Here’s how to actually skin cycle…
When it comes to looking after your skin, as a general rule, we tend to warn against following social media trends. While social media is known as being the first port of call for makeup inspo, it pays to be a little bit more sceptical when it comes to the realm of skincare. This is because we prefer knowledge and advice backed by science, not just a trending TikTok sound.
But that being said, occasionally a skincare trend emerges from the algorithmic noise and turns out to be… not too shabby at all, actually. In fact, sometimes they are kind of brilliant. And skin cycling is one of these few golden nuggets that aren’t just hype, but substance too.
Skincycling is essentially a structured, minimalist skincare routine that has been sweeping social media feeds and skincare shelves alike. This is one trend that genuinely deserves its moment in the spotlight, and one we are more than happy to co-sign. Whether you are a seasoned skincare enthusiast or still figuring out what double cleansing means, skin cycling might just be the simplest, smartest approach to skin health we have seen in a while. And after reading this, you may find that you are inadvertently already following a similar approach to your weekly repertoire.
So if you are chronically online like most of us, and you have come across this ‘skin cycling’ but you’re not too sure what it is or what to make of it, you couldn’t have come to a better place. Because we are going to deep dive into what exactly it is, how it works, how to structure your routine and get the best results.
First, what is skin cycling?
At its core, skin cycling is about giving your skin a rhythm, so to speak, alternating between active and recovery days to maximise benefits without overloading your skin barrier. It’s a four-night rotation that goes something like this:
Night one: Exfoliation
Night two: Retinol
Night three and four: Barrier repair (recovery)
Then, you simply repeat for the end of your days.
If you are a weights girly, think of it as your weekly weights programme, just for your face. Your training days use powerful actives to help stimulate cell turnover, improve tone and reduce breakouts depending on your individual skin concerns and products in your arsenal. Then your rest days are all about nourishing and hydrating the skin so it can regenerate without stressing or inflaming the skin.
The concept was first popularised by dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe and has since been widely embraced by not only social media users, but also experts around the world. So even if you don’t religiously stay up to date about the current dermatologist recommendations, your algorithm may have been trying to introduce you to the method. And with good reason, skin cycling is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to introduce high-performance actives like retinol and peels into your routine without sending your skin into orbit.
Why skin cycling works
If you have ever dipped your toe into the world of actives, you will know that there is a definite risk of a “too much, too soon” scenario. Peeling, redness, flaking, and even unexpected breakouts can all accompany the introduction of actives if not done correctly. The beauty of skin cycling essentially lies in its simplicity and restraint.
By spacing out your active ingredients and building in recovery nights, you give your skin a chance to benefit from actives without overwhelming it. The routine honours the skin barrier, your skin’s built-in defence system against the outside world, if you will, and offers it time and care, not just constant stimulation.
It’s also highly customasible, so no matter what skin concerns you are working with or which products are a non-negotiable for you. You’ll be able to fit them into your routine no problem whatsoever.
The four night skin cycling routine
Let’s walk through what a classic skin cycle might look like, but remember you can customise this to suit your skin, so if you are breaking out, include your salicylic acids, if your skin is dull, make sure there’s a vitamin C in there etc etc you get the point.
Night one: Exfoliation
This is your jumpstart night, the moment where you slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and create a clean, smooth canvas for the rest of your routine.
Cleanse
Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that removes makeup, SPF, and impurities without drying you out. Avoid cleansers that include exfoliating acids on this night… you’ll be getting your fair share in the next step. The Gentle Cream Cleanser is ideal for this.
Exfoliate
Reach for a chemical exfoliant that suits your skin’s tolerance. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid are great for dullness and uneven tone, while beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid are best for breakout-prone or oily skin.
The AHA/BHA Resurfacing Peel is perfect for your exfoliation evening. This multi-acid treatment is inspired by professional clinic peels, combining AHAs with BHAs to target dullness, breakouts, and uneven texture.
Moisturise
Lock in all that active goodness with a hydrating moisturiser or night cream. The B12 Ceramide Cream is a nourishing moisturiser packed to the brim with ceramides and vitamin B12 to support the skin barrier and restore softness overnight.
Night two: Actives
This is the heavy-hitter night. If your skin can tolerate retinol, now is the time to use it. If you're retinol-averse, then you can sub this out with a vitamin C or niacinamide serum.
Cleanse
Again, stick with a gentle cleanser that won’t interfere with your actives.
Apply retinol (or substitute)
Choose a formulation that matches your experience level. If your skin is more resilient, you can build up to stronger concentrations over time.
Apply to dry skin and avoid layering with other active ingredients like AHAs or vitamin C on this night. The PRO Strength Retinol is the age-defying elixir you need to reverse and prevent the signs of ageing (along with all the other very, very long list of benefits that retinol offers).
Moisturise
Follow up with a nourishing moisturiser to buffer the retinol and support your barrier. If your skin tends to react to retinol, consider the ‘moisturiser sandwich’ method, apply a thin layer of moisturiser before and after your retinol for extra protection. The B12 Ceramide Cream remains a great choice for this.
Night three and four: recovery
These nights are all about rebuilding, soothing, and strengthening your skin barrier. That means no actives, just hydrating, barrier-repairing ingredients that help your skin recover. Do the same routine, two nights in a row.
Cleanse
Stick with your non-active cleanser. The goal here is to avoid introducing anything new that might irritate the skin.
Hydrating serum
On recovery nights, a hydrating serum can work wonders. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, panthenol, or centella asiatica (also known as cica). These ingredients help plump, calm, and prep the skin for moisture. The Ultimate Renewal Serum has all the barrier-loving ingredients you can ever want, and it is a great option to have on your recovery nights. Niacinamide serums also work a treat!
Barrier Cream or Rich Moisturiser
This is the time to lean into your thickest, richest moisturiser, especially if you’re dealing with irritation, flaking, or dryness. Look for something with nourishing ingredients like the Complete Recovery Moisturiser.
If your barrier is especially compromised (think redness, burning, or flaking), consider using a dedicated barrier-repair cream that’s fragrance-free and designed for sensitivity.
Here are some skin cycling FAQs
Still have some questions? Here are answers to a few of the common ones…
Can I customise my routine?
Absolutely. You can tweak your cycle based on your specific skin’s needs. But just be mindful of where you place them. If you have a ride or die active, then use that on your active nights, and the same goes for your skin barrier repairing products, use those on your recovery nights and so on.
Can I still use my eye cream and toner if I skin cycle?
Yes, but be mindful. Stick to non-active formulas on recovery nights like the PRO Collagen Eye Complex. Avoid using products with retinol, AHAs and BHAs near your eyes on your barrier recovery days.
How long until I see results?
Like any skincare regimen, you can usually expect to see results between 4-6 weeks. Skin takes time to adjust to a new rhythm, especially if you are introducing retinol or acids for the first time. You will likely notice improved texture and hydration within the first couple of weeks, but deeper results like fading pigmentation or treating breakouts will take longer.
Why we love skin cycling
While skin cycling isn’t a brand new concept (it’s like an upgrade from the old microdosing trend). The idea is similar: results might come a bit more slowly compared to using high-strength retinol every night, but this gentler approach provides long-term benefits and keeps the skin (and its all-important barrier) happy.
