Skin Cycling Guide: Is it Worth It?

You know what’s been dominating headlines this month? TikTok, ofc. It’s all thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s brief ban on the platform. Many U.S.-based creators and users were, shall we say, freaking the flip out… for about 14 hours. But, before everyone was talking about the ban  – and the backflip – (what’s going on, ya’ll?) the beauty world was all over ‘skin cycling’ – the nighttime skincare routine trend. So, what is skin cycling, what skin type does it work best for, and how the heck do you even do it? Let’s spin the wheels and cycle through the info before the famed (and addictive) app disappears from U.S. phones… for real this time.

What is Skin Cycling?

Skin cycling is a trending nighttime skincare technique brought to our screens by board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD on the people’s favourite platform – TikTok. It involves using active ingredients only on select days, and following them with ‘rest’ or ‘recovery’ days for your skin. Most people go for a four-day cycle – using active ingredients for two nights of the week, followed by two nights of ‘resting’ – and repeating.

The Science Behind Skin Cycling

Skin cycling is a routine that helps prevent skin irritation and damage by giving your skin a break from strong active ingredients. Some ingredients, like retinol, acids and exfoliants, can be harsh if used too often, leading to dryness or a damaged moisture barrier. Skin cycling works by rotating these actives, so your skin has ample time to recover.

In a typical skin cycling routine, you use exfoliating or treatment products for a few days, and then follow up with ‘rest days’ to let your skin heal. (Kinda like your gym schedule, right?!) This way, you still get the benefits of these powerful ingredients, but without overwhelming your skin. Skin cycling helps keep your routine balanced, effective and easy on your skin, making it a sustainable way to care for your skin longterm.

Benefits of Skin Cycling

• Reduces the risk of over-exfoliation and irritation.

• Supports skin barrier repair with recovery days.

• Helps keep your routine balanced.

• If you have sensitive or reactive skin, skin cycling is a gentle way to incorporate active ingredients without causing irritation.

Who Can Benefit from Skin Cycling?

Skin cycling is a great option for those who are new to active ingredients like retinol or AHAs/BHAs. It allows you to ease into these powerful ingredients without overwhelming your skin. By alternating between active treatment days and recovery days, skin cycling helps minimise irritation while still allowing you to benefit from ingredients that target concerns like fine lines, acne or pigmentation. It’s also particularly effective for people with sensitive or reactive skin, as it gives your skin time to recover between treatments, reducing the risk of redness, peeling or dryness. For those who prefer a low-maintenance yet effective skincare routine, skin cycling offers a balanced approach that’s easy to follow and can be customised to suit your skin’s needs.

On the flip side, skin cycling may not be ideal for advanced skincare users who have more specific or targeted needs. For example, those using highly concentrated actives or following a more intensive treatment plan might find the slower pace of skin cycling less suitable for their goals. It’s also less effective for people with concerns that require daily treatment with actives, such as stubborn acne or severe hyperpigmentation.

How to Start Skin Cycling

Skin cycling is a four-night routine that is repeated regularly.

Night 1 – Exfoliation night: Using a gentle exfoliant on your skin will not only give you a glow, but it helps prep for night 2.

Night 2 – Retinol or retinoid night: Retinols and retinoids are both forms of Vitamin A and are known for their powerful effects on the skin. Depending on your experience with retinols or retinoids, you can choose the one that suits your skin’s tolerance.

Night 3 – Recovery night: Recovery night is all about hydration. Avoid exfoliating acids, retinoids and other irritating ingredients. Just focus on nourishing your skin’s moisture barrier and microbiome by sticking to recovery-focused moisturisers and hydrating serums. 

And that’s on skin cycling!

Loved this blog? You might wanna have a read of these:

• Understanding Slugging: A Deep Dive Into The Overnight Skincare Trend

• The Benefits of Dry Brushing: An Ancient Technique for Modern Times

• The Benefits of Double Cleansing in Your Skincare Routine

Happy Sundae x

Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn

Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin