Hey Skincare Strugglers, Skin Cycling Might Be Your New Obsession (In a Good Way!)

Let’s face it, navigating the skincare world can feel like wandering through a jungle blindfolded looking for a celebrity to take you by the hand and bail you out. A million products promise the moon and stars, conflicting advice swirls around like mosquitoes, and you’re left wondering what on earth to put on your face to just simply make it look “better”. But fear not fellow skincare wanderers because there’s a new kid on the block that might just be your saving grace: skin cycling. Yes, that dewy, luxurious “Korean glass skin” look that prioritizes deep hydration, invisible pores, with absolutely no imperfections – all things skin cycling promotes perfectly step by step.

What’s the Deal with Skin Cycling?

Skin cycling is a simplified skincare routine designed to target skin damage like dark spots and acne scars, premature aging, sun damage and more. It involves strategically using powerful ingredients on specific nights, followed by rest nights for your skin. It is just like a four-night workout plan for your face. You alternate between using exfoliants and retinol (to tackle wrinkles and uneven skin tone), followed by recovery nights focusing on deep hydration with hyaluronic acid and nourishing moisturizers. This approach helps maximize the benefits of these ingredients while keeping your skin happy, balanced, and glowy (meaning luscious and hydrated). We call it the “affluent skin look”.

• Chemical Exfoliants: AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) are popular options. Start with lower percentages if you have sensitive skin.

• Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Look for lightweight serums packed with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate your skin.

• Moisturizers: Choose nourishing moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides and squalane to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier.

• Retinol: Not to be confused with retinoid. This powerhouse ingredient comes in various strengths. As your skin adjusts, start with a lower dose and gradually increase.

Imagine a skincare routine that delivers results without the overwhelming ten-step extravaganza. That’s the beauty of skin cycling. This method is all about giving your skin some TLC—strategically!

Why Cycle Your Skincare You Ask?

Skin cycling is like a personalized training program for your face. You alternate between using powerful ingredients like exfoliants and retinol (wrinkle fighters), followed by recovery nights to let your skin recharge. This way, you get the benefits of these superhero products without pushing your skin to its limits and causing unpleasant reactions.

The Four-Night Skin Cycling Groove

Here’s a sneak peek into the four-night skin cycling routine:

Night 1: Buff It Out!

• Night one is all about gentle exfoliation. This can be done chemically using a light glycolic acid product (try Glycolic Resurfacer) or a manual scrub. Think of it like a super soft scrub that buffs away dead skin cells, leaving your skin smoother and ready to soak up all the good stuff from other products. It’s prepping the canvas for your skincare masterpiece! Try just a gentle buff to remove any dry flaky skin. We recommend the Organic Cream Exfoliator or Microdermabrasion Scrub.

Night 2: Retinol Rescue!

• Tonight, we unleash the power of retinol! This superhero tackles fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone like a boss. Try 1% Retinol Booster Serum. Apply a tiny amount after cleansing, followed by a layer of moisturizer to seal it all in. Try Omegaceramide+ Recover Moisturizer. New to retinol? Start slow, like once a week, and gradually increase as your skin gets used to it.

Night 3 & 4: Recharge and Rebuild

• These nights are for pure pampering. We focus on hydration and repair with a gentle cleanser, a hyaluronic acid serum (think of it as a moisture magnet!), and a nourishing moisturizer. Try B5 Hyaluronic Plumping Serum and Omegaceramide+ Recovery Moisturizer. Extra luxurious effect for drier skin types is to pat in a layer of oil, like our Omegaceramide+ Elixir in Oil.

Skin Cycling Essentials

Here are some product recommendations to get you started with skin cycling (remember to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice):

• Chemical Exfoliant: Look for options containing AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid). Choose the strength based on your skin type and tolerance.

• Retinol: Start with a low concentration and gradually increase as your skin adjusts.

• Gentle Cleanser: For use every day. This will remove makeup and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Try Gentle Cleansing Cream.

Why Should You Give Skin Cycling a High-Five?

Here’s why skin cycling might just become your holy grail skincare routine:

• Less Irritation, More Glow: By strategically using active ingredients with recovery nights, you say goodbye to the redness and irritation that can come from overdoing it. Hello happy glowy skin!

• Double Whammy of Power: Exfoliation preps your skin for better absorption of powerhouse ingredients like retinol, making them work even harder for that flawless look.

• Balanced Results: You get the benefits of exfoliation, retinol, and deep hydration, all in a balanced routine that caters to your skin’s unique needs. No more overdoing it or freaking out about what products to use when!

