NIGHT ROUTINE
My nightly skincare routine is everything, thanks to Dr. Whitney Bowe’s skin cycling. During COVID lockdown, I found myself deep in the world of SkinTok, where Dr. Bowe’s method was the answer I had spent over a decade searching for. After years of struggling with my skin, I had tried just about every product out there. But since discovering skin cycling, I’ve finally found the routine that transformed my skin and my confidence. Following Dr. Bowe’s approach has truly been life-changing, and it’s made all the difference in how my skin feels and looks today. I owe it all to her!
Night One of Five
Double-cleanse thoroughly, first with an oil cleanser, then with a salicylic or glycolic cleanser. Find options here. Pat skin dry with gentle towel.
Next, use an advanced-level exfoliating peel. Find options here. Wash off & pat skin dry with gentle towel.
Once skin is dry, use a salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid toner. I prefer salicylic. Let skin dry. Find here.
Use a fragrance-free basic gentle moisturizer. My forever favorite will always be the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream. Find options here. Done with night one
Nights Two & Three
of Five
These steps you will repeat for two nights.
Double-cleanse thoroughly, first with an oil cleanser, then with a gentle, basic cleanser. Find here. Pat skin dry with gentle towel.
Use an azelaic acid or niacinamide & let fully dry. Find options here. I use a prescription strength azelaic acid as I regularly see a Dermatologist. The options provided are just as good with prescription-level strength & ingredients.
Use a retinol or retinoid. Find options here. Let FULLY DRY.I use a prescription strength Tretinoin as I regularly see a Dermatologist. The options provided are just as good with prescription-level strength & ingredients. Feel free to pat in your favorite eye cream at this time. These are my favorites.
Use a fragrance-free basic gentle moisturizer. My forever favorite will always be the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream. Find options here. Done with nights two & three.
Nights Four & Five
of Five
These steps you will repeat for two nights.
REST NIGHTS -Double-cleanse thoroughly, first with an oil cleanser, then with a any cleanser of your choice. Find here. Pat skin dry with gentle towel.
These REST NIGHTS you can mix & match products of your choice that aren’t harsh like chemical exfoliants/peels or retinols. Find options here.
I like hyaloronic acids, B5 Cicaplasts, anything to restore your skin barrier & ease it from the previous three nights.
Slugging is also an option for either of these nights, unless you have milia, then I would not recommend. Slugging is lathering vaseline or a healing ointment over your gentle skincare to lock in moisture and help repair/soothe the skin.
After all five nights, restart at night one. This is restarting the cycle.
This routine can be tweaked to anyone’s preference. Sometimes I’ll do 3 rest nights, sometimes I’ll do a little extra salicylic acid. Do what works for you!
MORNING ROUTINE
The morning is as simple as can be.
I do not cleanse my skin in the morning, rather just splash with cold water. Then I use a mist, serum, & moisturizer. Vitamin C or a Multi-Peptide serum is a great choice. Just keep it simple. ALWAYS finish with an SPF.
Disclaimer - I am not a professional, this is just what works for me. Always consult a doctor if you have questions. DO NOT use retinoids/retinols or any peels/exfoliators if you are pregnant.