Night 1 – Exfoliation

This is your first “active” product in your nighttime routine.

Chemical exfoliants work WAY BETTER than physical exfoliants. And essentially the reason that we need to exfoliate is to get rid of the dead skin cells and make room for fresh, clean skin underneath.

• Physical = Scrubs or any products with granules that feel rough or like sand. Essentially, these tiny particles that you are rubbing across the surface of your face are tearing the skin. It’s incredibly irritating and doesn’t achieve what your ultimate goal is in the first place, which is to removed dead skins cells effectively but gently.
• Chemical = These are acids/liquids that are applied with a cotton pad or your fingers that gently remove the dead skin cells without any pulling or tearing. They are super effective. Sometimes they are strong and can be irritating when you first start using them. Introduce them slowly and don’t exfoliate more than 2 times per week. Over exfoliation will strip your skin and cause breakouts.

Night 2 – Retinol

This is the “work horse” of your nighttime routine. This step includes your other “active” product. Your products are doing a job on your skin while you sleep, and you are going to reap the benefits.

What exactly is RETINOL?

• a form of vitamin A, is an ingredient added to skin creams, lotions and serums.
• has anti-aging effects and can help clear acne, scars, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and large pores.
• increases skin cell production.
• reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.
• takes several weeks before you see an improvement in skin.
• requires you to wear sunscreen daily to not damage fresh skin.
• is very strong and needs to be introduced slowly into your skincare routine to build up tolerance.
• Products containing retinol are widely available over-the-counter, and stronger concentrations of retinoids are available by prescription.

Night 3 – Recovery

This night is all about hydration, hydration, hydration. The two nights of actives before have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to repair damages and bring your “better” skin forward. Now, it’s time for you to feed your face with products that are going to calm and restore.

• no “active” ingredients
• hydrating toners (no alcohol)
• hydrating face masks
• rich night creams

Night 4 – Retinol (again)

Once you’ve built up your tolerance for this “miracle” product, it will appear in your routine 2 times a week. I like to use 2 different types of retinols and alternate them throughout my skin cycling.

Night 5 – Recovery (again)

After getting “work done” on your face from the retinol the night before, it is once again time to pamper your skin and pour some hydration back in.

Now that we’ve established what “skin cycling” is, let’s focus on our morning routine.