BY ELIZA JONES
Here’s a secret, I used to think more was more when it came to skincare. Acids! Retinoids! Vitamin C! Bakuchiol for good measure! My bathroom looked like a clinical trial, and my face... well, it looked like it had been through one.
So when TikTok blew up with “skin cycling,” I was skeptical. It sounded like just another buzzy rebrand. But then I tried it, and I kind of loved it.
What is skin cycling?
Skin cycling is basically a skincare schedule designed to keep your barrier happy. Instead of throwing everything at your face every night, you alternate between actives and recovery. The classic cycle looks like this:
Night 1: Chemical exfoliant (think AHA or BHA)
Night 2: Retinoid (retinol, adapalene, etc.)
Nights 3 & 4: Hydration and barrier repair only, no actives allowed
It was popularized by dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, and now it’s all over TikTok with creators tailoring it to sensitive skin by adding more recovery nights if needed. Think of it as a skincare workweek with built-in vacation days.
What the science actually says
Here’s the good news: dermatologists are into it. While there’s no official “skin cycling” clinical trial (yet), the logic checks out. AHAs like glycolic acid and BHAs like salicylic acid are proven exfoliators. Retinoids? The gold standard for acne and anti-aging. But piling them on every night can lead to irritation, flaking, and skin that screams for help.
By rotating these actives and giving your skin time to recover, you’re more likely to actually see results and less likely to fry your face.
Dermatologists at Ohio State even point out that many people are doing too much. (Guilty.) Their advice? Simplify. Let your products work. And most importantly, don’t treat your skin like a science experiment gone rogue.
What TikTok sometimes misses
Like any trend, the internet can take it a little too far. Some creators make skin cycling sound like a one-size-fits-all miracle, when really it should be customized. For example:
If you have sensitive or dry skin, you might need 2–3 recovery nights.
Oily or acne-prone? You might only need one.
And if you're using strong acids or retinoids without SPF during the day… don't blame the cycle when your skin gets wrecked.
Also, please, please, don’t slather on Vaseline after exfoliating. That’s just pushing acids deeper and asking for drama.
My skin cycling starter kit
If you’re curious (and your skin is crying out for a routine reset), here are some tried-and-true products that work with the method:
💸 Drugstore picks:
Exfoliant: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% or Paula’s Choice 2% BHA
Retinoid: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or Differin Gel (bonus: it's adapalene!)
Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream
SPF (non-negotiable): Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
💎 Premium faves:
Exfoliant: SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight or Paula’s Choice AHA 10%
Retinoid: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 or a derm-prescribed one if you’re fancy
Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Final thoughts from a recovering routine maximalist
If your skin is feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or just…tired, skin cycling might be your new best friend. It’s not magic. It’s not a shortcut. But it is a thoughtful way to make your products work with your skin instead of against it.
Start slow. Listen to your face. Adjust the number of rest days as needed. And please, wear sunscreen every single day.
Your skin doesn’t need more products. It needs a plan. And skin cycling? That’s the plan.
For a skin cycling routine built just for your skin, download SkinAI and get a personalized skincare plan based on your skin type, goals, and even the weather. No guesswork, no irritation, just smarter skincare that evolves with you.
