Heads up! We may use affiliate links in this post. You'll never pay more, but we might earn a small commission if you buy - thanks for supporting us! See our full disclosure here.
For a platform that primarily caters to teenagers, it’s impressive how much of an influence TikTok has had on the beauty industry with skincare hacks like bleaching unibrows, slugging and eye de-puffing being some of their most popular videos.
But this latest skincare trend called “skin cycling” may be one that we actually keep if the 57.8 million views for the popular hashtag #skincycling is anything to go by!
With many people finding skin concerns like acne and hyperpigmentation difficult to treat, Dr Whitney Bowe, a renowned New York-based dermatologist created skin cycling to combat these issues at home.
“Skin cycling is a way to transform your skin and has done so for my patients who have acne, rosacea, eczema, brown spots, or are just looking to get the most out of their skincare products,” Dr. Bowe explained in a TikTok video.
Intrigued? Well, read on!
What Is Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling is a night-time skincare regime that involves alternating between active ingredients, such as exfoliants, retinol, and barrier creams, in a specific order so that your skin can benefit from each one in a proper amount.
You may be wondering, “What is retinol?” According to Healthline, Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is a substance made from vitamin A. Retinol does not remove dead skin cells, as many other skincare products for mature skin do.
Retinol, a small molecule, permeates beneath the epidermis (skin’s outer layer) to the dermis (skin’s middle layer). This neutralises free radicals once they reach the dermis, boosting elastin and collagen production, which creates a “plumping” effect that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and enlarged pores.
Dr. Bowe tells Bustle, that switching up your routine by cycling your most potent skincare products helps you become more conscientious about what you are using while also avoiding irritation caused by retinol and over-exfoliation. “Rather than adding more products on top of one another, skin cycling encourages you to use products in a strategic way to compliment one another,” she explains.
Dr Bowe’s own personal and most popular method which she also advises for beginners is the four-night cycle…
Given that nights one and two may be quite harsh on the skin for many, it makes the last two recovery nights all the more crucial in this regime because it allows you to focus on hydration and repairing the skin’s natural barrier. “You will get the most out of the active ingredients in your skin-care products while minimizing irritation by building in those needed recovery nights,” Dr. Bowe explains.
Not only does skin cycling help with common skin conditions mentioned before, but it also helps to regulate your skin’s different needs during different seasons.
For example, during the winter months, your skin may be drier than normal because of the cold months and the use of indoor heating. Cycling your skincare products allows you to maintain balance and moisture throughout the year.
What Are The Benefits Of Skin Cycling?
While “skin cycling” might sound like just another beauty buzzword, this thoughtful approach to skincare has gained serious credibility among dermatologists for good reason.
At its core, skin cycling involves rotating your active skincare ingredients over several nights, giving your skin strategic rest periods to optimise results while minimising irritation.
Here are the key benefits:
- Reduced Irritation and Sensitivity – By spacing out potent active ingredients like retinoids and exfoliants, your skin has time to recover between treatments. This is especially beneficial if you’ve ever experienced redness, peeling, or sensitivity from using multiple active ingredients simultaneously.
- Enhanced Product Effectiveness – When you give each active ingredient its own dedicated night, you’re allowing it to work at full potency without competing interactions. Your retinol can focus on cell turnover, while your exfoliants can effectively remove dead skin cells – each in their own time.
- Better Barrier Function – Those deliberate “rest nights” aren’t just empty spaces in your routine – they’re actively helping strengthen your skin barrier. By focusing on hydration and recovery, you’re supporting your skin’s natural protective functions.
- Simplified Decision Making – Rather than wondering which products can be used together each night, skin cycling provides a clear, structured approach. You know exactly what to use to eliminate guesswork and potential ingredient conflicts.
- Customisable Results – While the classic cycle is four nights (exfoliation, retinoid, two recovery nights), you can adjust the timing based on your skin’s needs. More sensitive skin might benefit from additional recovery nights, while resilient skin might handle a shorter cycle.
- Cost-Effective Skincare – Using strong active ingredients less frequently means your products last longer. Plus, by preventing irritation, you’re less likely to need additional products to calm reactive skin.
What Are The Downsides Of Skin Cycling?
Everything isn’t for everyone! As with any skincare technique, there are some drawbacks to skin cycling that you need to keep in mind. These include:
- Limited Daily Protection – While spacing out active ingredients has its benefits, some dermatologists argue that consistent daily use of certain actives (like antioxidants) provides better protection against environmental damage. Taking nights off means potentially missing out on these protective benefits.
- Progress May Take Longer – Particularly with ingredients like retinol, which work better with consistent application, the cycled approach might mean slower results. Some skin types may benefit more from gradual, daily use of lower-strength actives rather than periodic higher-strength applications.
- Not Ideal for All Skin Types – Those with resilient skin or specific concerns like acne might actually do better with more frequent active ingredient use. The standard four-night cycle isn’t necessarily optimal for everyone, and some may find their skin issues taking longer to resolve.
- Over-Simplification of Skincare – While the structured approach is appealing, it might oversimplify the complex nature of skin health. Some experts argue that it’s better to learn how to layer products effectively rather than strictly separating them.
- Weather and Season Limitations – The standard cycle might need significant adjustment based on environmental factors. During winter months, when skin is naturally drier, or in summer months with increased sun exposure, the typical cycling schedule might not be ideal.
So, Is Skin Cycling Worth Trying?
If you have sensitive skin or other skin issues, you should consider seeking advice from a dermatologist first because everyone’s skin is different.
Otherwise, it’s an easy schedule to follow which might be what you’re skin has been needing all along, of course, the quality of the products you use is going to make a big difference!
See our recommended products perfect for skin cycling below.
Best Skin Cycling Products To Try
Night 1: Exfoliation
According to Dr. Bowe, exfoliation should be chemical rather than physical to avoid unnecessary irritation. “A blend of acids is the most effective, but a personal favourite of mine is glycolic acid,” she says on TikTok.
Night 2: Retinoid
The most important thing to remember about retinoids is that less is more!
Dr Bowe recommends using a “pea-sized amount of retinoid” she explains. “One pea should cover your entire face; just dab it and rub it in. Another pea for the neck, then take two peas for the chest. You’re gonna feel like you’re not using enough — that’s the point.”
For those with sensitive skin, you’ll need to take extra care when applying retinol around delicate areas such as around the eyes, sides of the nose, chin area, and your neck, Dr Bowe suggests using a moisturiser before and after applying the retinol.
Night 3 & 4: Recovery
These two nights might just be the most important part of this whole regime. As mentioned before, it’s a chance for your skin to recover and soak up hydration so you won’t damage your skin barrier.
Then, you can simply repeat the process!
Save on Pinterest for later?
