Are We Still Skin Cycling? Yes, and Here’s Why
You’ve probably heard of skin cycling—the skincare routine that took social media by storm. But while it started as a viral trend, this dermatologist-approved method has become a lasting staple.
In fact, if you’ve been alternating your nightly routine between renewing and hydrating, you might already be a skin cycling expert. We sat down with Dr. Rina Weimann (@drrinaderm) to revisit this tried-and-true technique and uncover why it’s here to stay.
Meet the expert
Rina Weimann (Allawh), MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
What exactly is skin cycling?
Let’s start from the beginning. Coined by dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, skin cycling is a four-night skincare routine that balances exfoliation, retinoid use, and recovery. It goes like this:
- Night one: exfoliation
- Night two: retinoids
- Nights three and four: rest and hydration
Then, the cycle repeats.
This structured rhythm allows the skin barrier to recover between active ingredient nights. Dr. Weimann explains, “I often recommend alternating retinoids with gentle hydrating moisturizers to help minimize skin irritation or redness, while keeping up consistency.”
But is it really that innovative? According to Dr. Weimann, it’s just a smart, simplified way to organize your skincare routine: “As a dermatologist, the skin cycling method is not entirely novel.” It is, however, a great reminder that sometimes, less is more.
From skincare trend to staple
If you’re loving the idea of glowing results from exfoliants and retinoids, you’re in good company. Yet, overdoing it can leave the skin barrier vulnerable.
“Embrace product repetition,” says Dr. Weimann. “With all the options available out there, it can be easy to take on too much, adding in new skincare products monthly or even weekly.” But results take time, patience, and habit.
By creating built-in recovery nights, a skin cycling routine helps curb irritation and ensures your products work effectively. “Although age-defying ingredients like glycolic acid and retinal are great for promoting healthy skin turnover, it can be important to set aside days to stick to gentle, hydrating ingredients,” adds Dr. Weimann.
A skin cycling routine for beginners
Night one: exfoliant
On the first night, choose a product with exfoliating properties, such as glycolic acid—a beloved alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its renewing, smoothing, and brightening benefits.
Apply your exfoliant to clean, dry skin. You can follow up with a moisturizer, but skip retinoids tonight to avoid over-exfoliation.
Night two: retinoid
The next night focuses on retinoids. Retinol, retinal, tretinoin—these age-defying ingredients work to boost skin turnover, blur fine lines, and refine texture.
After cleansing and smoothing on eye cream, apply your retinoid product to dry skin. Then, layer with a hydrating night cream to soothe and balance the skin.
If you’re new to retinoids, ease into it—your skin may need time to adjust during the retinization process.
Nights three and four: recovery and hydration
Now it’s time to rest. These two nights are for hydration and barrier recovery—essential parts of a skin cycling routine.
Dr. Weimann recommends, “Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, vitamin E, and niacinamide for an extra boost of skin hydration, improving the elasticity and strength of the skin barrier.”
After cleansing, apply an eye cream, a hydrating serum, and a repairing night cream to help restore skin overnight. The final result? Irresistibly plump, moisturized, and renewed skin.
Give your routine a personal touch
No two routines look exactly alike. “Customize your skin cycling routine based on your skin type,” advises Dr. Weimann.
“For those with more oily skin, you may find adding an exfoliant up to three times per week beneficial,” she shares. “Sensitive skin may only tolerate an exfoliating topical once per week.”
But skin type isn’t the only factor to keep in mind. “Seasonal changes may also affect your skin cycling routine,” notes Dr. Weimann. “During the late fall and winter, our skin becomes increasingly dry and thirsty for that extra boost of hydration.”
If your skin is extra sensitive in colder months, she suggests applying retinoids for a shorter contact period: “Apply your retinoid at dinner time, and wash it off at bedtime.”
Above all, it’s about knowing your skin. Consistency matters, but so does listening to the signals and giving it time to recover.
Can you combine other ingredients with skin cycling?
You can, but keep it simple. Alongside retinoids and exfoliants, ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and vitamin E can complement your skin cycling routine. Just remember not to overload—focus on one or two additions at most, and apply them on rest nights or as part of your morning routine.
Skincare with staying power
Skin cycling may have started as a trend, but it’s here to stay because it works—giving your skin both results and recovery. By alternating actives with rest, you help your skin barrier thrive, not just survive.
As Dr. Weimann reminds us, “When it comes to creating your skin cycling regimen, chat with a board-certified dermatologist about your skin concerns and find out what ingredients you would benefit the most from.”
So whether you’re new to skin cycling or simply refining your routine, think of it as a mindful moment of care. A little consistency, a little rest, and a lot of love for your skin.