• Simplify Your Life: Ditch the ten-step product overload and save your sanity and cash. Skin cycling offers a streamlined approach that’s easy to remember and maintain. No more spending hours in front of the mirror wondering what goes on next.

Is Skin Cycling Your Perfect Match?

While skin cycling can be a game-changer for many, it’s important to listen to your skin. The following are some points to remember:

• Skin Type Matters: Oily and combination skin types tend to love skin cycling. Sensitive skin might need a gentler approach, maybe starting with one active ingredient at a time.

• Talk to Your Skin Guru: Dermatologists are the skincare experts! A dermatologist can assess your specific concerns and recommend the best approach, including whether skin cycling is a perfect fit for you.

The Final Verdict on Skin Cycling

Skin cycling offers a fantastic way to achieve a healthy, balanced complexion. Remember, consistency is key! Stick with the routine for a few weeks to see noticeable results. Most importantly, listen to your skin and prioritize sun protection – sunscreen is your BFF, no matter your chosen routine. So, ditch the overwhelming product overload and embrace the power of strategic simplicity with skin cycling! Your skin will thank you for it.

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You have probably heard about vitamin C as an immune-booster. It is also an excellent antioxidant, and may even reduce your blood pressure levels. But, why is it so popular in creams and skin treatments?

Actually, vitamin C can be very helpful at promoting skin repair, especially from sun damage.

Why is Vitamin C so good for repairing sun damage?

One of the main reasons is that vitamin C speeds up collagen creation. This is an important fiber that makes up and strengthens the deep layers of the skin. Thus, vitamin C can thicken the dermis after it was affected by direct sunlight.

On top of that, vitamin C is a cancer prevention agent, which means it shields your skin cells from harming free radicals brought about by UV rays. These free radicals would go around reacting against our healthy tissues and creating damage. Instead, they react against vitamin C, and this antioxidant substance neutralizes their harmful effects. Free radical protection conferred by vitamin C prevents or delays certain malignant growths and coronary illnesses.

For this reason, vitamin C contributes to regenerate wounds and keep your bones, teeth, skin, and ligaments strong and resistant. That’s why it also lessens the risk of ligament with osteoarthritis and other degenerative diseases.

In short, vitamin C is great for repairing sunlight damage because:

• It stimulates collagen production and strengthens the deep layers of the skin
• It works as an antioxidant against free radicals induced by sunlight exposure

Vitamin C in creams and skin treatments

With so many applications, it is not surprising to find vitamin C as an important agent in creams and skin treatments.

This nutrient can help you keeping your skin firmness and maintaining its flexibility. It has a powerful skin restoration potential that makes it an important agent in beauty creams and anti-aging treatments.

It’s an acidic nutrient, and its absorption in creams depend on the acidity levels of your skin, which are measured by something called pH. To make it simple, a normal skin will absorb vitamin C from creams with a pH of 3.5 (this is slightly acidic). But if your skin is very sensitive, you might need a cream formula with a more neutral pH of 5 or 6.

Another interesting property of vitamin C in creams is that it modulates the creation of melanin. This substance is a natural pigment in the skin, and it is usually associated to hyperpigmentation, colored spots, and uneven skin tone. Thus, vitamin C can help battle off these imperfections and make your skin look more radiant and juvenile.

Given all of these beneficial effects on your skin, it is clear why we want to use vitamin C in beauty products. It is not only beneficial to repair sun damage but also to maintain a firm, flexible, and bright skin regardless of our age.

References:

Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866.

Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, N. Y. Z. (2017). Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(7), 14.

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We often think about wrinkles as the main sign of skin aging, but is there something beyond we can also consider? What’s the role of these dark spots in the process of skin aging?

UV light and free radicals on the skin

Most people already know that UV light can speed up the skin aging process, but don’t know why. The sunlight is important for our circadian rhythms, to synthesize vitamin D, and much more. But too much sunlight can cause a pathologic process called photo-aging.

The process of skin aging is simply a structural and molecular degeneration of the skin. Membrane receptors, proteins, and fibers in the skin are modified and no longer work as they should. These modifications can be triggered by many environmental factors, and free radicals is one of the main causes.

