Is Skin Cycling the Secret to Glowier, Healthier Skin? Experts Weigh In

What Is Skin Cycling, Exactly?

For those who haven’t been introduced to this skincare trend via TikTok or other social media platforms, skin cycling is exactly what it sounds like: a routine where you cycle through different skincare ingredients. The key is that it happens over a four-day period. Dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD, Ph.D, explains, “Skin cycling involves rotating active ingredients on a set schedule to optimize efficacy while minimizing irritation and barrier disruption. The goal is to harness the benefits of high-performance actives like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids while allowing the skin sufficient recovery time to restore itself.”

It’s more of a therapeutic approach, designed to give your skin a break, rather than layering harsh actives on top of each other that can cause skin irritation. “Skin cycling uses time-based separation to strategically alternate chemical exfoliants, retinoids, antioxidants, peptides, and regenerative factors. This type of routine is highly customizable, based on your skin type and treatment goals,” says the board-certified dermatologist.

Building a 4-Day Skin Cycling Routine

A typical skin cycling routine happens over a four-night cycle skincare regimen. Night one typically begins with an exfoliant, although this may vary depending on what your skin needs. Dr. Reszko says that while you may use “alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate and enhance ingredient penetration” on the first night, “those with inflamed skin may benefit more from alternating antioxidants, exosomes, or peptide-based formulas during exfoliation nights rather than aggressive actives.” As far as exfoliants go, Dr. Reszko recommends the ENVIRON Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Toner, “which uses gentle acids like lactic and glycolic acid to help smooth and brighten the skin by encouraging natural exfoliation.” We also like to exfoliate our face with the FIRST AID BEAUTY Facial Radiance Pads, which also contain lactic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate without irritating. Beauty content creator Abby Baffoe is a huge fan of the K-Beauty brand MEDICUBE. “[They] have a toner pad for different skin concerns: vitamin C pads for brightening, cica leaf pads for soothing, and Zero Pore Pads for exfoliation.”

Night two is when you would use a retinoid or a retinol “to stimulate collagen production and epidermal renewal,” says Dr. Reszko, who recommends the ENVIRON Tri-Retinoid Complex Serum. “[It] delivers three types of vitamin A to gently support skin renewal at multiple levels, while reducing the risk of irritation,” she shares. Again, you may benefit from using gentler products on the second night if you have sensitive skin. Baffoe says she likes to use “tretinoin mixed into a moisturizer” to reap the hydrating and exfoliating benefits of both for a more even skin texture. We’re no stranger to retinol products, having tried many, though we often tend to recommend the NEOGEN DERMALOGY Real Retinol Serum for its anti-aging properties (bye-bye, fine lines and wrinkles).

Nights three and four will be your recovery nights. This is when you won’t use any actives on your skin to give it a break before cycling through the routine again. Focus on “hydration, anti-inflammatory agents, and barrier repair,” recommends Dr. Reszko, who uses the ENVIRON Colostrum Gel or SKORR Calm on recovery nights. Baffoe says she’ll use the third night for this, but then may work a vitamin C into night four “to keep the skin glowing.” While it works for her complexion, she knows it won’t work for everyone. “I like to focus on brightening for day four, though it depends on your skin and what it can handle. It’s best to go slow and use small amounts to see how your skin reacts.” The CLARA'S NEW YORK Brightening Vitamin C Facial Serum is a great option to tackle discoloration, dark spots, and wrinkles, while hydrating your skin with sodium hyaluronate and rose flower water.

As far as layering goes for each night, you should apply your products from thinnest to thickest. “Start with your cleanser, then apply your toner (like an alpha hydroxy toner if you're exfoliating),” says Dr. Reszko. “Next come your treatment products—just one active at a time, like a retinoid or exfoliant, but never both on the same night. Follow with a hydrator, such as a hyaluronic acid serum, and then layer something soothing to support the skin barrier. Finish with your moisturizer to lock everything in.” The products you use may vary from night to night, so just be sure the ones you’re using work together and won’t cause irritation. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen in the mornings (like the HANALEI COMPANY Face Moisturizing Lotion with Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+) to protect your complexion from the sun, since both exfoliants and retinoids can increase sun sensitivity.

Why Is Skin Cycling Good for Your Skin?

Other than simplifying your skincare routine, you may be wondering what other benefits skin cycling has to offer. The list is long. Let’s start with its usefulness in reducing irritation and protecting the skin barrier. Giving yourself time between actives lets your complexion heal and really reap all the benefits of the products you’re using. Because of this, “It also makes your skincare products work better by preventing them from interfering with each other and allowing for better absorption,” notes Dr. Reszko.

Skin cycling can also improve texture, reduce breakouts, and brighten your complexion without causing unnecessary irritation. Again, this happens because you’re spacing out your products each evening, layering them correctly, and adjusting your routine accordingly. “Tailoring will give you better results and use out of your products,” shares Baffoe. Whether you have acne-prone skin and need blemish control or have mature skin that requires extra attention, skin cycling gives you the option to build a routine that targets every imperfection without destroying your complexion.

Most importantly, “It creates a framework for maintaining long-term skin health by reducing cumulative irritation, oxidative stress, and overexfoliation—which are common pitfalls of modern skincare routines,” says Dr. Reszko of the skincare routine.

Is Skin Cycling Right for Every Skin Type?

Skin cycling is tailored to your skin’s unique needs, which makes it ideal for just about everyone. Dr. Reszko notes that it’s “especially great for sensitive skin, anyone new to retinoids or exfoliants, and people dealing with inflammatory conditions like rosacea or post-procedure sensitivity. By spacing out active ingredients in a controlled way, skin cycling helps protect your skin barrier while still giving you all the benefits of these powerful treatments.”

Baffoe stresses the importance of consistency with the routine over using harsh actives. “Always start slow,” she says. “It’s better to use less of a product and slowly work it into your routine than to give your skin a harsh reaction and have to heal your barrier.” Dr. Reszko agrees, saying that beginners and sensitive skin types should “use lower-potency actives.” This means using a low-dose retinol and avoiding AHAs. The COCOKIND Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% is ideal for those who are new to retinol for its gentle formula that still helps with cell turnover.

Final Thoughts: Simplifying Your Skincare With Skin Cycling

Following a skin cycling routine is ideal for those who are looking to simplify their skincare regimen, while also hoping to achieve maximum benefits from their skincare products. Spacing out your products over the four-night cycle helps you target your skin conditions while minimizing irritation or other issues. Baffoe says the key is “consistency and not overcomplicating it to find what works best for your skin.” Similarly, Dr. Reszko mentions how finding your right routine can lead to improved skin health. “When combined with clinical ingredients, skin cycling becomes a safe, adaptive strategy for achieving optimal skin health across various conditions, from aging to barrier dysfunction and chronic inflammation.”

IPSY has all the skincare products you need to build your skin cycling routine. From barrier-repairing moisturizers to exfoliants that target dryness or oily skin, we have you covered. Shop skincare products here!