A Guide To Skin Cycling

Although the concept has been around for a while, skin cycling is a new term coined by New York dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe. It is a minimalist skincare routine that allows skin 'rest days' after using certain active ingredients.

The four-day technique starts with an evening of exfoliation, followed by an evening of retinol. It ends with two evenings of recovery and hydration, and, once the cycle is complete, the process is then repeated. Skin cycling offers a balanced approach to skin rejuvenation, ensuring skin gets the treatment it needs while also allowing for crucial recovery time.

Best New Serums of 2023

Serums make up a huge part of my skincare obsession. They have a light, fluid texture that enables them to penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum benefit. It's why they contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, such as antioxidants, acids, peptides, and vitamins.

Luckily for all us serum addicts out there, 2023 has delivered a number of serum launches (and it's only March!). Here are my top picks...

The Lowdown | Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that many women and men suffer from but know little about. Thanks to iS Clinical, the US cosmeceutical skincare brand celebrated for its highly effective products, I've been able to share a wealth of information on this common skin complaint. We're giving the lowdown on everything from what rosacea is, to what its triggers and treatments are...

Cold Weather Wonders

Autumn is officially here, so prepare yourself for cold temperatures, harsh winds and central heating systems that'll starve your skin of hydration, moisture and radiance.

To make sure your skin doesn't suffer during the cold seasons, it's important to look for skincare products that'll keep you protected. From cleansers and masks, to serums and night creams, there are an array of products on the market - packed full of skin saving ingredients - that will serve your skin well. Here are a few of my recommendations...

Anti-Pollution Skincare

2016 has seen an onslaught of new beauty trends but none intrigued me more than anti-pollution skincare. Each year we're told to protect ourselves from the millions of different things causing skin damage and premature ageing, so I'm surprised that pollution-protection products haven't come sooner...

Win: La Roche-Posay Skincare Essentials

La Roche-Posay is one of the best things to come out of France since macaroons and croissants. The brand is affordable, easily available and results orientated. Also, every product in the La Roche-Posay collection is tested on sensitive skin, so it's rare to find anyone with a bad brand experience.

Whether you've been lucky enough to try La Roche-Posay products or not, I'm giving y'all the chance to win five of the brand's skincare essentials, worth £70.00!

The first product in this bespoke set is the Thermal Spring Water; an uplifting skin treatment that hydrates and refreshes the skin, whilst soothing any irritation. Second up is the Lipikar Baume AP+, a lipid-replenishing balm that soothes extremely dry, itchy, atopy-prone skin. The balm's texture also helps to protect the skin, by preventing allergens from penetrating the cutaneous barrier of the skin.

Next up is the ultra-protecting Anthelios XL, a lightweight facial sunscreen that boasts SPF50!! It is formulated with Mexoryl® SX and XL, alongside Senna Alata extract - which naturally protects skin cells from damage. The fourth product in the set is the Toleriane Ultra, an ultra soothing, non-oily lightweight moisturiser that softens and protects the skin. Last up is the famous Effaclar DUO [+]. This cult product is worshipped for its ability to correct the appearance of blemishes, while unclogging blocked pores, controlling shine and refining skin texture. It is a beauty cabinet must-have.

If you want to win this bespoke skincare set, all you have to do is enter (via Rafflecopter) below!

The Prize:

• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
• La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar DUO [+]

The Rules:

• The giveaway will run for 16 days
• The giveaway is open to UK residents only
• The winner will be contacted within 24 hours of the giveaway closing. If I don't hear from the winner within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekly Worship: Perricone MD and La Roche-Posay

Price: £8.50 / $34.95 150ml

Stockist: escentual.com / amazon.com

La Roche-Posay Serozinc is a cult product that is loved by French women. Until recently, girls in the UK were able to get hold of this super spray but not easily. Luckily, Serozinc launched in the UK at the very end of last year and beauty fans around Great Britain rejoiced.

Serozinc is made up of three simple ingredients; water, sodium chloride and zinc sulfate. Zinc sulfate is the hero ingredient in this toner, as it does an amazing job at calming and treating breakouts. Applying this product is a dream; it provides a fine, refreshing mist that covers the entire face in seconds. It leaves no mess and it absorbs very quickly. It begins to calm the skin - soothing irritation and redness - the second it is applied.

Serozinc also makes good on its promise; after a few days of use, any breakouts I have begin to clear. Now, it is not the best spot treatment I have ever used, however it comes close and it is definitely worthy of worship - especially considering the affordable price tag!