When UVB photons are absorbed into the skin, they interact with keratinocytes and start to create free radicals. These are highly unstable molecules that react against cell structures, including DNA, and proteins inside and outside of the cell. The end result is a series of changes in the skin that include:

• Loss of elasticity
• Changes in fat distribution
• Dark spots in the skin
• Wrinkles

Wrinkles vs. dark spots on the skin

What is the difference between wrinkles and dark spots on the skin? Which one can be considered a better sign of aging skin? You would naturally say that wrinkles are the most trustworthy sign, but consider this:

• Wrinkles appear in aging skin, but also in dry skin that has not gone through the aging process
• If you recover skin hydration, you might as well get rid of wrinkles
• Wrinkles become more prominent with repeated facial expressions, which depends on you and not on the aging process
• Dark spots are one of first signs of sun damage, which causes skin aging as well
• When dark spots appear, it is a sign that something bad is happening inside of your skin
• Dark spots usually appear before wrinkles, and we can use them as a premature sign of aging

Yes, dark spots can be a more reliable warning sign of aging before wrinkles appear. So, examine your skin and evaluate if you have color changes or new spots. If so, you probably need to consider slowing down the aging process before wrinkles start to appear.

You can slow down the aging process

What can you do after realizing the aging process has started to change your skin? Here’s a list with recommendations:

• Protect your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen. Look for SPF 30 sunscreens or higher.
• If you want to get a tan, use a tanning bed instead of exposing your skin to the sun
• Don’t smoke and only drink alcohol moderately
• Apply facial moisturizer every day for a youthful appearance

References:

Poljšak, B., & Dahmane, R. (2012). Free radicals and extrinsic skin aging. Dermatology research and practice, 2012.

Emri, G., Horkay, I., & Remenyik, E. (2006). The role of free radicals in the UV-induced skin damage. Photo-aging. Orvosi hetilap, 147(16), 731.

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1. As if pandemic stress acne wasn’t enough…Health.com talks about the reality of maskne and how to deal with it.
   https://www.health.com/condition/skin-conditions/maskne-mask-acne-mechanica
2. The NY Times breaks down what is causing these breakouts and suggests some home remedies.
   https://www.nytimes.com/article/maskne-acne.html
3. Celebrity skincare connoisseur and celebrity facialist Johanna Vargas gives her views and the dos and don’ts of maskne. https://www.influenster.com/article/maskne-what-is-it-
   and-celeb-facialist-approved-tips-for-how-to-tackle
4. Are silk masks the solution? https://www.refinery29.com/en-ca/2020/09/10049544/silk- face-mask-skin-benefits
5. Dr.Pimple Popper herself talks maskne and what to do about it.
   https://fashionmagazine.com/face-body/skin/dr-pimple-poppershares-easy-beauty-hack-how-to-prevent-maskne/

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We hope you all had a lovely weekend. Here in Canada we celebrated our Thanksgiving holiday and not only did we enjoy turkey after so many months, but we celebrated the most important things in our lives right now: the wellbeing of our loved ones. We hope you are all keeping safe and healthy.

Here are some trending topics from the web for you today.

1. We wish we could apply nailpolish without coating our cuticles. These are just amazing to say the least. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1421/halloween-nail-art-ideas/?slide=34
2. YES! You can enjoy Halloween treat WITHOUT eating sugar! May we suggest some of these? (We LOVE the peppermint ones) https://www.influenster.com/article/the-best-sugar-free-candy-for-halloween
3. Sustainability and living luxe are now synonymous with each other (even Nordstom thinks so) https://www.fleurdeforce.com/2020/07/10-easy-changes-to-live-more-sustainably.html
4. Did you give yourself a COVID cut by chance? Good news is that a new season brings new styles. https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-haircuts-for-fall
5. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Do you know what group is 40% more likely to die from it? https://www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/a34115904/breast-cancer-at-22-jessica-florence-believe-her/

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Nobody wants an old and expired jar of moisturizing cream smothered all over the face, only to cause breakouts. Here is what you need to know about your skincare shelf life.

One important thing to note is that shelf life, which is what the FDA says manufacturers must determine, and efficacy, how effectively the active ingredients in skincare products do their job, are two completely different things. That being said, look for a tiny image of an open jar with a number on it, such as 12M. That’s the suggested Period After Opening (PAO) or how many months skin care products will last once unsealed.

Read and follow the labels.

A new season is the ideal time to clear out your pantry, fridge and bathroom cabinets.

When in doubt, she suggests checking a brand’s website, which may indicate shelf life, in addition, if a product’s color, consistency or odor changes, it’s time to throw it out.

Otherwise replace these products after these times:

• 3 Months: Mascara. Mascara wands are exposed to bacteria whenever used, and eyes are more vulnerable to infection.
• 12 Months: Foundation, powders and creams
• 18 Months: Lipsticks
• 36 Months: Sunscreen

Sunscreen: One year

Did you have that bottle last summer? It’s time to chuck it. If you exposed your bottle of SPF to heat thanks to storing it in the car or having it out at the beach, you need to replace it sooner.

Creams and Lotions: 2 years

Most creams and lotions have been given an expiration date of about two years. It’s a good idea to stick with that because over time contamination, separation, and changes to the formulation can occur.

