Skin Cycling Is the TikTok Trend That Dermatologists Actually Approve Of

While plenty of skin care trends born on social media are easy to scroll past, skin cycling is a routine worthy of a stop. The approach rose to popularity on TikTok in 2022, and is still sitting strong at 3.5 billion views, all due to its strategic take on maximizing modern, active skin care ingredients while allowing the moisture barrier necessary protections. But what exactly is skin cycling, and what’s the best way to hone your own rhythm?

What Is Skin Cycling?

“The concept of skin cycling applies to a nighttime skin care routine, which involves using active ingredients only on certain days, and following them with ‘rest’ days,” explains Dr. Alexis Granite. “A four-day cycle is the most popular, which typically comprises using active ingredients for two nights of the week, followed by two nights of rest—and repeating.”

The idea (one rooted in dermatology) is that adopting a skin cycling routine can help prevent the skin barrier from being compromised due to overuse of active ingredients—plus, it’s a great way to create a consistent and effective routine that helps the skin work optimally. The board-certified dermatologist behind the concept is Whitney Bowe, MD who shared her vision for the ultimate skin cycling routine on TikTok.

“The key to any successful skincare routine is to use products that are well formulated, proven to deliver results, and that complement one another to deliver optimal results for your skin,” says Bowe.

How to Start Skin Cycling

Skin cycling is all about caring for your complexion, so start by acknowledging your skin type. “An important take home message is that skin health is personal, and learning to listen to your skin is going to be more impactful than any trend,” says Bowe. If you have sensitive skin, for example, chat with your dermatologist about exfoliation and best practices around retinol application. Dry skin? Ramp up the recovery. Skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis should also be taken into account. With all of those things in mind, skin cycling a beauty trend worth trying. Here’s how to start.

Start with a blank canvas, aka an exfoliation night. “You want to cleanse [the skin], pat dry, then put on an exfoliating product,” explains Bowe, who recommends using a leave-on product over something that’s wash-off, like a cleanser. Seek out chemical exfoliators and exfoliating acids, which contain ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, instead of physical exfoliants and scrubs as they’re better for the skin barrier and more effective. The slight resurfacing and removal of dead skin cells will allow the next phase of products to better penetrate the skin, allowing for increased efficacy.

On day two, apply a retinoid after cleansing. If you’re new to retinoids (commonly available over the counter as retinol), the skin care favorite is a derivative of vitamin A that work to boost your skin’s renewal process, brightening skin, boosting collagen, and minimizing fine lines. Begin by applying a hydrating cream to the sensitive areas of the face—under the eyes, around the corners of the nose, and on the marionette lines—to act as a buffer and prevent dryness and irritation. Then, apply your retinoid over the whole face, down the neck, and across the décolletage.

It’s time to look after the skin barrier and ensure the skin is adequately hydrated. Bowe recommends cleansing, leaving the skin damp, and then applying a serum that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide, glycerin, and/or niacinamide. Follow with a moisturizer: “Choose a formula that’s really nourishing which will support the skin barrier,” says Bowe. “If the skin is really dry, apply rosehip or squalane oil onto the cheeks.”