Price: £24.00 / $135.00 30ml

Stockist: John Lewis / Sephora

The Perricone MD Hyalo Plasma is one of the best skincare products I've ever used.

Packed with three unique forms of Hyaluronic Acid, this treatment has a gel consistency that is lightweight and soothing on the skin. It applies easily and evenly, leaving behind smooth and instantly hydrated skin.

I have been using the Hyalo Plasma for about three weeks now and I've noticed a big difference in the texture and general health of my skin. It is plump, softer and free of pesky fine lines (caused by dehydration).

It is on the expensive side...there is no point avoiding this. However it one of only a few products that have really impressed me in the last couple of years and I am sure I'll be worshipping it for many years to come.

The Beauty Myth: You Don't Have To Cleanse Your Face In The Morning

The Verdict: False

It's frustrating addressing this crazy ass myth but no, it is not true that you don't have to cleanse your face in the morning. Yes, you cleanse in the evening, however don't think for a second that your face remains oil free, sweat free and dirt free throughout the night.

The skin repairs itself naturally while we sleep and, in doing this, produces dead skin cells and excess oil that need to be removed the next morning. Now don't go thinking a splash of water will help remove these nasties; water alone only removes around 65% of oil and debris from the surface of the skin. You will need a cleanser and I recommend using a gentle one, such as the La Roche-Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel 200ml (£12.00 Boots / £21.99 laroche-posay.us).

Understanding...Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that has keratolytic properties. Its structure enables it to gently penetrate the skin, breaking down and exfoliating the dead skin cells that block pores and cause acne. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which help remove redness and reduce the amount of damaging bacteria on the skin. It treats other skin problems by softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it can be removed.

Salicylic acid has also been proven to firm the skin, stimulate collagen production and improve skin thickness and barrier functions. If things couldn't get any better, low concentrations of salicylic acid can be used on sensitive skin.

As it is such a great multi-tasking ingredient, salicylic acid is used in many skincare products. You will find this miracle ingredient in everything from serums and creams to toners and treatment pads.

Recommendations

1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar K (£13.00 Boots / $29.95 www.laroche-posay.us)
2. SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense (£41.10 www.hqhair.com / $80.00 www.skinceuticals.com)
3. EVE LOM Dynaspot (£22.00 www.evelom.com / $34.00 www.barneys.com) 
4. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 (£16.00 www.clinique.co.uk / $13.00 www.clinique.com)

Ingredients 101: Salicylic Acid

Natural or Synthetic: Both

The Science: Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid that can either be synthesized in a lab or sourced naturally through a variety of plants and fruits, including willow bark, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raisins, kiwis and apricots.

Beauty Benefits: The structure of salicylic acid enables it to gently penetrate the skin, breaking down and exfoliating the dead skin cells that block pores and cause acne. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which help remove redness and reduce the amount of damaging bacteria on the skin. It treats other skin problems by softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so it can be removed.

Salicylic acid has also been proven to firm the skin, stimulate collagen production and improve the skin's barrier functions.

Warnings: Salicylic acid should be avoided during pregnancy.

Salicylic acid can also cause irritation, so it is not advised for those with sensitive skin. However if you have sensitive skin and are really desperate to try this ingredient, look for products that only contain low concentrations of salicylic acid.

Found in: La Roche-Posay Effaclar K (£13.00 Boots / $30.99 laroche-posay.us). This oil-free moisturiser provides great hydration. It also works as an amazing acne treatment and is my go-to product when pimples appear!

Faithful Four: Hydrating Face Masks

Origins Drink Up Intensive

Promise: “This intense moisture replacement mask with Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oil deeply and instantly quenches compromised moisture reserves and builds a reservoir for tomorrow”

Price: £22.00/$24.00 100ml

Purchase: Debenhams / Macy's

The Origins Drink Up Intensive is an amazing hydrating mask that - as name suggests - acts like a drink for the skin. The mask is designed for overnight use, which is great as skin goes into repair mode whilst you sleep. The only downside to this is that you need to avoid sleeping on your side until the mask is fully absorbed or has dried - I mean the mask is designed for your face, not your pillow!

Drink Up Intensive has a thick, creamy consistency that applies effortlessly and it smells absolutely amazing. It is incredibly hydrating and moisturising and is great at ridding your skin of dry patches. The best thing about this product is the way you look the morning after - you wake up with plump, buttery soft skin!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Masque

Promise: “Formulated with drought-resistant Fountain Plant, this new addition to Kiehl’s iconic Ultra Facial range replenishes skin’s water reserves for long-lasting hydration and healthy looking skin”

Price: £28.00 / $35.00 125ml

Purchase: kiehls.co.uk / Nordstrom

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Masque doesn't just hydrate, it boosts skin’s ability to retain water! It is formulated with drought-resistant Fountain Plant, which replenishes skin’s water reserves - resulting in long-lasting hydration.

