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Winter can be tough on your skin. Think dry air, biting winds, and heating systems that suck out every last drop of moisture. If your face feels like it's been through the wringer, it might be time to embrace skin cycling—a gentle, effective way to refresh your routine without overwhelming your skin.
Here's how to adapt this popular approach for the colder months and keep your complexion looking its best—even when the weather is not on your side.
What is skin cycling?
Skin cycling is all about balancing active ingredients with rest days to allow your skin to repair and thrive. Think of it as a skincare routine on a schedule: exfoliation one night, treatment the next, followed by recovery days where your focus is pure hydration and repair. It’s especially helpful in winter when overloading your skin can make dryness, redness, or sensitivity worse.
How to skin cycle
Night 1: Exfoliate
Kick off your skin cycling routine with a gentle exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells. This step is essential for brightening and prepping your skin to absorb other products. Consider a natural facial peel for a smoother, glowing finish.
Night 2: Key ingredients
On the second night, apply a targeted serum, like a firming facial serum, to boost cell turnover and soften fine lines. Some active ingredients can be intense during colder months, so pair them with a barrier-repair cream or a clean beauty product designed for sensitive skin.
Nights 3 and 4: Recovery
This is your time to focus on hydration and repair. Layer your skin with a natural face moisturizer or a natural moisturizer for dry skin to deeply replenish moisture.
Why skin cycling works wonders in winter
(1) Combats dryness. Harsh winds and indoor heating can sap your skin's moisture levels. Skin cycling ensures you don't overload your routine with actives, giving your skin time to recover with rich hydration.
(2) Boosts your glow. You'll tackle dullness head-on by alternating between exfoliation, active ingredients, and recovery. Incorporating the best glowing skin products into your routine will enhance your radiance effortlessly.
(3) Strengthens your skin barrier. Winter is notorious for weakening the skin barrier. By following a thoughtful skin cycling plan and using products from natural skincare brands or clean beauty brands, you'll maintain a resilient, healthy barrier all season long.