Skin riding is the latest beauty trend to take over TikTok. With 3.5 billion cool views on the hashtag, the skin loop trend is far from a bizarre and outlandish approach (as is often the case on Gen Z-dominated platforms). In fact, it actually has legs, according to many skin experts and dermatologists. But what exactly is it?
“The concept of skin circulation applies to a nighttime skincare routine that involves using active ingredients only on certain days and following them on ‘rest’ days,” explains Dr. Alexis Granite. “A four-day cycle is the most popular and typically involves applying the active ingredient two nights a week, followed by a two-night break, and then repeating.”
The idea is to use a skin cycle Routines can help prevent damage to the skin barrier from overuse of active ingredients—plus, it’s a great way to create a consistent and effective routine to help skin work optimally. The New York dermatologist behind the concept is Dr. Whitney Bowe, who shares her vision for the ultimate skin cycling routine on TikTok.
Night 1: Exfoliation
“You want to clean [skin], pat dry, and then apply an exfoliating product,” Dr. Bowe explained that he recommends using leave-in products rather than wash-off items, such as cleansers. Look for chemical exfoliants with ingredients like AHA, BHA, and PHA, rather than physical scrubs, as they work better on the skin’s barrier and are more effective.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator
PhD. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Therapy
Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum
2nd night: Retinoid
2nd night, Apply retinoid after cleansing. If you’re new to retinoids and skin circulation in general, start by applying a moisturizer to the sensitive areas of the face (under the eyes, around the corners of the nose, and puppet lines) to act as a buffer and to prevent dryness and irritation. Then, apply your retinoid to the entire face, neck and décolleté.
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CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Therapy
Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum
2nd night: Retinoid
2nd night, Apply retinoid after cleansing. If you’re new to retinoids and skin circulation in general, start by applying a moisturizer to the sensitive areas of the face (under the eyes, around the corners of the nose, and puppet lines) to act as a buffer and to prevent dryness and irritation. Then, apply your retinoid to the entire face, neck and décolleté.
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CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
Nights 3 and 4: Repair and Recovery
It’s time to take care of the skin barrier and ensure the skin is well hydrated. Dr. Bowe recommends cleansing, keeping the skin moist, and then applying a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and/or niacinamide. Follow with a moisturizer: “Choose a formula that’s really nourishing to support the skin’s barrier,” says Dr. Bowe. “If your skin is really dry, apply rosehip oil or squalane oil to your cheeks.”
Klur Immersion Serum Concentrate
Naturium Niacinamide Facial Serum % plus zinc 2%
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Kiehl’s Ultra Moisturizing Cream contains Squalane
Yongjia Paris Eye Cream
566896Tachas Peony Eye Melt Cream
