Should you’ve scrolled by means of TikTok currently, you’ve most likely seen the time period pores and skin biking pop up. Perhaps in a “earlier than and after” video, or a creator swearing it modified their pores and skin over a few months.
Magnificence creators and dermatologists swear by it because the smarter manner to make use of lively skincare merchandise with out damaging your pores and skin barrier.
The tactic, made in style by dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, guarantees smoother texture and fewer breakouts by rotating your skincare merchandise as an alternative of layering them suddenly. It sounds easy sufficient. However if you happen to reside in Nigeria, then then you understand how erratic the climate may be. So between the humidity and warmth, can it really work right here?
Spoiler: sure, however with just a few tweaks.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Pores and skin Biking?
Pores and skin biking is a four-day routine that helps you get the benefits of strong actives like exfoliants and retinoids, with out overdoing it. As an alternative of utilizing the whole lot, each evening, you give your pores and skin “lively” nights and “relaxation” nights. Consider it like interval coaching, however on your pores and skin barrier.
It’s trending as a result of it’s straightforward to comply with, much less wasteful, and really offers your pores and skin time to breathe.
When Dr Whitney Bowe first launched the idea, it gained momentum slowly, largely amongst dermatology circles. TikTok modified that. Magnificence creators started posting earlier than and after outcomes, sparking a wave of individuals tossing out their 10-step routines in favour of this four-day cycle. Over time, the hashtag #skincycling garnered a whole lot of thousands and thousands of views.
Learn Additionally: How to Build a Full Skincare Routine That Works with Just ₦50k
Dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe, who popularised the tactic, defined that whereas elements like retinoids and hydroxy acids can easy advantageous traces and unclog pores, they will additionally irritate pores and skin if overused. Pores and skin biking solves this by retaining your routine structured however light.
The concept is easy: use your robust actives on some nights, give your pores and skin a break on others, and over time you’ll see higher texture, fewer breakouts, and a more healthy glow.
Nigeria’s Humid Local weather and Pores and skin Considerations
Anybody residing in coastal cities like Lagos is aware of the fact of humidity. You possibly can wash your face within the morning, however by mid-afternoon, sweat and oil have already returned. Make-up doesn’t sit proper, and heavy lotions can really feel suffocating.
Add air air pollution and lengthy hours in site visitors, and the pores and skin turns into extra susceptible to congestion. Nigeria’s humid climate isn’t precisely sort to our pores and skin. The fixed warmth and moisture can result in:
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Pimples and breakouts from clogged pores
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Extra oiliness and glossy pores and skin
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Warmth rash and fungal infections attributable to sweat
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Uneven pores and skin tone from solar publicity and environmental stress
In different phrases, even earlier than we attempt complicated routines, our pores and skin is already working extra time.
Does Pores and skin Biking Work Right here?
The quick reply: sure, however with changes.
Pores and skin biking can nonetheless be efficient in Nigeria, however excessive humidity means your pores and skin is of course producing extra oil and sweat. This will increase the risk of clogged pores, particularly if you happen to’re piling heavy merchandise. A routine that works in New York or London may really feel sticky and suffocating in Lagos.
So, the bottom line is to not abandon pores and skin biking, however to streamline it. Select light-weight, water-based merchandise that don’t sit closely in your pores and skin. It ought to be much less of a 10-step routine and extra easy, breathable necessities.
My 4-Day Humidity-Proof Pores and skin Biking Routine
Right here’s how I tailored the routine:
Day 1: Exfoliation Night time
I take advantage of a mild glycolic acid toner to clear sweat and buildup. No scrubs, no burning sensation. Only a clear, easy reset.
Day 2: Restoration Night time
I skip all actives and use a hydrating essence and light-weight moisturiser. That is the evening your pores and skin catches its breath.
Day 3: Energetic Night time
Retinol evening.
Day 4: Hydration Night time
A gel-based moisturiser and a sheet masks earlier than mattress. Woke as much as pores and skin that felt plump however not greasy.
And each morning? Cleanser, moisturiser, and gel sunscreen.
I am fairly new to skincare, delicate however robust has been how I think about merchandise. The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser has been light sufficient for each day use, however robust sufficient to chop by means of sweat and oil. For exfoliation, The Odd Glycolic Acid 7% Firming Resolution does the job.
Suggestions for Pores and skin Biking
If you wish to make pores and skin biking work in our local weather, right here’s how:
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Light-weight cleansers: Gel or foam cleansers work higher than cream-based ones in our local weather. They take away sweat and oil with out leaving residue.
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Non-comedogenic moisturisers: This ensures your pores and skin is hydrated with out clogging pores. Search for oil-free labels.
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Sunscreen daily: Humidity doesn’t block UV rays. A gel-based sunscreen is extra snug than thick lotions.
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Face mists and sheet masks: These aren’t simply luxuries. They provide fast reduction on sizzling afternoons and forestall your pores and skin from wanting uninteresting or fatigued.
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Consistency over complication: Many Nigerians overuse harsh merchandise, hoping for sooner outcomes. With pores and skin biking, much less is actually extra, however provided that you keep on with it.
Each Morning: Shield: Begin your day with cleanser, light-weight moisturiser, and sunscreen. This step by no means adjustments.
Pores and skin biking completely can work in Nigeria’s humid local weather, however provided that you simplify it. The aim isn’t to repeat routines meant for colder, drier nations, however to adapt them. Persist with lighter merchandise, take note of cleaning, and don’t skip your sunscreen. Your pores and skin will thanks with fewer breakouts, much less irritation, and a wholesome glow that feels pure, not compelled.
