You’ve probably heard of “skin cycling” on TikTok, from skincare enthusiasts, or from other estheticians — but what is it really, and does your skin actually need it?

Let’s break it down.

So - what is skin cycling?

Skin cycling is a skincare routine method where you rotate specific products on different nights to allow your skin to recover, reset, and reap the benefits of each product without overdoing it. It was popularized as a way to simplify routines and reduce irritation, especially from actives like retinol and exfoliants.

A basic 4-night skin cycling routine looks like this:

Night 1 - Exfoliation

Use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like AHAs or BHAs) to remove dead skin and prep the skin to better absorb other products.

💡Pro Tip: If your skin feels tight or dry after wash

Night 2 - Retinol

Apply your retinol to target aging, acne, or texture — but skip other actives to avoid overloading your skin. There are different types of retinol, so if you’re unsure of what to use. Reach out to me! I’d love to work with you.

Nights 3 & 4 - Recovery

Focus on hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides along with a hydrating moisturizer or a nourishing oil like argan oil.

Night 5- Repeat!

Why Do People Love It?

Because it balances results and recovery. If you’ve ever dealt with dryness, flaking, or breakouts from over-exfoliating or using too many products at once, skin cycling creates structure and gives your skin time to breathe.

Should YOU Be Skin Cycling?

Maybe!

Skin cycling is great for:

Beginners who are just starting to use actives like retinol
Anyone with sensitive or reactive skin
People who tend to overdo their routines

But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Some skin types (especially oily or acne-prone) may need more frequent actives, while others might only tolerate exfoliation or retinol once a week. Always listen to your skin!

💡 Extra Pro Tips:

Start slow — especially if you’re new to retinol
Use gentle, fragrance-free products on recovery nights
Don’t skip SPF the next morning — your skin is more sensitive while skin cycling!

Want a skin cycling routine built just for your skin type and goals? Book a skincare consultation and let’s personalize it together. 🌿

Until Next Time,

Felicia - Your Favorite Esthetician ✨

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Skin Cycling: What Is It & Should You Be Doing It?