Use This Skin Cycling Routine to Rejuvenate Your Skin

The skin cycling routine revolves around crafting a personalized skincare routine that aligns with the ebb and flow of your skin's needs throughout the month. This approach deeply considers factors such as hormonal shifts and ever-changing environmental concerns.

At the heart of this method is the careful rotation of specific products and treatments, including exfoliants, rich moisturizers, and potent serums. When you're in the follicular phase, spanning from days 1 to 14, it's essential to emphasize hydration and fortify your skin's protective barriers.

Meanwhile, during the luteal phase, from days 15 to 28, it's time to tackle challenges like unexpected breakouts and increased oiliness by introducing acne-combatting products.

A Proper Skin Cycling Routine You Can Follow

Skin cycling routine (Image via Unsplash/Curology)

1. Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): During this phase, estrogen levels rise, leading to increased collagen production and overall skin radiance.

Morning Routine

Cleanser: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities.
Toner: Use a hydrating or balancing toner to prepare your skin.
Serum: Apply a vitamin C serum for added brightness and antioxidants.
Moisturizer: Opt for a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer.
Sunscreen: Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Evening Routine

Cleanser: Cleanse your face to remove makeup and impurities.
Toner: Repeat the toner step.
Serum: Use a serum containing hyaluronic acid or peptides.
Moisturizer: Apply a nourishing, hydrating night cream.
Eye Cream: If you use one, apply an eye cream.

2. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): During this phase, progesterone levels rise, which can lead to increased oil production and potential breakouts.

Morning Routine

Cleanser: Start with your gentle cleanser.
Toner: Use a balancing toner to control oil.
Salicylic Acid (2-3 times a week): If you're prone to breakouts, apply a salicylic acid product.
Serum: Choose a lightweight, oil-free serum.
Moisturizer: Use an oil-free moisturizer.
Sunscreen: Finish with SPF as usual.

Evening Routine

Cleanser: Cleanse your face to remove makeup and impurities.
Toner: Repeat the toner step.
Retinol (2-3 times a week): Incorporate a retinol product for cell turnover.
Serum: Use a serum with niacinamide to control oil and reduce redness.
Moisturizer: Apply a light, oil-free night cream.
Eye Cream: Continue using an eye cream.

Skin cycling routine (Image via Unsplash/Fleur Kaan)

General Tips

Stay hydrated throughout your cycle.
Adjust your routine based on your skin's needs and sensitivities.
Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support overall skin health.
Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes, as this can lead to scarring.

What Can This Skin Cycling Routine Do to You?

Optimized Skincare: Embracing a skincare routine that harmonizes with your menstrual cycle offers a timely response to specific skin challenges, ensuring you get the most out of your chosen products.

Hormone Balance: This approach gracefully navigates hormone-driven skin alterations. For instance, the luteal phase might usher in more oiliness and breakouts, but with the right care, your skin remains clear and vibrant.

Enhanced Radiance: The follicular phase, with its surge in estrogen, often encourages our skin's collagen production. This beautiful synergy can unveil a naturally glowing complexion.

Prevention and Treatment: With a discerning eye on ingredients, introducing powerhouses like salicylic acid for those unexpected breakouts and retinol to rejuvenate skin cells can be both a preventive and curative step.

Reduced Sensitivity: Fine-tuning your routine ensures you introduce more potent products judiciously, shielding your skin from undue sensitivity or the pitfalls of over-exfoliation.

Personalized Care: This methodology stands as a testament to the belief that skincare is deeply personal. It recognizes and respects the fluidity of your skin's needs as days pass.

Better Product Selection: With a deeper understanding of your skin's rhythm, you're empowered to pick products that resonate with its present state, sidestepping those that might not serve its best interests.

Long-Term Skin Health: Addressing the heart of skin concerns in real-time fosters enduring skin health, minimizing any future concerns like scarring or uneven pigmentation.

So, here's what the skin cycling routine can do to you. Try it out and enjoy the benefits. However, be careful so as to not go overboard with it!