Image: Getty
Introducing actives into your routine may seem daunting, but a skin-scheduling regimen could be your answer. Skin cycling is a popular and powerful skincare routine that works by alternating between treatment and recovery nights.
This four-night cycle allows you to introduce products gradually, giving your skin time to recover in between for improved results.
The goal of skin cycling and its recommended rest days is to achieve smoother, clearer, brighter and plumper skin, with
a complexion that is nourished and balanced.
Here are the steps to follow…
How do I start a skin cycling routine?
Night 1: Exfoliation
Start by cleansing the skin as you would normally to ensure all makeup and impurities have been removed.
Garnier Micellar Vitamin C Cleansing Water
$16.99, at Chemist Warehouse
A micellar water such as this Garnier Micellar Vitamin C Cleansing Water leaves skin bright and clean, while a gentle oil cleanser leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated.
ManukaRX Gentle Oil Cleanser
$41, at ManukaRX
The ManukaRX Gentle Oil Cleanser is boosted with rejuvenating mānuka and rosehip oils making it the perfect choice for dry skin.
Avène Gentle Exfoliating Scrub
$41.99, at Chemist Warehouse
After the ManukaRX Gentle Oil Cleanser, gently buff off dirt and dead skin using an exfoliant such as the Avène Gentle Exfoliating Scrub to create a smooth canvas in preparation for night two.
Night 2: Retinol
Here’s where your actives come in! Retinol is best applied at nighttime so it can get to work as you sleep.
Bondi Sands Baby Face Retinol
$32.99, at Adore Beauty
Try a gentle formula with a small percentage such as the Bondi Sands Baby Face Retinol, slowly increasing the frequency and amount applied as the weeks go on.
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum
$29.99, at Chemist Warehouse
Another top pick for a retinol night serum includes the fast-absorbing Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum.
Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum
$34.95, at Adore Beauty
Also consider the Boost Lab Retinol Night Renewal Serum, which plumps and hydrates while you snooze.
Nights 3 & 4: Rest & Recovery
For these two nights, give your skin a chance to properly repair and renew.
Natio Treatments Skin Renewal Ceramide Line & Wrinkle Cream
$24.99, at Chemist Warehouse
Use a nourishing ceramide cream like this Natio Treatments Skin Renewal Ceramide Line & Wrinkle Cream.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
$17.49, at Chemist Warehouse
As your skin is having a break from lactic acids and retinols, apply products that will support the skin barrier. No-frills CeraVe Moisturising Cream is a top choice.
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