A phenomenon that has reached viral status on social media has been coined “Skin Cycling” by Dr Whitney Bowe.
It is not dissimilar to the way in which people are cycling diets and exercise to increase results. This new way of recommending skin products has come about because even though clients are using exfoliants up to twice a day along with Retinols and other active skin resurfacing ingredients.
This stagnation and even reversal of results is caused by overstimulation of the skin leading to increased irritation. Whilst skin actives are important to see results, so too are the rest days that your skin needs to repair and restore.
Skin Cycling is a method of alternating when you apply certain active ingredients in order to reduce the incidence of over-exfoliation, thereby promoting skin recovery and protecting the skin barrier. There is no one-size-fits-all for skin cycling as everyone has different skin tolerance. This method applies specifically to Retinols and exfoliating actives such as Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acids. You can use nourishing moisturisers as often as you like and not experience any negative repercussions on the skin. It’s the resurfacing effect of these actives that can cause irritation and sensitivity to the skin when used too frequently.
A day skin ritual should be kept pretty simple. The important thing during the day is moisture and SPF with a SANS certified broad spectrum sun screen to protect the skin’s microbiome. DermaFix DermaShield SPF 50 UVA/UVB/HEV Broad Spectrum Sun Protection is recommended. For additional antioxidant power, combine with DermaFix Ferulic + C + E. Potentially irritating actives are usually applied at night, so Skin Cycling applies to your evening routine.
DermaFIX have a host of incredible products that provide exfoliating action along with other benefits. A professional facial and skin assessment is recommended to determine which would suit your skin care needs best.
Exfoliation and More
DermaFix DermaPolish – Enzyme exfoliant is gentle enough to be incorporated into any night of the Skin Cycling routine. Even rest days.
DermaFIX DermaBright – Is to be used on skin conditions such as non-cystic acne, hyperpigmentation and ageing. The Alpha Hydroxy Mandelic Acid has a larger molecular structure than other Alpha Hydroxy acids.
DermaFIX Brightening Wipes – A multi-purpose exfoliating, brightening and retexturising wipe that includes a potent proprietary blend of enzyme activated Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid. Indicated for use on all skin but particularly beneficial to those with irregular pigmentation on the face, hands, arms and body.
DermaFIX Mandelic Retexturising Wipes – The latest addition to the DermaFIX MD Range, this potent retexturising treatment wipe combines the resurfacing benefits of Mandelic Acid with Niacinamide providing moisturising, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne and skin barrier protection. Rumex Extract and Exodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract offer a power-duo reducing hyperpigmentation and reducing inflammation in the skin.
Retinol and Retinol Derivatives
DermaFIX ACC Retinol + – Offering the combined benefits of Retinol, Vitamin C and Rambutan Lychee Leaf Extract, this ActiveCellCeutical is a power-house treatment for all skin due to agar micro-sphere encapsulating Retinol, making application gentler than traditional retinol whilst retaining efficacy.
DermaFIX MD Vitamin A Propionate – This clinical strength treatment supplies the skin with a healthy dose of Vitamin A, helping with skin vitalization and improving wrinkles and areas of pigmentation.
Rest and Repair
DermaFIX Gentle Cleansing Gel – Cleanses thoroughly whilst moisturising with natural botanical extracts. Aloe Vera and Hops Extract are noted for their healing and calming properties cleansing the skin whilst preserving the skin’s microbiome.
DermaFix Argan Oil – Helps to repair and regenerate the skin for optimal functioning. Moisture rich with anti-oxidant properties. Improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, Psoriasis, Eczema, Rosacea and dry, flaking skin.
DermaFix Regenerate Rx – A highly effective formula containing epidermal growth factors, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory healing oils and protein stimulating glycosaminoglycans from plant origins. Particularly beneficial for the repair and prevention of blotchy skin, spider veins, scars, bruises, dry and ageing skin.
DermaFix Ceramide Complex – Helps to lift up facial contours, repairs the natural lipid barrier of the skin and rejuvenate the skin. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin elasticity. Formulated with age defying Ceramides, Hyaluronic and Apple Stem Cells.
Skin Cycling – The Effects
This method offers results for those who have been struggling with irritation on their skin as well as those who have reached a plateau with their skin goals. Always consider the long-term goal of the skin care ritual. Skin Cycling can take some time to reap rewards, but it is done in a gentle yet effective way ensuring that rewards will be sustainable. Often the before and after images seen on social media were achieved using a harsh or rapid treatment that shows results quickly but causes irritation or inflammation in the skin that can lead to the induction of new skin issues such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Proper nutrition supplies your skin with the nutrients it needs to maintain its beauty and strength. That means eating a variety of healthy, whole foods which include a wide range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. So, never leave a healthy, balanced diet out of a skin care plan.
