" that emphasises the gut-skin axis and the function of the microbiome.I wanted to give you some background information because I haven't read the book or seen more than a few of her videos. As a result, I can't say whether I suggest following her advice.
Why is it a concern if you use actives every night?
On this channel, we've covered the skin barrier and its significance quite a bit. But just to review: Dead skin cells make up the top layer of your skin, and if they don't shed properly, they can cause an uneven and dull appearance. Using an exfoliant can help with this problem and restore the much-desired glow to your skin.
But as with everything good, more doesn't automatically equal greater outcomes.As the skin barrier, which is crucial in keeping irritants out and hydration in, is made up of dead skin cells, they do serve a purpose. If too much dead skin is removed during exfoliation, you lose this protection and risk aggravating dehydration and skin irritability.
The same is true with potent retinoids, typically in prescription form like Tretinoin and Adapalene, which are used to treat acne but have also become popular among those who do not have acne for anti-aging. Although they are fantastic products, they do carry a small but real risk of irritation, which frequently manifests as unpleasant, tight, red, flaky skin.These side effects typically don't manifest right away after you begin using the products, which makes them even more difficult to prevent. You may think everything is fine, continue using the products daily, and then suddenly experience a skin flare-up that forces you to either stop using the products altogether or endure a few really difficult weeks in terms of your skin.
How does cycling the skin benefit the skin?
By reducing the frequency of actives used and giving your skin time to adjust, skin cycling can help prevent these issues. Quite frequently, skin can develop a tolerance to potent retinoids over time, allowing you to increase the frequency and potency you can use without experiencing side effects.
Additionally, if these issues don't arise, you are far more likely to continue utilising these substances, which is necessary for seeing results in any skincare routine.
Does skin cycling work for acne?
Skin cycling may, in fact, assist with acne; the operative word here is "may." To avoid long-term issues like scarring, acne, which should not be confused with breakouts, should be treated under a doctor's supervision and frequently requires a prescription. Skin cycling won't improve that on its own, but it might make the treatment more tolerable so you stick with it and eventually see results.
Although skin cycling on its own can relieve non-acne breakouts, misuse of specific substances, frequently exfoliating acids, can make some people's skin more prone to breakouts as a sign of irritation.
How does skin cycling work?
An extra recovery night is advised if your skin is particularly sensitive. The basic recipe you'll find is: One night for your retinoid, the next night you exfoliate, and the third night you let your skin recover before starting over. I wanted to emphasise that depending on the intensity of the retinoid you are taking, you might not need to exfoliate entirely, as I am not a supporter of predetermined recipes for everyone because every person's skin is different.
But I understand that some individuals require a set schedule to make life less complicated.
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