Skin cycling has recently gained attention through TikTok trends; however, this practice is far from new: board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe has been creating and recommending skin cycling routines for more than one year now.
A simple but effective system, it provides the opportunity for powerful active ingredients (exfoliants and retinoids) to penetrate while also giving your skin barrier some rest days.
Day 1: Exfoliate
TikTok users have watched more than 3.5 billion views of skin cycling–a method for rotating nighttime skincare products–than any other platform, making this an international phenomenon. Skin cycling provides people with an effective method for getting more out of their skincare products while simultaneously decreasing irritation or inflammation caused by products.
As part of an anti-aging regimen, this method involves rotating between applying an exfoliant, retinol and moisturizing serum – giving your skin time to rest between using powerful anti-ageing actives.
Skin cycling can benefit both those just getting started with skincare products and those who already use excellent ones but are experiencing stagnation with results, according to dermatologist Whitney Bowe. However, she advises consulting a dermatologist before initiating such a regimen — particularly those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Bowe also points out that while traditional skin-cycling regimens include exfoliation, retinol application and moisturizer application over four nights of exfoliation, recovery nights and moisturizer application–they’re customizable based on individual needs and can be altered according to how oily or acne-prone skin reacts. If this applies to you, reduce recovery nights in favor of increasing exfoliation and retinol use; similarly if your retinol is particularly strong you might want to apply less often but more consistently over time.
Day 2: Retinol
Retinol is a vital element in skincare routine, stimulating collagen production and cell turnover to combat fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously helping fend off acne breakouts and soothe redness from psoriasis or eczema. But excessive use may lead to dryness or irritation; to ensure maximum efficacy use retinol only on certain nights a week in conjunction with recovery products on other days.
Wattenberg suggests using low concentration retinol products such as 0.25% or 1% on alternate nights along with other nightly products for optimal skin. She states that this skin cycling strategy can be particularly helpful during fall weather changes which can wreak havoc on dry, sensitive complexions.
TikTok users have taken to skin cycling as a viral beauty trend–amassing more than 3.5 billion views across videos–but this routine has actually been around for some time. Exfoliants and retinols should be alternated with rest days to reduce irritation; and dermatologists and estheticians recommend this regimen as part of their skin-care regimes.
Bowe explains that while the traditional four-night cycle can serve as a useful starting point, customizing is “The future of skin cycling.” For instance, some users may prefer skipping exfoliants or retinoids one night in favor of adding an additional recovery day dedicated to moisturizer instead. Whatever routine works for you best will produce similar results: stronger and healthier skin barriers, smoother complexions and enhanced anti-ageing benefits.
Day 3: Moisturize
On recovery nights after exfoliation or retinol treatments, Bowe recommends moisturizing with a lightweight moisturizer that contains skin-repairing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and squalane to hydrate and heal your skin. A serum containing peptides or antioxidants could also be an option, though on such nights “it is best to avoid acids and retinoids”, she states.
After two cycles, you should begin to see any blotchiness and sensitivity begin to fade from your skin, while it also becomes brighter and hydrated.
Skin cycling has gained immense popularity thanks to TikTok and beauty influencers, offering people a way to use more effective products without irritating their skin. Before undertaking any new skincare regime, consult with a dermatologist first and be sure that everything fits together.
Bustle conducted interviews with three dermatologists who specialize in skin cycling: Whitney Bowe, MD of Whitney Bowe Beauty in New York City; Shari Marchbein, MD (a cosmetic and Mohs surgeon from New York); and Mona Gohara MD from Hamden Connecticut. Read on for their advice.
Day 4: Recovery
Since ingredient-driven skincare has given us more knowledge of key actives, some may overexert themselves using too many actives at once. A skin-cycling routine — in which some days you exfoliate, use retinoids, and some nights recover — can be an effective way to maximize results while giving skin time to recuperate between treatments. TikTok brought this technique into mainstream conversations via Whitney Bowe Beauty founder Dr. Whitney Bowe in NYC but this practice has long existed – for instance since before TikTok took off!
Skin cycling is beneficial for most, though those with certain skin conditions such as rosacea or psoriasis should always consult their dermatologist prior to undertaking this practice, she advises. Furthermore, those with dry skin should plan an additional recovery night.
Standard skin-cycling regimens involve exfoliation; applying retinoid products (resveratrol serum or prescription tretinoin); then using hydrating products on nights three and four. Bowe suggests this routine allows your skin to recover from active ingredients used; recovery nights should include gentle cleansers with added skin-repairing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid as part of its recovery regimen.
