Menu
Skin Cycling 101
Skin Cycling 101
If you ever spend time on social media, then you'll definitely have heard about skin cycling, or skin fasting. During the pandemic, this three-step regime rose to popularity as many of us had more time to spend on pursuing our 'perfect' skin. Read on to find out the what and why of skin cycling and how you can build it into your beauty therapy menu.
What is Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling is a skincare regime that builds in active days that feature ingredients that work to slough off dead skin cells, followed by a rest day where your skin gets to heal and hydrate. Think of it as like starting a new workout or gym routine; you wouldn't go every day because your body needs to rest. Skin cycling works on the same premise, starting with a day of exfoliation, a day of Retinol—a well-known active—and a day or two of rest, depending on your skin type. Then you start all over again. Here's why:
First, Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the first step in enabling products to penetrate the skin because it removes any dead skin cells that directly impact the look and feel of the skin. In the salon, this could mean a liquid peel, like the Skinician Advanced Pro-Radiance Enzyme Peel —it does double duty combining exfoliating enzymes with AHAs to really work on dry and dehydrated skin. You can also advise clients on a gentle solution they can use at home. This could be a BHA liquid that they pat into the skin before hydrating their skin in the evening, or they could use a face wash with Salicylic Acid in the mornings, which is a great option for those with more sensitive skin.
One caveat with exfoliating—it's easily overdone. Overuse of exfoliating ingredients can leave skin feeling sensitive and dry, and worst case, it can even compromise the delicate skin barrier. Once this happens, it's important to stop any use of active ingredients and focus on hydration. When it comes to your clients, it's important to note any changes in their at-home skincare routine so that whatever treatment you're applying doesn't affect their skin in a negative way. And vice versa; check in with your clients and tell them what they should focus on in the coming weeks post-treatment, so that they can make the most of the treatment they've received from you.
Next, Activate
Once the skin has been exfoliated on night one, the next night is the opportunity to take advantage of that smoother surface, with a Retinoid. Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A, known to accelerate cell turnover and help to reduce the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores. The most popular Retinoid is undoubtedly Retinol, but Tretinoin is also becoming popular, although it works faster than Retinol and as such can cause some skin irritation. The key is to find the right ingredient and formula for your client—Retinoids come in the form of serums and moisturizers and should only be applied as part of an evening skincare routine. SPF the following morning—every morning—is a must to ensure the skin doesn't become oversensitive, red, and irritated. The +serumology Retinol Overnight Serum, is a powerful anti-ageing treatment that uses hydrating Sea Kelp and organic Pine Oil to promote Collagen production, a natural occurring protein that keeps skin looking plump and glowing.
Now, Rest
After two active nights, it's time to give the skin time to restore and rejuvenate itself with ingredients that hydrate. Focus on creating a 'moisture sandwich' with mists, serums, and creams that contain Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamins C and E and always start with damp skin. This way the skin has the best chance of reaping all the hydration benefits. Monuskin Hydrating Moisturizer SPF15 is the perfect complement to a skin cycling regime, as not only does it keep skin hydrated with Blackcurrant Seed Oil, it also features SPF which is a vital skin protector for anyone who wants to see the benefits of skin cycling.
Marina Hodgins of Fringe Benefits and La Bella Beauty in Gloucester gives her top tips to teaching your clients about skin cycling and recommending treatments that work alongside the regime.
- Start Slowly: If your client is new to either exfoliation or Retinol, it's important to start with lower concentrations and assess their skin's reaction. Once you know there is no irritation, you can gradually increase frequency or concentration.
- Patch Test: A patch test is always recommended when you're ready to try something new on your clients to ensure there's no adverse reaction.
- SPF: Don't forget, daily application of SPF is vital when using Retinol, as it is known to increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays.
- Complementary: Customized facials will complement your clients' skin cycling regime as you can offer a bespoke treatment.
Consider incorporating gentle exfoliation, a hydrating mask, or massage techniques to enhance relaxation and results.
Shop all your skincare needs and more at capitalhairandbeauty.co.uk and capitalhairandbeauty.ie
Freelance Focus
Freelance Focus, is a one stop resource for anyone working as a freelancer or thinking of going freelance in the hair & beauty industry, which includes a FREE downloadable guide filled with advice, useful insights, experiences and tips (from experienced freelancers) to help you understand the steps needed to make the right choices for you.
Top trending
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
7 FOR 6
MORE OPTIONS
OFFER
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
BUY 3 FOR THE PRICE OF 2
OFFER
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
6 FOR 5
MORE OPTIONS
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
MULTI BUY
Back to Posts
Tags
- acne
- advice
- allergy
- apps
- autumn
- awards
- balayage
- barbering
- beauty industry
- blonde
- braids
- bridal
- brows
- business
- capital & i
- career
- christmas
- client loyalty
- color wow
- covid-19
- curls
- eyelash
- facial
- fanola
- festive
- finance
- freelance
- gellux
- hair
- hair care
- hair colour
- hair salon
- hair styles
- hair styling
- hair trends
- hairdressing
- hairstyle
- hairstyles
- halloween
- healthy
- how to
- hygiene
- ideas
- indola
- industry
- inspiration
- interview
- k18
- lashes
- lockdown
- loreal
- macadamia
- make up
- makeup
- manicure
- marketing
- mens
- mental health
- microblading
- nail art
- nail industry
- nail inspiration
- nail technician
- nail trends
- nails
- new years
- nioxin
- nxt
- olaplex
- opi
- party
- pedicure
- ponytail
- products
- professional
- professionals
- pulp riot
- redken
- reopening
- retail
- reviews
- revlon
- salon
- salon finance
- salon furniture
- salon management
- salon owner
- salon refit
- salon services
- salon system
- salons
- schwarzkopf
- self care
- self-care
- self-employed
- skills
- skincare
- skincare regime
- skincare steps
- social
- social media
- spa
- spring
- step by step
- style
- styling
- stylist
- summer
- sun damage
- suncream
- sustainable
- tanning
- technique
- the manicure company
- tigi
- tiktok
- time to improve
- tips
- toner
- toning
- top knot
- training
- treatment
- trending products
- trends
- tutorial
- updo
- upskills
- valentines
- vegan
- vegan beauty
- veganuary
- wahl
- waxing
- wedding
- wella
- wellbeing
- wellness
- winter
- winter nails
- yovanka loria extensions
Latest Posts
- Beautiful Hair Moments From The MET Gala
- The K18 ingredients you need for your cleanest hair yet!
- A Week In My Shoes - Yovanka Loria
- Is K18 a Protein?
- Chantelle: Capital & Me, my self-employed journey & the importance of networking
- Meet Sophie, owner of ‘Sophie’s Lashes & Beauty’ which she has been running now for over 7 years!
- K18 Biomimetic Hair Science vs. Bond Builders
- K18 & Your Salon Services - How to incorporate K18 Services for Ultimate Hair Restoration
- What is K18 and how does it work?
- From Money Worries to Family Drama: What's Stressing Your Skin & Hair the Most?
Related Posts
Skinician Q & A | Your Salon Facial Peel Questions Answered
Introducing Skinician. Skinican offer a range of professional treatments, facial peels and more...
How do Brits feel about “cheating” on their regular hair and beauty professional?
Discover the results of a new survey on UK consumer loyalty to hair and beauty professionals. Nearly 7 million admit feeling more guilty about 'cheating' on their hairdresser than a romantic partner.
2023 hair and beauty trends you need to know about!
The New Year looks like it’s going to be full of self expression and your clients are going to want to glow from head to toe. Read on for our guide to the trends you’ll need to nail.
The Winter Nail Trends 2023
Hello 2023! The nails trends you need to follow this year are here...and we LOVE them! To find out what styles you should be rocking read more...
Let's Party
Nothing says celebration quite like a new look! Check out these luxe party tips from some of the best in the hair business.