Example Skin Cycle
- Day 1: Exfoliate
- Day 2: Retinol
- Day 3: Rest/Repair
- Day 4: Exfoliate
- Day 5: Retinol
- Day 6: Rest/Repair
- Day 7: Rest/Repair
Visit you nearest DermaFIX Stockist for your professional Facial and Skin assessment with product recommendation.
“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let’s take a look at some of the products that have been most loved over the years.
DermaFix Gentle Cleansing Gel
Suitable for normal to dry and sensitive skin, this cleanser sports natural botanical extracts including Aloe and Hops, which are known for their healing properties. Your skin will be left feeling soothed, moisturised and squeaky clean. A firm favourite because of its fresh, natural aroma, soft, comforting foam that is gentle enough to be used around the eye area.
DermaFix Revitalizing Toner
It’s no surprise that this toner is most loved by a wide range of DermaFix Fanatics. Not only does this toner help to restore optimal pH levels to the skin and protect the skin barrier, it also refreshes and restores the skin with ultra-healing Centella Asiatica. Toning the skin aids in the absorption of the products that follow in your skin care ritual. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, rosacea and ageing skin, this toner contains no alcohol and is fragrance free. Naturally astringent Elder Flower, decongestant Lemon Peel, purifying Lemon Grass and calming, soothing Calendula and Chamomile, make this delicate product take on a naturally delicate aroma.
DermaFix DermaPolish
From the moment you feel this fine, soft powder touch your hands, all the way through the activation and exfoliation massage process, on your face or body, you will be in love with this product. Suitable for all skin types, this enzymatic exfoliator is activated by water to micro-exfoliate the skin, destroying surface bacteria with Papain and Tourmaline Crystals, whilst calming inflammation and restoring the skins pH with Colloidal Oatmeal. Your skin will feel refined, deep cleansed and silky to the touch.
DermaFix Ferulic + C + E
By now you will have heard that your skin ritual needs a good anti-oxidant to protect from environmental and free-radical damage. Ferulic is the ideal ingredient and as it is a best seller within the DermaFix Range, it would appear that our clients agree. With the addition of Vitamin C and E into this blend, this truly is an anti-oxidant power house preventing UV induced skin damage, hyperpigmentation, sunburn and photo-ageing, while softening fine lines, wrinkles and healing the skin. What more could you want? Apply 3-4 drops of Ferulic + C + E to the skin, allow to penetrate before layering with your favourite DermaFix moisturiser and SPF, offering additional moisture, hydration and UV protection benefits.
DermaFix Bio-Hydrating
A soft, silky moisturiser formulated for dehydrated and ageing skins, this light weight moisturising and revitalising cream immediately wraps your skin in a soft, radiant glow. A favourite amongst all of our clients with non-problematic skin, this product contains the finest of natural moisturising ingredients. Hyaluronic Complex, known for its hydrating, plumping properties, combined with Sweet Almond to prevent trans-epidermal water loss, Vitamin E for barrier repair and anti-oxidant benefits, Aloe Vera to calm inflammation and rounded off with peptides for the ever-important collagen and elastin production.
DermaFix SPF40 UVA/UVB/HEV Broad Spectrum Light Protection
UV protection is essential to your skin ritual and according to DermaFix clients, our SPF40 is the firm favourite. Why? You ask? We’ve been told that the soft non-oily texture and the way is smells is to thank for this solid vote of confidence. So, not only does this UV protection product get the nod from SANS (South African National Standards), but our clients love it too. Zinc Oxide in the formulation has been used for centuries as a skin protectant as well as wound healing active, and has additional benefits to problematic and acne skin care concerns.
DermaFix BB Cream
Developed as the perfect finishing touch to an in-salon or at home skin ritual, this BB Cream has been extremely well received by our clients for its superior camouflage, hydration and perfecting properties. Tie this in with a variety of colours and we have ourselves a winner! Hydrolyzed Soy Peptide hydrates the skin leaving a polished look, Red Seaweed fights free radical damage while purifying and detoxifying the skin. Glycerol acts as a humectant and Vitamin E for healing and anti-oxidant benefits, and finishing off with an additional benefit of SPF20.