Over the years, the beauty market has exploded with hundreds of different skin care products advertised as "must-haves" for anti-aging skin. Kim Kardashian's latest skincare line has nine steps and costs $630. And now TikTok has a brand new beauty routine: the skin cycle. Dermatologist Whitney Bowie, author of the new Skin Cycle trend, used her platform to advocate for making skin beautiful and doing less.
The skin cycle is four days. The first night after washing, apply a physical or chemical peel to remove dead cells from the top layer of the skin. On the second night, apply retinol to unclog pores and stimulate skin cell production for a fresher complexion. The downside of using an exfoliant followed by retinol is that it can irritate the skin. That's why Bowie advises his viewers to use Day 3 and 4 for hydration and recovery, and apply moisturizer after regular cleansing.
TikTok users like _eaden are staunch supporters of Bowe's Skin Cycle regimen, calling it revolutionary. "When I started doing this a few months ago, someone literally came up to me the other day and said, 'Your skin is like an Instagram filter,'" she recalls in one of her videos.
But does it work like any phenomenon you come across on TikTok?
"Other trends on TikTok include influencers who have tried something and want to talk about their success," says Melanie Kingsley, an assistant professor of dermatology at Indiana University School of Medicine and a dermatologist at Indiana University Health. "Then TikTok trends become a bit dangerous because we don't have a scientific basis."
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However, for peace of mind, this procedure is recommended by a certified dermatologist who specializes in the clinical treatment of human skin diseases. Bowie has "years of experience," says Kingsley. "He formulated it to help his patients and perfected it over the years."
Although there are no studies looking at the skin cycle, Kingsley says there is some evidence to support the importance of removing dead skin cells and using retinol to increase collagen production and repair skin damage. But instead of repeating those two harsh steps and risking drying out your skin, she says that letting your skin repair itself will give you the benefits of exfoliation and retinol without overloading the barrier. damaged, leading to glowing, glowing skin.
Kingsley says she recommends Skin Bypass for patients looking to upgrade their night routine or who don't currently have a skincare regimen but want something easy. "I think it's a good option."
However, not all skincare experts are equally fascinated by Bowe's skin-changing cycling technique. Celebrity esthetician and Facial Lounge founder Amber Rose Johnson explains that skin cycles are beneficial because they give the skin time to heal and repair. However, she notes that there is no single skin cycle protocol that is safe for all skin types. "There are so many different trends that I can't recommend [Bowe] specifically for sensitive skin." Johnson also has a favorite skin resurfacing routine that involves a deeper exfoliation during her menstrual cycle or once every 28 days. “This is our body's natural exfoliation process, and it is good to support that process.
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Pregnant women should be careful about the tendency for skin to change, as there is evidence that retinols can cause birth defects. If you are sensitive to retinoids, such as rosacea, contact dermatitis and eczema, the peeling procedure may be unbearable. If you fall into one of these categories, Kingsley recommends ditching the retinol and focusing on very gentle exfoliation and hydration. The main thing is not to overdo it and take it slow.
"Skin loves to exfoliate, but the process can be annoying and annoying," adds Johnson. “You've got to love a powerful moisturizer that's free of parabens and fragrances. Not only is it good for enlarged pores, blackheads, fine lines and scars, but it definitely slows down the aging process."
If you're interested in a skin care cycle but don't know if it's right for your skin, talk to a skin care professional first. They will help you determine your skin profile, sensitivity and choose the treatment that best suits your needs.