Skin cycling is a skin care routine that alternates the use of exfoliants, retinoids, and hydrating creams. It aims to maximize the effect of regenerative ingredients while giving skin time to recover in between.

Studies have shown that skin care products like exfoliants and retinoids can rejuvenate the skin and reduce signs of aging. However, too frequent use of these skin care ingredients, or overly concentrated formulations, can damage the skin barrier, resulting in irritation and inflammation.

For this reason, board certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe introduced skin cycling — the practice of alternating skin care products across different nights. The idea is to prevent the overuse of topical agents like retinol and hydroxy acids, and allow the skin barrier time to heal and repair itself in between their use.

This article takes a closer look at skin cycling, the products you’ll need, how it works, benefits, and precautions.

To try skin cycling, you’ll first need to gather four types of skin care products. Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic products.

If you have sensitive skin, skin prone to acne, or deeply pigmented skin, consider talking with a dermatologist. They can recommend products that are best suited for your skin type.

Here are the products you will need:

  • Gentle facial cleanser. Look for a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
  • AHA or BHA chemical exfoliant. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are mild exfoliants that can help smooth and soften the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) offer gentle exfoliating benefits that can be useful for acne-prone skin or rough skin that needs smoothing. Read more about AHAs and BHAs here.
  • Over-the-counter retinol or retinoid: Retinols typically refer to over-the-counter products, while retinoids are usually more power, prescription formulas. Read more about the difference between the two.
  • Hydrating moisturizer that suits your skin type: Moisturizers can draw moisture into the top layers of the skin and help repair breaks in the skin barrier. Learn more about the best moisturizers for your skin type.
  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen. Apply every morning to protect your skin throughout the day. Learn more about sunscreens.

The skin cycling routine is done over four nights. After the four-night cycle is completed, you start over and repeat the same routine.

  • Night 1: Cleanse and exfoliate. On the first night of the skin cycling routine, cleanse your skin using a gentle facial cleanser, pat dry, and apply an exfoliating product. Follow the directions provided by the exfoliating product you’ve chosen to use.
  • Night 2: Cleanse and apply a retinol or retinoid. On the second night, cleanse your skin, pat dry, and apply a retinol (or retinoid) following the instructions provided by the product or by your dermatologist if it’s a prescription. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to apply a moisturizer to your face before applying retinoids.
  • Nights 3 and 4: Cleanse and apply moisturizer: On the third and fourth nights, cleanse your skin and apply a hydrating moisturizer to support repair and recovery.

While not officially part of the skin cycling routine, dermatologists typically recommend that you also cleanse your face in the mornings and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.

This is especially important if you’re following the skin cycling routine because the active ingredients in retinols and retinoids make your skin even more sensitive to sun damage.

Talk with a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or certain skin conditions

Certain skin conditions, such as inflammatory acne, may require more consistent, frequent use of topical retinoids, rather than once every four days.

Other skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, may also require additional medications to manage symptoms.

If you have extremely sensitive skin or any of the skin conditions mentioned above, it’s a good idea to talk with a dermatologist before beginning any new skin regimen, including skin cycling. A dermatologist can recommend products and a skin care routine tailored for your skin type and any skin conditions you may have.

Although skin cycling has not been clinically studied, the theoretical benefits include:

  • Reduced skin sensitivity and irritation. Limiting the use of exfoliants and retinoids to once every four days avoids their overuse and potential damage to the skin barrier.
  • More skin rest and repair. Dedicating 2 out of every 4 nights for skin rest and recovery can repair damage to the skin barrier and improve resiliency.
  • Improved retinoid absorption. Cleansing and exfoliation on night 1 helps remove dead skin cells, allowing better penetration by retinoids on night 2.
  • Structured routine leads to consistent use. Having a limited number of products and a structured routine for their use promotes a more consistent and mindful approach to skin care.

Considerations

While skin cycling offers a promising approach to skin care, it’s important to monitor how your skin responds to the products you use and how often you use them.

If your skin appears dry or irritated, you may need to increase the number of rest and recovery days. Or, you may need to swap out the exfoliator or retinol/retinoid product you’re using if you think the formulation may be too high.

As mentioned before, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist before beginning any new skin care regimen. They can offer recommendations about products and their application that’s best suited to your skin type.

If you’re new to exfoliants or retinoids, you’ll want to begin with low concentrations of active ingredients in each product and see how your skin responds.

If you experience any changes in skin color or irritation after use, stop using and consult a dermatologist. People with darker skin tones should also be mindful of the increased risk of hyperpigmentation, which can be triggered by inflammation and skin irritation.

If you have a history of sensitive skin or preexisting skin conditions, such as eczema, acne, rosacea, or psoriasis, you’ll also want to see a dermatologist before purchasing new skin products or starting a skin care routine like skin cycling.

A dermatologist can recommend products and a routine for using them that are best for your individual skin conditions.

Avoid using retinoids if you are pregnant

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid retinoids as they may increase the risk of:

  • miscarriage
  • birth defects
  • intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • premature birth

If you are considering pregnancy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it’s best to stick with a cleansing and moisturizing routine and skip the retinoids.

While the concept of alternating nightly use of products like retinols and hydroxy acids to avoid overuse and skin irritation makes sense, most dermatologist recommend a skin consultation before beginning any new skin care routine that involves chemical products.

The skin cycling routine involves the use of chemical exfoliators (hydroxy acids) and retinols. These products may not be safe or recommended for all skin types or for those with certain skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

It’s best to talk with a dermatologist before beginning any new skin care routine to make sure the products and their frequency of use is healthy for your skin.

The skin cycling routine aims to reduce consecutive or too frequent use of topical retinols and chemical exfoliators. Moisturizing products like face masks are fine to use on the days marked as rest days for the skin as long as they don’t include irritating agents like retinoids or hydroxy acids.

Check the ingredients on your skin care products before using, or consult with a dermatologist to make sure the products you’re using are beneficial for your skin type.

Results differ depending on individual skin types and age, but most people notice improved skin texture and hydration after a few cycles.

For best results, consult a dermatologist before starting a skin cycling routine. They can recommend products that are best suited for your skin and how to maximize their use.

 

Skin cycling is a new trend in skin care. It alternates the use of exfoliators, retinols, and moisturizers over different days to optimize results and avoid skin irritation.

For best results, consult a dermatologist before starting skin cycling or any new skin care routine. They can recommend products that are suited to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.