Skin Cycling Is the Big Buzz in Skincare

Breaking down the “new” TikTok Trend for you and one that Dermatologists actually like.

If you’ve been on social media recently or at all, then you’ve probably seen one of the latest trends in beauty: skin cycling. Skin cycling is essentially a four-day cycle which typically comprises using active ingredients for two nights of the week, followed by two nights of rest – and repeating.

What is skin cycling?

So, what exactly is this skincare regime all about? Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York-based dermatologist has been credited with coining the term “skin cycling.” According to Bowe, the classic skin cycling routine consists of a four-night schedule. Night one is exfoliation, night two is for retinoids and nights three and four are recovery nights, where you focus on hydration and barrier repair. Once you finish the cycle, you repeat the process. Dr. Bowe also explained that this specific skin cycling routine not only helps you get more out of your ingredients (she says the exfoliation helps prep your skin for the retinoid) but it also helps you avoid irritation.

Exfoliating and retinol-based products can be irritating to the skin and that’s why recovery nights are important but be careful as this four-day cycling routine may not be ideal for all skin types. Exfoliation twice per week can be too irritating for some. I personally exfoliate once to twice per week, so speak with your dermatologist who can determine the best routine for you. Dr. Whitney Bowe’s skin cycling approach is very deliberate in that it prioritizes different areas of your skincare routine to maximize your results over the course of four nights. Here’s how it works – and bonus, I have a little chart below for you as well.

Night 1: Exfoliation

“You want to cleanse [the skin], pat dry, then put on an exfoliating product,” explains Dr Bowes, who recommends using a leave-on product over something that’s wash-off, like a cleanser. Your exfoliant can be physical or chemical. Seek out chemical exfoliators, which contain ingredients like AHAs, BHAs and PHAs, instead of physical scrubs because they’re better for the skin barrier and more effective.

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin and excess sebum (i.e. your body’s naturally-produced oils that cause acne) from the surface of your skin to leave you with a blank canvas. You should exfoliate after cleansing.

Try: Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution

Try: Youth To The People Kombucha + 10% AHA Liquid Exfoliant with Lactic Acid & Glycolic Acid

Try: Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Night 2: Retinoid

It’s retinol time! Apply a retinoid after cleansing. Now that your skin has been exfoliated, this will penetrate deeper into your skin barrier. Retinoids are great options for addressing a variety of skincare concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration and texture, and redness. After applying retinol, finish with your PM skincare routine with moisturizer.

Try: Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

Try: Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum

Try: The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum

Nights 3 & 4: Recovery

Okay, your skin has been hard at work. Now you should give your skin a break on night 3 to help recover your skin barrier. Instead of using an exfoliator, focus on moisture with hydrating serums and moisturizers. On night 4, we are still focused on repair mode. It’s time to look after the skin barrier and ensure the skin is adequately hydrated. Apply serums which contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide AND very nourishing moisturizers that will support the skin barrier.

Try: Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream

Try: Drunk Elephant Ceramighty Eye Balm

Try: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm

Try: Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

Try: Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane