Skin Cycling. Made Simple.

Skin cycling first started making an impact in the industry after generating interest on TikTok – where it has currently amassed over 65 million posts. But unlike many viral beauty moments, skin cycling is a tried-and-tested skincare trend that many dermatologists can get behind.

Read on for my expert explanation of what skin cycling is, how it works and whether you should embrace an evening skin cycle routine.

What is skin cycling?

In short: skin cycling involves rotating the skincare products within your nightly skincare regime to ensure maximum efficacy, and reduce the chances of irritation.

It typically involves using active ingredients for two nights running, followed by two nights of rest. As we need to give our skin space and time to absorb active ingredients – and acclimatise to their impact – using the skin cycling method allows the skin to not only reap the benefits of powerful active ingredients, but gives the skin barrier adequate time to repair itself.

(There is another skin cycling system: adapting your skincare products and skin treatments depending on your menstrual cycle, to balance the hormonal fluctuations and surges you experience throughout the month. But this topic justifies a completely separate journal!).

How long is a skin cycle?

A typical skin cycle routine takes place over four nights, and is repeated sequentially. Generally, it involves one evening of exfoliation, one of retinoids and two evenings of rest via your regular nightly cleansing and moisturising routine. Though to note: on the exfoliation and retinoid nights, it is important to maintain cleansing before application, and moisturising after.

Products commonly used in a skin cycling routine

If you are keen to start a skin cycling routine, in addition to your regular cleanser and moisturiser, these are the products to keep on your radar:

Exfoliants:

Exfoliants are physical (e.g. textured) or chemical scrubs (like AHAs and BHAs). Gentle exfoliation improves skin texture and enhances product absorption, but it’s important to follow with a good moisturiser and make sure you are applying SPF to protect your skin. It’s also easy to overdo exfoliation, which can weaken the skin barrier – so a twice-weekly. nighttime-application approach as per the typical skin cycle routine is completely adequate.

Retinoids:

Retinoids are a form of vitamin A, and topical application can help treat acne, improve fine lines and wrinkles, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation, signs of UV damage and inflammation. The most commonly used topical retinoid is retinol, but retinaldehyde, retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate are also regularly seen within skincare. Retinoids are typically applied at night due to their sensitivity to sunlight, and whilst they can cause initial dryness and irritation, introducing retinoids within a skin cycling routine will help skin adjust gradually, whilst also reaping the benefits of this powerhouse ingredient.

What are the benefits of skin cycling?

The primary reasons to turn to a skin cycling routine are to maximise the effects and delivery of your skincare’s active ingredients without causing irritation – but there are other benefits too.

Since skin cycling typically only involves a small number of products used sparingly, it minimises cost, saves you time – and by essence of it being more simple, is easier to sustain day in day out.

So, Should I Skin Cycle?

Skin cycling is one trend that often proves efficacious, whatever your skin type.

If your skin is sensitive (or you are a skincare beginner), the “start low and go slow” approach allows you to gradually build up active ingredients in a way that works for you.

And those with oily or combination or acne-prone skin are likely to benefit from the use of exfoliants and retinols, but without the redness and irritation often developed from daily use.

If you are keen to explore a routine that offers maximum delivery of active ingredients, but you’re concerned about adverse effects – then skin cycling could be the skincare system for you.

Discover more about skincare systems, ingredients and treatments via my journal.