The mask has a gel-like consistency and it is very lightweight so, unlike some masks, it doesn't feel at all heavy on the skin. Not much product is needed to cover the entire face and, although the product feels quite tacky when applied, it absorbs in smoothly after 20 minutes.

Like all hydrating face masks, the Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Masque is designed for dry and dehydrated skin - however it also works well on oily and normal skin types. This mask does everything it promises - it has you waking up with soft and ultra-hydrated skin that lasts. It also contains 125ml worth of product, so you'll be in hydration heaven for a very long time!

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

Promise: “This facial mask delivers an intensely moisturising, cleansing and antioxidising treatment. It is the ultimate solution for spots and blemishes”

Price: £21.99/$39.00 60ml 

Purchase: Antipodesnature.com / hipapotheca.com

Using 100% natural ingredients, the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask not only hydrates the skin, it heals it. It contains a base of Manuka Honey, an ingredient native to New Zealand. Manuka honey is famous for its powerful healing properties - so much so that Māori people have been using it in this way for centuries!

The mask has a very thin, creamy consistency that glides onto the skin easily! It smells sooo good, however if you don't like the smell of honey, you sure as hell won't feel the same! It makes skin super-soft, plump and very hydrated. And, thanks to the healing properties in manuka honey, this mask helps to treat acne and skin damage. In fact, many people recommend using this mask as an emergency sport treatment, as it reduces redness and pimple size!

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Mask

Promise: “The infusing texture of Hydraphase Intense Mask envelopes the skin in a thermal bath and releases high-performance hydrating ingredients [Hyaluronic Acid Fragments] to immediately infuse and retain water in the skin for optimal hydration”

Price: £15.50/$30.00 50ml 

Purchase: escentual.com / amazon.com

The Hydraphase Intense Mask is perfect for those with sensitive skin - which is no surprise considering it comes from sensitive skin saviours, La Roche-Posay. It has a lotion consistency and is very lightweight - which is great for getting in and around the eyebrows (an area prone to dryness). Unlike the other masks featured, this one isn't supposed to be washed off. After 10 minutes, you just have to remove the excess product with a tissue or cotton pad.

It hydrates a little less then the other contenders here, however it is the ultimate treatment for dry and flaky skin. So much so that I would say it smooths more than it soaks! Regular use of this winter wonder will keep your flaky skin and dry patches at bay...I promise!

Interview: Debbie Thomas

Debbie Thomas is a highly respected skin specialist, whose talent and unique approach has taken her from Harley Street to Hollywood. She is a true skin saviour to some of Hollywood's elite and has worked with some of the world's most renowned skincare brands.

When it comes to skin, there isn't much Debbie doesn't know. So you can imagine how excited I was when I was given the opportunity to interview her...

What inspired you to work in the beauty industry? And how did your career journey begin?

I started with a keen interest in holistic treatments. I loved how manipulating muscles or nerve endings could trigger positive reactions in the body, making people feel better physically and emotionally. After completing my beauty, massage and reflexology courses, I got my first job and quickly gained a strong client base for my facials. 

I then developed adult acne and felt assured that my boss would be able to ‘cure’ me, she could not and neither could my GP. This was when my obsession with finding successful treatments began.

What is your career highlight?

Every time I get a new client through a recommendation I feel very proud. However my real career highlight was the first day I worked for myself in my own company. It was also the single most scary day. I didn't have lots of security if things didn't work out, so I told myself that I had to make it work no matter what.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the beauty industry?

I think it’s about finding a niche or a specific area that you are passionate about and become an expert in it. I still go on as many training courses as I can, as I think you can never know enough. 

 
Who is the ultimate beauty icon?

I think Eve Lom really was one of the first ‘super facialists’ and through her great techniques and products, she has become a global brand.

What are your makeup bag essentials?

La Roche-Posay tinted SPF 50 cream and Maybelline mascara are the basics I couldn't live without.

What is the biggest beauty crime a person can commit?

Not practising safe sun care.

What is your top beauty tip?

Go for a skin consultation with a professional skin specialist at least once a year. Your skin can change with seasons, age, stress and lifestyle, so your home routine needs to change seasonally as well. I also recommend monthly facials to make the most of your skin.

www.debbiethomas.co.uk