In this Skincare Story, I'll be talking about the latest skincare trend #skincycling. No, it isn't about applying your skincare while cycling (much too dangerous LOL) but how to incorporate a skincare routine that was coined by Dr. Whitney Bowe. The skin cycling trend has gone viral on social media.
In this article, I'll also talk about some Skin Proud products that I have been using. Skin Proud is a UK based skincare brand that is available in Australia at Priceline.
So what is Skin Cycling?
"Skin Cycling" is basically a routine that requires you to change up your daily skincare routine to doing a different routine for each of four consecutive days and repeating that over and over. For skincare aficionados/enthusiasts, this is something that they may already be practising. The four day Skin Cycling routine, puts your skin through a dedicated regime for each of the four days, each targeted at a specific skincare goal.
What does Skin Cycling do?
Skin Cycling is known to help manage blemishes, redness and uneven skin tone in a more effective way. It works better because it strips down the process to using less products each day. This allows the product to work more effectively instead of loading the skin up with layers and layers of different skincare products.
There are four separate PM routines that you do each day. You start with two consecutive routines using skincare actives and this is followed by two days of recovery. Then you simply repeat this four day routine on and on! It's as easy as riding a bike and super simple to remember.
How do I do Skin Cycling?
To help with the main skincare concerns of blemishes, redness and uneven skin tone, you do a four day PM routine as set out below.
Four day routine:
Day One - Cleanse and Exfoliate
Day Two - Cleanser and Retinol
Day Three - Cleanse and Hydrate
Day Four - Cleanse and Recover
Keep repeating the routine above.
Skin Cycling is done in the evening as the skin's own rejuvenation process starts to kick in during our sleep time. The evening routine should be followed by a complimentary AM routine on the following morning.
Some recommended skincare products from Skin Proud
So I love skincare and whilst I do love luxe skincare, I really only care about the ingredients and and effectiveness of the product.
As mentioned above, I've been trying some Skin Proud products since they first launched in Australia. Most of the products are under the AU$30 mark. They are pretty affordable and a great wait to start your Skin Cycling routine.
All of Skin Proud's products are vegan, cruelty-free and free from sulfates and parabens.
Skin Cycling 101: find a good cleanser
So for Skin Cycling, you need a good daily cleanser. I quite enjoy Skin Proud's Velvet Cloud Cleanser, a light mousse texture that leaves skin hydrated and clean. You won't get that tight feeling after using this cleanser. I like to use it both AM and PM. It also smells so calming. This cleanser has moisturising vitamin B3 and naturally derived amino acids, as well as brightening magnolia extract.
Skin Cycling 101: get a gentle and effectives exfoliator
For Day 2 of your Skin Cycling routine, you need a good exfoliator. I like both physical as well as chemical exfoliators. However, if I'm doing a PM routine specially targeted at exfoliating, I prefer to use a chemical one. Skin Proud's Detox Tonic uses an AHAs and BHA formula to improve skin tone and texture. It has glycolic, salicylic and lactic acid. It also has apple extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and cooling aloe vera. This combination of ingredients works well for my sensitive skin.
Skin Cycling 101: get a start on anti-aging with a Retinol
Retinols are fabulous at helping to smooth out wrinkles and improve the firmness of your skin. However, I would recommend some caution with retinols especially for younger and/or dryer skins. You need to slowly build up your skin's tolerance to retinols. You are never too young to start on anti-aging skincare (I would say start in your 20s).
For my sensitive skin, I found Skin Proud's Recharge Serum to be quite effective. This 0.5% retinol serum is gentle and effective. This is a PM only product. I like that in addition to the retinol, it also has hydrating and nourishing ingredients like bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil to help promote cell renewal.
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Skin Cycling 101: Hydrate with some great moisturisers
So on the third day of the Skin Cycling routine, hydration is super important. You want a super hydrating, moisturising and nourishing treatment. Skin Proud has a hyaluronic serum "Smooth Talk" which isn't available yet, but I use a combination of Skin Proud's Refresher Hydrating Face Mist and Sorbet Skin Moisturiser; or the face mist and Frozen Over Gel-To-Ice-Hydrator.
Skin Proud's Refresher Hydrating Face Mist
This mist smells so yummy! It smell like a juicy pineapple. It has hydrating Japanese rose water, refreshing aloe vera and refining witch hazel extract. I usually apply the moisturisers first and then this face mist to lock in all that good moisture.
Skin Proud's Sorbet Skin Moisturiser
The Sorbet Skin Moisturiser has a 4-part hyaluronic acid complex, so it really helps with deep hydration. This is an oil-free gel for results on all levels. It has Hyaluronic Acid Complex, Rose Flower Water, and hydrating Japanese rose water.
Skin Proud's Frozen Over Gel-To-Ice-Hydrator
Depending on how my skin is looking, I might use a lighter moisturiser (I love mixing things up). Skin Proud's Frozen Over Hydrator is super refreshing to use, as it has a cooling effect. It works well if you get any redness from the Retinol. Apply this to hydrate and soothe with its super-hydrating hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory Aloe Vera extract. This one also has lemon extract to help with brightening and treat hyperpigmentation.
Tip: With both moisturisers, apply the moisturiser first and then the facial mist.
Skin Cycling 101: Recovery time for your skin's natural moisture barrier
For Day Four of the Skin Cycling treatment, it is time to let your skin recover. So what you want is something that is going to be nourishing and able to boost the defence of the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
I like to first apply a moisturiser and then seal it all in with a hydrating sleeping mask like Skin Proud's Sleep Hero.
You can use any of the moisturisers mentioned above. Just apply the moisturiser first, wait for it to absorb and then apply the Skin Proud's Sleep Hero.
Skin Proud's Sleep Hero
This is a 2-in-1 face mask that helps with combating free radical and hydrates and nourishes with raspberry extract and Cranberry Seed Oil. It also has niacinamide to help balance and soften the skin.
Final words on Skin Cycling 101
Now just relax and let the products you use on each four day cycle work. It usually takes about six to eight weeks for skincare to work, but with Skin Cycling, you might see results a lot faster! I guess that's why the Skin Cycling Trend has gone viral. :)
I hope you enjoyed this Skincare Story! Please do subscribe to my blog (see various (they are irritating and I am sorry about that) pop up boxes or sign up in the box below). Drop me an email (tashi@paintbytashijadebell.com) or DM me on my Instagram (@paint_bytashijadebell) and let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for me. I always love hearing from you.
Yours Truly with Lots of Love, Tashi Jade Bell.
Disclaimer: All of the photos here were provided by Skin Proud's PR. You cannot use them without obtaining their written permission first. These are my personal views and I do not any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message. Some of the Skin Proud products were gifted to me by PR with no obligation to post about it.
