You Must Try Skin Cycling - The Newest Beauty Trend

If you're an avid user of #BeautyTok, you've probably already come across the term "skin cycling." This method involves changing up your nightly skincare routine over a four-day cycle to maximize the benefits of each product while avoiding irritation from harsh active ingredients. But is skin cycling just another trend or a genuinely beneficial method worth trying out? Dermatologists weigh in on the topic, and it turns out that most of them are big fans of the method.

Skin cycling is all about establishing a schedule for using different skincare products, usually on a four-day cycle, although the dermatologists we consulted explained that this schedule can be modified based on your skin's needs. You can also opt to cycle every few days or weeks instead of changing your routine every night for four days. According to board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, M.D., "Skin cycling refers to a type of skincare routine that involves using active ingredients on certain days, followed by 'rest days.' The goal is to maximize the benefits of the active ingredients and minimize irritation."

Dr. Green advocates for a typical four-day skin cycling plan that involves using a chemical exfoliant on night one to remove dead skin buildup and deeply cleanse the pores. On night two, a retinoid is used to stimulate collagen and skin cell turnover for anti-aging benefits. As for nights three and four, the skin takes some time off to recover, and you can focus on using gentle products for hydration, nourishment, and repair.

The benefits of skin cycling are numerous. By alternating between products with various active ingredients, you can target and treat different skin concerns while preventing your skin from developing a tolerance to a specific component. Hope Mitchell, M.D., the board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology, outlines the recommended skin cycle routine, which includes washing your face with a gentle cleanser, applying an active ingredient like retinol, exfoliant, or hydrating product, and following up with a moisturizer that suits your skin type.

While there's a standard recommended routine for each of the four-day cycles, you can tailor your skin cycling method to your specific skin concerns. It's also crucial to take note of any skin irritation and add in more rest days whenever necessary. Dr. Green advises starting with exfoliation on night one since it removes dead skin cells and allows other products to penetrate the skin deeply. AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs are preferred as chemical exfoliants over physical exfoliants.

Dr. Mitchell suggests several products for exfoliation that you can use as a guide, including Neutrogena Skin Perfecting Daily Liquid Facial Exfoliant, La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant, and Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant. Meanwhile, night two of the cycle involves using retinoids, which are great for anti-aging, pigmentation, and sun spots. Retinol is a common ingredient in anti-aging skincare products that can minimize fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and age spots.

For this step, Dr. Mitchell recommends: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum ($20), No7 Pure Retinol 1% ($44), RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum ($24), and Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer Cream ($24).

'Nights three and four are focused on recovery, using hydrating and nourishing moisturizers and serums to facilitate skin healing and repair,' says Dr. Green. 'Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are beneficial on the rest days.'

Here, Dr. Mitchell recommends the following: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid ($19), CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($17), and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer ($22).

Of course, skin cycling involves a little more effort on your part to keep up than your average nightly routine, so you probably want to know why it might prove helpful.

First of all, Dr. Geria explains that skin cycling may increase product effectiveness. 'By alternating different products or ingredients, you may be able to increase their effectiveness and see better results than if you used them consistently,' he says.

Secondly, skin cycling may help you prevent potential irritation. 'If you have sensitive skin or react to certain products, skin cycling may help reduce your risk of irritation by giving your skin a break from a particular ingredient or product,' says Dr. Geria.

Thirdly, Dr. Geria notes that you may find skin cycling helps to 'maintain a balance of moisture in the skin.” The rotation of harsher products and exfoliating with simple cleansing and moisturizing allow the skin to adequately absorb and retain moisture.

Dr. Geria continues, 'By alternating different types of exfoliants or using them at different intervals, you may optimize their exfoliating benefits without overdoing it.' Some people try to increase the frequency of exfoliation to routinely get rid of dry skin, however, over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, stripping away the protective layer that seals in moisture.

Additionally, skin cycling may be especially helpful 'when the weather transitions from warm to cold, causing dry skin,' says Dr. Green, since exfoliation and retinoid use can further irritate the skin. Spacing out product use can help to retain moisture during the shift from warmer, humid environments to more harsh, cold, and dry weather.

Each individual's skin is different, meaning that while skin cycling may help address certain issues, it might also not be the right fit for everyone. 'This sort of routine can be especially beneficial for those who have skin that is prone to acne, as it can help reduce breakouts that are already present and prevent breakouts from occurring in the future,' Dr. Mitchell says. This is because many chemical exfoliants such as glycolic and salicylic acid are beneficial for acne-prone skin.

However, the expert wouldn't recommend the method to all of her patients and clients. 'The fact is that not everyone can benefit from this routine,' she says. 'Careful product selection is especially important for those with sensitive skin to avoid irritation, rashes, and other negative reactions. On the other hand, with careful product selection, those with sensitive skin may reduce the risk of retinol irritation.' Dr. Green adds that skin cycling could be a great idea for those looking to combat 'dullness and signs of aging.'

While skin cycling is usually safe for a large proportion of people, some individuals should still avoid the method. 'Skin cycling is not recommended for those with active acne, rosacea, and eczema, as acids and retinoids can irritate and damage the skin,' says Dr. Green. 'Those using prescription medication should consult a dermatologist before trying skin cycling.'

For those with sensitive skin, skin cycling can be a hit or miss; however, there are ways to minimize potential irritation. 'If you have sensitive skin or have not used acids or retinoids in the past, perform a small patch test to ensure there is no allergic reaction, and allow a few days to look for a delayed reaction,' Dr. Green suggests. 'Be sure to introduce each active ingredient one at a time and let your skin become accustomed to it before starting another active ingredient.'

If you're not sure whether skin cycling is for you, consulting a dermatologist beforehand is always a good idea — but as long as you take a few precautions and pay attention to how your skin reacts to certain products, it's also totally fine to try it on your own first. Who knows? You might end up loving it.