Finally! A TikTok beauty trend that doesn't involve slathering greasy Vaseline on your face. The latest method doing the rounds on the app is called Skin Cycling, and according to dermatologists it holds up.

What is Skin Cycling?

So, what is Skin Cycling exactly? To those who don't have their eyes permanently attached to TikTok, it's a brainwave of New York City-based dermatologist Whitney Bowe, who has been teaching the method on her platform since April 2021.

@drwhitneybowe Skin cycling for beginners: how to get started. And how to layer with Bowe Glowe #skincycling #thatboweglow #dermatologist #skintok ♬ original sound - Dr. Whitney Bowe

Basically, the term refers to a four night regimen in which you switch between active ingredients, then pull back and allow your skin time to recover and repair. Think of it broken down into these three words: exfoliate, retinol, recover.

On the first night, you'll want to cleanse your skin then go in with a chemical exfoliant, preferably glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid. Dr. Bowe recommends using a leave-on product for this step, rather than wash-away exfoliants for a higher efficacy. Then finish the routine with a moisturiser.

For the second night, you'll want to repeat exactly what you did on the first night, except substitute the exfoliant for retinol, which will depend on your tolerance and experience with the ingredient. The next two evenings are laid out as repair days, so no active products, just cleanse and hydrate with a very basic moisturiser to restore the skin's barrier. If you think your skin could do with a bit more hydration, add in an extra step for hyaluronic acid or apply a face oil as your final step to lock in all the moisture.

@theglownarrative my first night trying skin cycling, not sure how i feel about it yet but we’ll see! @drwhitneybowe #skincare #MessFreeHero #GenshinTeleport #skincareroutine #skincare101 #skincycling #foryou #fyp #foryoupage #toner #milkytoner #salicylicacid #bhaserum #ceramides #moisturizer #ceramideserum #laneige #glowrecipe #paulaschoice #kravebeauty #freshbeauty #drunkelephant #drunkelephantskincare ♬ No. 14 Pas De Deux - Tchaikovsky

Should I try Skin Cycling?

More than anything, the method is a good idea for those who tend to overcomplicate their skincare routines, and it can be a helpful structure to anyone beginning to implement a regular regime. Ultimately, it's always best to check in with your own dermatologist to see if it will work for you, especially if you have sensitive skin as retinol can sometimes inflame the problem before it brings results.

But if you're hoping to target acne or uneven texture, it's been given the thumbs up by not just Dr. Bowe but other experts like board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, who has added her own spin on the trend with recommended products too.

@dermguru #duet with @Erica Nicole #healthyskin shoutout to @drwhitneybowe 👏 #skincycling #skincycle #retinoids #skintok #dermtok ♬ Beat Automotivo Tan Tan Tan Viral - WZ Beat

 

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