Why skin cycling can bring an added dimension to bodycare

The trend ties in with research demonstrating that, as with any thorough skincare regimen combining various treatments and products, it can also be important to give the skin a break or switch things up, just like you would do in any good exercise program.

Skin cycling is a dermatologist-approved approach to skincare that encourages the intermittent or alternate topical application of specific active ingredients, an approach that can ultimately prove more effective for specific skin conditions and skin types.

Why skin cycling resonates with bodycare users​

Cosmetics Design spoke to Anna Keller, global senior beauty analyst at leading Market intelligence provider Mintel, who shared some insights on how skin cycling is being incorporated into bodycare regimens and why this is resonating with consumers.

“Rather than just promoting moisturizing claims for all, bodycare product attributes need to be more specific and targeted to specific skin conditions that can be treated using a cycling approach to topical products,”​ said Keller.

“Skinification as a whole applies to the evolution of the BPC space as it follows the application practices, formats, and ingredient trends from the facial skincare​ space, incorporated into a haircare, cosmetic, or bodycare application.”

Skin health and preventative measures​

By connecting the growing self-care and wellness movements with skinification, Keller believes that this also ties in with the fact that consumers are looking beyond aesthetic benefits, with the ultimate goal of wanting to improve skin health and prevent future damage.

Skin cycling can also provide a fresh approach to skincare, tapping into consumer demands for products that are intriguing or use a different method. Indeed, one of the main reasons for stagnation in any BPC category is a lack of innovation or diversification.

Tying in with this, Mintel data pertaining to consumers in India shows that 44% of adults are driven to make impulse purchases if a BPC product has an innovative claim, while a further 68% say they are specifically looking for bodycare products with claims that go beyond just moisturization.

“Skin cycling is especially attractive to those dealing with common skin concerns, including sensitive, rosacea-prone or psoriasis-prone skin, but anyone can benefit from this practice to incorporate a range of skincare products while minimizing the potential hazards of overuse: inflammation, irritation and a compromised skin barrier,”​ said Keller.

Tapping into inclusivity​

Because skin cycling can help to treat a wider range of skin conditions, skin types and specific needs, it also hits on the need for inclusivity in skincare. Supporting the need for added consumer appeal, Mintel data shows that 37% of UK consumers aged 18 – 24 would choose a beauty or grooming brand over another if it had a product or range that was more inclusive.

As an example of this, Mintel’s research points to Pantone’s moves in this direction. Its SkinTone Guide was recently updated to included a total of 138 unique skintones, an initiative that aims to include every skin type and serves as a benchmark for the beauty industry. A product that employs this approach is Topic Tones Faded Mist, which has been developed to target dark spots and hyperpigmentation, while also balancing and evening out skintones.

Inclusivity can also be extended to packaging, with Keller pointing to high contrast labeling and visual markers to help improve visibility for the blind and visually impaired, something that has been explored by personal care brand Takk through high impact labels.

Validate specific functionality​

As every area of skincare becomes increasingly saturated, there is going to be an increasing need for brands to highlight specific functionality if they are going to resonate.

Mintel’s research points to the fact that because moisturization claims are so ubiquitous, skin cycling provides an opportunity for more targeted products with an increased level of innovation that will appeal to consumers looking for something new.

Ultimately this will encourage consumers faced with an oversupply of uninspired products to trade up to solutions that will solve real skin and wellness issues and speak to them on a more personal level.