Most of our favorite products contain active ingredients, such as vitamins C or A, and the efficacy of those ingredients is what helps our skin glow or prevents wrinkles. Effectiveness of many active ingredients, such as vitamins and amino acids deteriorate within weeks, or months, after they have been blended into a product. So the older your product is, the less effective it is. Even scarier is, if you hold onto your products for too long there’s a chance they might start growing mold or bacteria. Gross!

Pro tip: never leave products in temperatures above 77°F, to help preserve the efficacy of your products as long as possible.

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Removes dead skin cells

Healthy skin renews itself every 28 days, the shedding of dead skin cells and formation of new ones is constant. However, over time renewal slows down which can lead to cellular build-up that causes the skin to become rough and dull. Exfoliation refers to the removal of the dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. Exfoliation can be performed manually, by using scrubs on the skin or chemically, by using serums that contain special kinds of acids that dissolve and remove the dead skin cells without scrubbing.

Unclog Pores

Exfoliation helps oily skin, as it refines the skin’s texture and keeps the pores free of clogged oil. It also helps to dislodge and discourage blackheads. People with dark spots, rough texture, hyper pigmentation, and acne scars know how frustrating these issues can be to treat. Exfoliants help to break down dead skin while at the same time smoothing its overall texture, making the skin appear more uniform over time.

Prevent acne

If you’re dealing with bad acne, skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, or more serious concerns, proper exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the skin and uncovers fresh new cells below, which in turn allow for proper skin rejuvenation. This opens the way for moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply into under the derm, and makes them more effective. In short, a regular exfoliating routine will leave your skin looking fresh and healthy.

The post Three reasons to exfoliate appeared first on ZENMED Blog.

Moisturize

Swapping your moisturizer from summer to winter is essential. Find a moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. (Hint:Our AVT Cream.) Oil based creams retain more moisture as opposed to a water base one.

Exfoliate

With regular exfoliation comes great skin. Not only does it remove impurities, it also reduces skin discolouration and pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.

It is also a good idea to exfoliate during the wintertime, as it’ll keep your complexion from getting dull. Exfoliating helps to rid the skin of dead skin cells, which in turn helps stimulate cellular turnover. This means your skin will be smoother, ready to properly absorb your serum or moisturizer, and healthier. The frequency depends on your skin type and how your skin reacts to each exfoliator. Some products are more gentle and can be used daily, while others are infused with chemicals and are best to use once a week.

The glow is real, people.

Invest in a humidifier

Moisture improves air quality, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. It’s a good idea to measure moisture levels in your home regularly.  With regular use, it can also relieve congestion and other cold-weather illnesses.

Drink water

Drinking water has become synonymous with a radiant, glowing complexion. You can stay fully hydrated throughout the day by drinking water and other fluids, as well as eating foods that are hydrating. Drinking water hydrates cells once absorbed into the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys. So at the cellular level, drinking water is great as it flushes the system and hydrates our bodies overall.

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Here are some common skin conditions linked to the health of your ovaries that may warrant a visit to your Doctor for a checkup:

1) Acne – The relationship between acne to your diet and metabolism has being widely researched due to the effects of insulin resistance caused by PCOS. One of the tell-tale signs of this poor balance is severe cystic acne. Since the cause of acne is multifactorial in its origin, a strong case is to be made that a poor balance of insulin in the blood caused by PCOS causes acne to increase in severity and become unmanageable without medical intervention.
2) Excess Hair Growth – Find yourself slowly growing a beard or moustache? It’s no joke that one of the tell-tale signs of PCOS is excess hair growth. This can occur on your face, your arms and legs, and even your belly. Many times it will be darker and thicker than your normal hair colour. If this is happening, get to your Doctor stat.
3) Hair Loss – The opposite can also occur. Many women who are not entering menopause and are losing their hair chock it up to just stress or hormonal changes. If you are experiencing bald spots you will need to see your Doctor for a follow up.
4) Dark Patches of Skin – Finding your armpits and the nape of your neck is getting darker in colour? This is also another sign of insulin resistance often triggered by PCOS.
5) Skin Tags – Many people suffering from high blood sugar see an uptick in the number of skin tags popping up around their neck. Don’t blame the scarf, see a Doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Your body is a system. Your hormones trigger and control many aspects of your metabolism, not just your reproductive system. And the reverse is also true. Imbalances in your reproductive system can wreak havoc on your metabolism, manifesting in all sorts of health and skin issues. If PCOS is your diagnosis, it is very important to seek help to prevent further health conditions from arising. Being healthy and balanced within will reflect itself on the outside.

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