Skin cycling is something I’ve been doing for yearssssss without even knowing what it was called. When a name was finally given to the process of using certain products on certain nights, I was glad that this concept was clearly identified so more people can benefit from it. It gained popularity when board certified dermatologist, Dr. Whitney Bowe gave it the name “skin cycling”. It’s an effective skincare approach for improving results while minimizing irritation. This method rotates between exfoliation, treatment, and recovery days to support the skin barrier which allows you to keep your skin well balanced while still effectively treating your concerns. Today’s post is going to be dedicated to talking more in depth about what a skin cycling routine is and how to build a routine that delivers results without damaging your skin.
Linking more skincare-focused blog posts below:
Affordable skincare products for mature skin
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What Is a Skin Cycling Routine?
Skin cycling is a structured skincare method that rotates active ingredients across multiple days. It focuses on timing and balance to support the skin barrier so you are not overdoing it with certain actives. Following a skin cycling routine creates a more effective and sustainable regimen that delivers long-term improvements in texture, tone, and overall skin health.
How Does Skin Cycling Work?
The beauty of skin cycling is it works by pacing out active ingredients so the skin has time to recover between treatments. The pillars of a skin cycling routine are an exfoliation night, a retinol night and a recovery night. Since there are 7 nights in a week, usually you will end up with two nights for each aspect of the cycle (exfoliation, retinol, recovery) which helps to give your skin a balanced routine that delivers effective results without increasing the chance for irritation.
Exfoliation removes dead skin and improves product absorption
Exfoliating is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine because it helps remove dead skin cells from the surface. Your skin will look brighter, texture will be smoother and your products will perform better.
Retinol supports cell turnover and skin renewal
As we age, our cells don’t turn over as quickly which can lead to dullness, loss of elasticity, increased texture, etc. Adding a retinol product into a skincare routine will help to speed up that cellular turnover resulting in better skin renewal and healthier looking skin. For those an oily or acne prone skin type, retinol is also a great ingredient to help reduce breakouts.
Recovery nights restore hydration and strengthen the skin barrier
Since both exfoliating products and retinol products deliver strong results, it’s important to give your skin a night where you only focus on hydration and supporting the skin barrier. This will allow your skin to rest and not become damaged due to the overuse of active ingredients.
Is Skin Cycling Effective?
While not everyone needs to adopt a skin cycling approach to their skincare routine, it can be effective for many skin types, especially those prone to irritation or sensitivity. The results will depend on your product choice, proper use, etc. but it’s a great way ensure your skin is receiving a balanced treatment of products.
What Are the Benefits of Skin Cycling?
Reduces over-exfoliation and sensitivity
By giving your skin a break from strong actives, it lessens the chance for increased sensitivity due to over-exfoliation.
Supports a stronger skin barrier
Ensuring a recovery night occurs every third evening, your skin barrier is able to be properly supported which will ultimately lead to healthier skin.
Improves skin texture and tone
If your skin can handle using exfoliating products and retinol products in the same week (often one night after the other), it can help improve your skin’s texture and tone over time.
Helps active ingredients work more effectively
Because you are creating a structured skincare routine with skin cycling, the ingredients you are using will work more effectively allowing your skin to skin healthy and balanced.
Creates a more consistent and manageable routine
Creating an actual schedule for when to use certain products can help streamline your routine which will make you more likely to stick with it.
What Products To Use For Skin Cycling
Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants are preferred for a skin cycling routine. Either an exfoliating toner/peel pads or an exfoliating serum can deliver similar results.
Here are some exfoliating toners/peel pads that I personally like: Pixi Glow Tonic and YSE Beauty Exfoliating Pads (use code: MAREE30)
Additionally, here are a few exfoliating serums to choose from: Versed Gentle Pore-Clearing Serum, Shani Darden Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum and Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Acid Serum
Retinol
Retinol products come in various strengths so you can choose formulations available over the counter or get a prescription strength from your doctor.
Here are my favorite retinol products: Medik8 Crystal Retinal and Mother Science Retinol Synergist (use code: MAREESYE)
Skin Barrier Support Products
Without products to support the skin barrier, skin cycling will not deliver the intended results. Look for nourishing serums that you can use after your exfoliants or retinols and be sure to apply barrier strengthening moisturizers on your recovery night.
I love these nourishing serums: Cocokind Ceramide Serum, Prequel Multi-Quench Serum and Naturium Barrier Bounce
Here are three of my favorite skin barrier strengthening moisturizers: Dieux Instant Angel and Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh (use code: MAREE15)
Skin Cycling Skincare Routine
Night 1: Exfoliate with a gentle chemical exfoliant
Chemical exfoliation can come from an exfoliating toner/peel pads used after you cleanse. Or you can apply an exfoliating serum as part of your evening routine. It’s best to choose one or the other so as not to damage the skin barrier.
Night 2: Retinoids or treatment product
Retinol products can either be prescription strength that you get from your dermatologist or an over the counter formula purchased from your favorite beauty store.
Night 3: Focus on hydration and barrier repair
On this night, you want to focus on using only hydrating or calming serums/moisturizers. This night is meant to give your skin a break from the previous two nights of strong active ingredients and allow for proper barrier repair.
Night 4: Continue recovery with gentle, nourishing products
If you feel your skin can handle it, you can go back to exfoliating on this night and start the process again. But if your skin is prone to more sensitivity, two nights of repair are a great solution.
How To Skin Cycle Effectively
Start with low-strength actives, especially retinol
Always start small with less powerful actives and retinols to ensure your skin can tolerate it.
Do not skip recovery nights
Recovery nights are the most important part of skin cycling because they help to keep the skin nourished and balanced. If the skin barrier becomes damaged from too many harsh actives or retinols, it will impact the effectiveness of all your skincare products.
Keep the routine simple to avoid irritation
When starting a skin cycling routine, keep the steps of each routine to a minimum to avoid any sensitivity or irritation that may occur.
Use sunscreen daily to protect your skin
Exfoliation and retinols can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage so be sure to wear sunscreen every single day.
Adjust the cycle if you notice dryness or sensitivity
Add in more recovery days or change up the days you apply certain products if your skin develops any irritation, dryness or sensitivity.
How Long To Do Skin Cycling
Skin cycling is designed as an ongoing routine rather than a short-term method. You need to follow it consistently for several weeks to see results so once you find a routine and products that work for your skin, stick with it for a minimum of 2-3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cycling
Can you skin cycle with tretinoin?
Skin cycling is a great process to use with tretinoin because it allows your skin to have recovery nights which could help strengthen your skin barrier.
Does skin cycling cause purging?
That would be dependent on your skin and the products you are using. It’s not a definite that products will make your skin “purge” but it’s less related to skin cycling and more to the product formulations.
How long does a skin cycle last?
I prefer to use skin cycling as the primary method for all of my evening skincare routines. I’ve been doing my own form of skin cycling for nearly 10 years so it is a process that you can stick with forever if you want.
When to use niacinamide in skin cycling?
Niacinamide can be used in conjunction with either your exfoliation night or your retinol night if you skin can tolerate it. If not, you could add it during your recovery night.
When to use vitamin c in skin cycling?
Vitamin C is best used in the morning. If you are trying to get your skin used to a new vitamin c serum, use it every other day or every third day to account for any possible irritation. If not occurs, you can definitely use it everyday in your morning skincare routine.
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