There can be so many parts to skincare. The latest trend? Skin cycling. 

Skin cycling is all over Tik Tok and is exactly how it sounds. It is a cycle of products that you use on your skin at night so that your skin does not get inflamed from constantly using active ingredients. 

You are essentially giving your skin rest days, much like in fitness when you rest your muscles. 

Skin cycling is typically a 4 night cycle where you have 2 days “on”, using active ingredients, and two days “off”, where you are not using active ingredients. 

This routine is all credited to New York based dermatologist, Dr. Whitney Bowe.

Night 1: Exfoliation

Exfoliants remove layers of dead skin cells so that softer, younger-looking skin is revealed. 

It also gets rid of dirt and debris that can be deep in your pores that your cleanser couldn’t get. 

You should use a chemical exfoliant that has AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs because they are more effective and better for your skin barrier. 

First, wash your face with a cleanser of your choice. 

Pat your face dry. 

*Never drag a towel or rag across your skin.

Next, put on an exfoliator product. It is recommended to use a leave-on product instead of one that you have to wash off. Most chemical exfoliants are leave-on, but be sure to check the directions on yours.

Exfoliating can strip some of the oil off of your skin. Therefore, moisturize your skin after. 

Night 2: Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is a powerhouse when it comes to the anti-aging skincare game. It effectively helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Similar to night one, start with washing your face with a cleanser of your choice. 

Pat your face dry. 

If you are new to retinol and skin cycling, first apply a moisturizer to the sensitive areas of the face. This could include, under your eyes and the corners of your nose. 

Then apply your retinol formula.

Apply it to your face, neck, and decolletage (those need skincare too!)

Be aware that not all skin is created equal. Some retinoids may irritate your skin. If you are not used to using retinol, start off with a low amount (0.01% – 0.03%) and work your way up. 

Normal side effects: 

→ Mild irritation

→ Dryness

→ Sun sensitivity

NOT normal side effects:

→ Intense flaking of the skin

→ Redness

→ Burning

*Note: You can NOT use retinol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can potentially result in fetal retinoid syndrome. A safe alternative is The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer. However, consult with your doctor before using. 

Night 3: Rest & Recovery

We love some good rest and recovery. This is when you wash your face with your cleanser of choice, and then you put your serums and moisturizers on. 

This is when you focus on hydration and protecting the skin barrier. 

After you wash your face, apply your serums and moisturizers when your face is still damp. 

Your serums should have ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and/or niacinamide. 

Does skin cycling actually work?

Yes. It is great for sensitive skin and when you are starting out with exfoliating and retinol. However, it is good for non-sensitive skin and if you are already used to exfoliating and retinol. 

You can easily adjust the cycle to fit your skin type. It can be more than four days or less than four days. Maybe you only need one rest and recovery day. Maybe you need three. 

What products to use for skin cycling?

I am recommending the brand, The Ordinary, because it has clean ingredients, and it is cost effective. There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on your everyday skincare routine. 

Cleansers:

→ The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

→ The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser

Exfoliants:

→ The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

→ The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

→ The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution  

Retinoids:

→ The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% Squalane

If you are new to retinol, start with this and then work your way up to The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% Squalane and then The Ordinary Retinol 1% Squalane.

Moisturizers:

→ The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides

→ The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

How long does it take for skin cycling to start working?

You should start to see the effects of skin cycling after 2 cycles. Your skin should start to look and feel more hydrated and softer as well as give you a nice glow. 

If you are new to retinol and exfoliating, you should give your skin a few weeks to adjust. Everyone’s skin is different and what works for some, does not work for all. 

Give your skin time to get used to this cycle before you give up on it. 

Do you moisturize every night when skin cycling?

You absolutely moisturize every night when skin cycling. 

Hydrating your skin with moisturizer is extremely important for protecting the skin barrier. It also helps protect against the sun, slows down signs of aging, and soothes sensitive skin. 

Can you do skin cycling without retinol?

Retinol isn’t for everyone. That doesn’t mean you can’t skin cycle. Instead of using retinol, you can use bakuchiel, azelaic acid, and peptides. 

A cost-effective option is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension. 

How long should you skin cycle for?

It is an on-going routine that you can keep consistently doing. 

Since you are spacing out exfoliating and using retinol, you don’t have to worry about overdoing this routine. 

Can I use vitamin C while skin cycling?

Yes. However, you should use vitamin C in the morning. 

Your morning skincare routine should be about the same every morning. It should include washing your face with a cleanser, applying vitamin C and moisturizer, and using an SPF.

Vitamin C can slow signs of aging, prevent sun damage, and reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. 

A good vitamin C to try is The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%. 

*Note: SPF and/or avoiding the sun is important when using retinol in your nighttime skin cycling routine. Retinol causes sun sensitivity to the skin, and we don’t want to get any sun damage. Therefore, make sure to wash your face in the morning before going out in the sun and wear SPF or a wide brimmed hat!!

Is skin cycling just at night?

Skin cycling is done only at night. Your morning skincare routine should be the same every morning. 

Does skin cycling get rid of acne?

Skin cycling can aid in getting rid of acne. Exfoliating regularly, in this case every four days, can help deep clean our pores. This will help prevent more acne breakouts. 

Acne can leave hyperpigmentation on the skin. Both exfoliating and retinol can help reduce the appearance of those marks. 

Being consistent with your skincare routine will help get rid of acne. 

Is skin cycling good for mature skin?

Skin cycling is great for mature skin. As we age, our collagen production lessens, creating fine lines and wrinkles. This is because our cellular turnover starts to slow down. Regular exfoliating and retinol use helps to promote collagen growth and cellular turnover. 

Adding vitamin C to our morning skincare routine also helps to promote collagen growth.

Is skin cycling worth the hype?

It sounds like skin cycling is definitely worth the hype. 

Cycling these products is perfect for the lazy girl who doesn’t feel like doing a complicated, time-consuming routine (like me!).

& of course, it gives our skin a break from active ingredients. 

This is the perfect routine for those new to skincare. It can be very overwhelming to navigate what products to use and in what order to apply them. Skin cycling is simple and easy to navigate. 

You don’t need a million and ten products to take care of your skin. All you need is a good cleanser, exfoliant, retinol, moisturizer, vitamin C serum, and SPF. 

Conclusion

Skincare doesn’t have to be only about aging well and avoiding fine lines and wrinkles. Skin is the largest organ in the body. That means that it isn’t something that we should neglect in general. Having a regular skincare routine in the morning and at night is important for skin health.

The perks of doing it just so happen to be reducing our fine lines and wrinkles and aging gracefully. 

Skin cycling is the perfect routine because it isn’t time consuming. It is completely simplified when you only exfoliate every four days and you only use retinol every four days. 

If this specific routine doesn’t work for you, make it your own while following the concept. If you can’t use retinol, use a similar product to it instead. If you need more rest and recovery time, take an extra day or two. 

As long as you are taking care of your skin, you are on the right track. 

Email [email protected] and let us know how this routine has helped your skin.