A common question I get here at the skin studio is, "when should I use my active ingredient products and how often should I use them?"
By active ingredients, I'm referring to products such Vitamin C, Retinol, AHA's + BHA (alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids).
To clarify further, let me reiterate your skincare foundation. Everyone should have a basic skincare routine consisting of 3 vital products for optimal skin health; Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer.
Active ingredients will combat specific skincare concerns. For example, Vitamin C will help to even skin tone and give brightness to the skin. Exfoliating products will remove dead skin and help with congestion and hyperpigmentation. Retinols will help with cell turn over, resulting in less lines and wrinkles.
All too often, my clients share they are using their active daily or in combination with one another. There's nothing worse you can do for your skin barrier than to over treat it in this way.
Have you heard about the skincare trend called Skin Cycling? Normally, I don't follow trends, but this one caught my attention last year when it blew up on Tik Tok. I started sharing it with clients here and there and the results have been amazing.
Skin Cycling, coined by Dermatologist, Dr. Whitney Bowe, is a skincare routine that allows for "rest days' during the week so that your skin can repair itself after using certain products. It's based on a 4-day calendar system. I thought, this is so smart. What a brilliant way to teach how and when to use your products without over doing it.
Here's how it looks:
Night 1: Exfoliation Night
On this night, you'll cleanse and pat dry, then exfoliate your skin which takes off the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. My go-to products for this step is the Dr. Loretta micro-peel pads or LILFOX Jungle Glow or Botnia Weekly Digest. After you exfoliate finish your routine with a moisturizer.
Night 2: Retinol Night
This night is focused on retinoids, which are Vitamin A derivatives that help to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. My go-to products for this step is The Sixth House RENEW oil or LILFOX dewy bean dream (if you want a retinol alternative). Don't put on anything over a retinol. This should be your last step.
Night 3 + 4: Rest + Recovery Night
The recovery period, typically nights 3 + 4 is your last step in the calendar system. On these nights you let your skin rest and recover. You will wash, tone and finish with a moisturizer, something like The Sixth House NOURISH oil or Dr. Loretta Anti-aging Repair Moisturizer.
Then, you repeat the 4 day calendar again.
It's that easy. Will you try skin cycling? As always, if you have any skincare questions, just reach out by email - jennie@jenniefresa.com
Cheers to happy and healthy skin in 2023!
Xo, Jennie
