Even those living under the metaphorical rock would be hard-pressed to have missed the trend of skin cycling.
With nearly 3.5 billion views on the hashtag, this buzzy Tik Tok trend isn't just approved by dermatologists and skin care specialists—it was created by one. New York-based dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe first shared her vision for the ultimate skin cycling routine on Generation-Z platform TikTok. The PM routine is based on a less-is-more four-day approach—exfoliate, retinol, rest, rest. Repeat.
Skin cycling is practical because it allows the skin to regenerate between treatments. However, while retinol is a skin superstar, it's not for everyone. The product can lead to dryness, irritation, and redness commonly called retinol burn or retinol uglies. For people sensitive to retinol, bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative and the star ingredient in Futurize Retinol Alternative Boosting Serum. Combined with squalene and rosehip oil, this serum is loaded with anti-aging properties and a whole lot gentler on the skin. Here's our take on skin cycling with bakuchiol.
Night one: Exfoliate
Gently cleanse the skin before applying your favourite exfoliator. We recommend using a chemical exfoliator over physical scrubs—they're more effective and gentler on your skin's barrier.
Night two: Futurize
On night two, cleanse your skin and pat dry. At three pea-sized drops of Futurize and then apply to the whole face, including down the neck and across the décolletage.
Nights three and four: R&R
Nights three and four are dedicated to maintaining your barrier and ensuring skin is adequately hydrated. Cleanse and apply a serum with skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Our true-blue fave is Neptune Hyaluronic Acid Blur Serum, which hydrates and plumps, lending luminescence to the skin. Combine with your favourite moisturizer to amplify skin-boosting benefits.
Bakuchiol Vs Retinol
Bakuchiol has gained a lot of buzz since a small 12-week study in The British Journal of Dermatology reported significant improvements in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and photodamage, without any of the disadvantages traditionally associated with retinol. Reported benefits of bakuchiol include:
- A more even skin tone: Bakuchiol deeply penetrates the skin to lessen the appearance of dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation.
- Reduced appearance of fine lines: Like retinol, bakuchiol tells your cells to regenerate and make collagen, "plumping" your skin and reducing the look of lines and wrinkles.
- No dryness or irritation: While retinol and other skincare ingredients may dry out skin or cause irritation, bakuchiol is more gentle and isn't known to cause any irritation.
We love how skin cycling is reflective of the skinimalist trend. It's a complete 180 from layering up extravagant 10 and 11-step routines with ingredient cocktails that sometimes interacted poorly, leading to damage and irrigation. Instead, this good-sense approach to skincare gives skin a chance to breathe in a way that allows products to work strategically and complement each other.
As an alternative for the retinol-weary, Futurize is vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% all-natural, so it's gentler on your skin—and the planet. Experience skincare that’s made and produced mindfully for the thoughtful and curious.