What Is Skin Cycling?

"How to Nail the Skincare Routine Everyone’s Talking About – Step by Step"

@Kamila Maciejewska

There’s no denying the massive influence TikTok has had on the beauty world in recent years. With every swipe, there’s a new skincare hack, makeup trend, or product recommendation making the rounds — and while many of them are fleeting, gimmicky, or even questionable, every so often, a trend emerges that actually lives up to the hype. One such standout is skin cycling — a buzzy, dermatologist-approved skincare method that has taken social media by storm. With over 3.5 billion views and counting on TikTok alone, skin cycling is more than just a passing fad; it’s a structured, science-backed approach to skincare that’s gaining traction for all the right reasons. Designed to maximize the benefits of active ingredients while minimizing irritation, this simple yet strategic routine is proving to be a gamechanger for all skin types. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, skin cycling offers a smarter, more sustainable way to care for your skin — and it just might be the upgrade your routine has been waiting for.

Let's return to the fundamentals. What exactly is skin cycling, and what benefits does it offer for your skin? Here’s all the essential information about this trending skincare method that proves to be effective.

What is skin cycling?

Similar to how a solid exercise plan incorporates several rest days each week, your skincare regimen also benefits from breaks. Skin cycling is fundamentally a method to provide your skin with a pause by alternating between potent active ingredients and calming rest days, which support the skin’s growth and repair processes. Typically, a skin cycling regimen follows a four-night cycle: one night dedicated to exfoliation using AHAs, PHAs, or BHAs, followed by a night with retinoids, and concluding with two nights of relaxation featuring a gentle and nourishing routine.

@Morgan Alley

What advantages does skin cycling offer?

The concept of skin cycling involves allowing your skin to gain the advantages of active ingredients while maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. Excessive use of active ingredients such as exfoliating acids and retinoids may result in symptoms of skin barrier impairment, including dryness, flaking, breakouts, and heightened sensitivity. By alternating two nights of using active ingredients with two nights dedicated to recovery, your skin is given the opportunity to heal, thus preventing over-exfoliation and minimizing irritation.

With a consistent skin cycling routine, you should start to see results from your actives, without impacting your skin barrier.

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier, often referred to as the moisture barrier, is the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. It serves as a defense mechanism, safeguarding your skin from external elements. This barrier is crucial for protecting against daily environmental factors such as pollution and ultraviolet radiation, while also retaining the essential moisture required for optimal skin function. When this barrier is weakened, its ability to perform these roles diminishes, leading to dry skin and increased susceptibility to external harm. A well-functioning skin barrier equates to healthy, content skin. Look out for moisturisers which combine moisture-binding humectants like glycerin with emollient ingredients, such as our iconic Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Lotion+.

How to create a skin cycling routine?

Adopting a nightly skin cycling routine is incredibly easy. The rotation begins with exfoliation on the first night, followed by a retinoid serum on the second night, then nights three and four are dedicated to recovery with hydrating, skin barrier-strengthening skincare. Then repeat.

Night one: exfoliation.

Initiate your skin cycling regimen by incorporating an exfoliator that enhances the texture and refreshes the appearance of your complexion, removing dead skin cells and preparing your skin for the subsequent stages of your routine. Opt for a liquid exfoliator such as the Clarifying Do-Over Peel, which features a blend of seven acids, including AHAs, BHA, and PHA, with key ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid.

Start by removing makeup with Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm, then follow with a second cleanse of your choice. Pat face dry, then apply our at-home liquid peel to a cotton pad and sweep over the skin. There’s no need to rinse – just follow with a fragrance-free, nourishing moisturiser like Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator.

@Jessica Felicio

Night two: retinoid.

The second night focuses exclusively on retinoids. To summarize, retinoids are forms of vitamin A that promote faster cell turnover, which can diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores as time goes on.

Less is always more when it comes to retinoids, so a gentle formula like Paula's Choice CLINICAL 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment, Anti-Aging Serum is a good starting point. Innovative retinoid serum combines a potent retinoid with hyaluronic acid and peptides to repair and re-plump the look of skin, without irritation. To apply, double cleanse and dry your skin completely before applying 1-2 pumps of retinoid serum to your face and neck, then follow with moisturiser of choice.

Nights three + four: recovery.

On nights three and four of your skin cycle, it’s time to show your skin barrier some love with restorative, nourishing formulas containing hyaluronic acid and glycerin. After double cleansing, apply a concentrated hydrating essence or serum like Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate to slightly damp skin. This lightweight water-gel contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamins C and E to quench your skin and lock in moisture. You can then layer your favourite moisturiser on top, with an optional hydrating overnight face mask once a week.

What skincare should I use in the daytime?

To enhance your evening skin regimen, it's advisable to maintain a straightforward skincare routine in the morning. Essential components include a cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. Additionally, you might consider incorporating a vitamin C serum or selecting a daytime moisturizer that contains vitamin C like our The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum.

Start your morning routine with a gentle liquid cleanser like The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, followed by an optional brightening serum with vitamin C. Next, smooth on your favourite daytime moisturiser, then follow with a high-level SPF such as Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face Sunscreen.

Skin cycling isn’t just another viral skincare trend — it’s a thoughtful, dermatologist-approved method that encourages balance, consistency, and results. By giving your skin time to recover between active treatments, you’re not only boosting the effectiveness of your products but also protecting your skin barrier in the long run. Whether you're dealing with breakouts, dullness, or sensitivity, this cyclical approach can be easily tailored to your unique needs. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by complicated routines or underwhelmed by your current skincare results, skin cycling might be exactly what your regimen needs. Give your skin the chance to reset, renew, and truly glow — one night at a time.