Imagine, a TikTok trend that dermatologists like and recommend! What is this trend? Skin cycling!
While it may seem as if skin cycling is fad, it really isn’t. Dr. Rebecca Baxt, board-certified dermatologist and medical director of BAXT CosMedical® has been recommending skin cycling for many years.
What is Skin Cycling and Why is It Important?
Let’s begin with defining skin cycling. This trend took off during the pandemic when individuals were staying at home, and they began changing their skin care routine, including not applying as much make-up. The skin cycling trend has been appearing on social media platforms and is popular on TikTok videos with the hashtag, #skincycling receiving billions of views!1
The skin cycling routine is a straightforward approach to skin care with a 4-day cycle alternating between the use of active ingredients and nights off.
The article in the New York Times, “Should You be Skin Cycling?” describes the cycle as follows:
- Night 1 – Apply a chemical exfoliant
- Night 2 – Apply a retinoid
- Night 3 – Apply a moisturizer
- Night 4 – Apply a moisturizer
So, is it time to throw away your multitude of skincare products that are often costly and deliver less than optimal results? Dr. Rebecca Baxt says, YES! “There are many ways to treat the skin for best results,” says Dr. Baxt. “I individualize a program for each and every patient.”
Before your skin care consultation, Dr. Baxt requests that her patients bring all of their skin care products to the visit for review, including cleansers, moisturizers, eye creams, sunscreen, and any products you use on your skin. Additionally, prescription medications taken by patients with acne, rosacea, or other skin conditions should be brought to the initial consultation with Dr. Baxt.
Dr. Baxt will examine your skin, look at the products and medications you are using and discuss your skin rejuvenation or improvement goals to recommend a customized treatment protocol for you.
What are Dr. Baxt’s Recommended Must-Have Skin Ingredients/Products?
One important anti-aging skincare cycling product Dr. Baxt recommends, is alternating the uses of retinoid, such as, retinol with a glycolic acid or peptide product at night. In the morning an antioxidant product, such as Vitamin C can be used underneath sunblock.
If the skin gets irritated, a day or two off from the retinoid is always recommended. It has been proven for many years that retinoids can give long-term benefits while using them only two or three nights a week. This is great because it makes room for other skincare ingredients. There are some patients, who cycle their morning and evening products.
“Overall, for healthy skin, both men and women can use a good skin care program. Retin-A, and other Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, and Emollients, are among the products that I recommend,” says Dr. Baxt. The one thing that never should be cycled is sunscreen!
Dr. Rebecca Baxt and her team of skin care specialists can help men and women with their skin care concerns and recommend the appropriate skincare products, regiment, and other services that will help you turn back the clock and maintain an appropriately youthful look.
Ask our specialists about our complete line of professional grade skincare products. BAXT CosMedical® offers a variety of products to treat all skin types, including sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin, and acne-prone patients.
1Strugatz, Rachel, 2022, ‘Should You Be ‘Skin Cycling’?,’ The New York Times, October 6, 2022