My Rosacea Routine Featuring Skin Cycling™
Discovering a rosacea skincare routine for my demanding “Diva” skin has involved endless trial and error.
Each skin is unique, and when it comes to sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, what works one day can irritate the next. I could start reacting to a tried and true favorite as I am typing this. But don’t give up! Gradual tweaks and countless patience have helped my skin tremendously, and I am here to motivate and inspire you throughout your wellness journey.
CONDUCT A SKINVESTIGATION:
Let’s start with a quick trip down memory lane to middle school science: a controlled experiment changes only one variable at a time. I highly suggest testing out one new skincare product at a time so you can pinpoint the cause of a flare-up or identify the glow-boosting winning ingredient.
“Let’s Skinvestigate!”
How will you know if a new product is making a difference? Document! Document! Document! As a science teacher, I am a HUGE fan of qualitative data. Snap pics on your phone to observe your skin in different lighting and pay attention to how your skin looks and feels every day. Data-informed decision making helps to foster long-term success while building your confidence and trusting your gut! Listen to your skin – it has all the answers. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist prior to beginning a regimen.
“Beautiful results informed by data.”
AM Routine:
Cleanse face with a gentle foaming cleanser.
Press in vitamin C serum.
Massage in Bowe Glowe™ microbiome nourishing cream
Apply a fragrance free Mineral CC Cream SPF 50
Apply makeup - I opt for airbrush - the less I touch my diva skin, the better. I enrolled in a professional makeup course to learn how to airbrush like a pro in my early twenties!
PM Routine: Dr Whitney Bowe’s Skin Cycling™ Method:
What is Skin Cycling™? Dr. Whitney Bowe created an intuitive technique that utilizes skincare products in a thoughtful, deliberate way! This simple and strategic method is built on the concept that “less is more!” Our skin needs time to rest and recover after applying powerful ingredients (much like our muscles need time to recover between heavy workouts) Dedicated rest and recovery nights minimizes irritation and boosts the effectiveness of the product applied!
Skin Cycling™ is a 4 night cycle! Each night features a step that builds upon the prior! It is critical to only layer the featured product with supportive, synergistic ingredients that work to restore your skins microbiome throughout the cycle!
I use Dr. Whitney Bowe’s Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream which contains powerhouse ingredients including prebiotics, postbiotics and squalene! DWB Beauty nourishing microbiome cream was clinically tested in an independent lab which proved to restore the skin barrier within an hour! Finally! A product that works to repair and strengthen my fragile skin barrier! The science teacher in me LOVES data driven results!
The key is to keep it simple! No layering or slugging!
Night 1: Exfoliation Night! Chemical exfoliants sloth away dead skin cells, clearing the path and preps the skin for the next night in the cycle.
Night 2: Retinoid Night! Retinoids are powerful compounds derived from vitamin A which help to reduce visible signs of aging. The frequency of use depends your skin type.
*Nights 3 & 4: Rest & Recovery! Focus on nourishing the skins microbiome from the inside out AND outside in! Amp up your water intake by adding Dr. Whitney Bowe’s Bowe Growe Pomegranate Microbiome Water Enhancing Elixer!
*My PM skin cycling™ routine involves 3 recovery nights to give my tricky sensitive skin an extra day to recover before the next exfoliation.
Night 1: Exfoliation Night! Chemical exfoliants are the way to go for sensitive skin! Dr. Whitney Bowe suggests choosing exfoliating acids with a total concentration of 15% or less!!! I use DWB Exfoliation Night Resurfacing & Brightening Serum. Next, I apply a light layer of Bowe Glowe™ nourishing microbiome cream. (The last stage is important because all exfoliants dehydrate the skin slightly).
Night 2: Retinoid Night! Retinoids are the most powerful ingredient to include in your skin cycling routine! If you have sensitive skin like me, be sure to select an over-the-counter retinol (encapsulated or time-released) I kick off my Retinol Night with Marie Veronique Gentle Retinol Night Serum. Apply a PEA size amount to the entire face. Massage Bowe Glowe™ on top – don’t forget the neck and décolletage!
Nights 3 - 5: Rest & Recovery Nights! Recover, Recover, Recover! Remember 3 R’s for that extra rest day for sensitive or reactive skin! These are my most cherished nights of the cycle! Think of it like “me time” for the skin! These nights are for focusing on nourishing the skin microbiome! Think hydration & moisture! Boost your hydration by eating water dense foods or add a few drops of Dr. Whitney Bowe’s water enhancing drops! Moisturize with a supportive skin barrier cream - Check out Bowe Glowe™ Microbiome Nourishing Cream!
Check out this article to learn how Skin Cycling™ fits your skin’s natural repair rhythms!
Skin Cycling™ is for sensitive skin too! Add an extra recovery day and you will see results in just two cycles! I noticed major, transformative results (brightened skin, reduced appearance of fine lines & wrinkles) in just a few months!
