I Skin Cycled for 2 Weeks—and My Skin Has Never Been Happier

It seems like every skincare trend these days is trying to convince us to add yet another product or treatment to our already extensive skincare routines. Not skin cycling. The TikTok and dermatologist-approved skin cycling trend actually encourages us to take a less-is-more approach to our skin instead.

Rather than introducing a groundbreaking formula or application technique, skin cycling helps you find the right cadence to get the most out of your existing nighttime skincare routine. It’s about being deliberate about when you use different products, specifically active ingredients, to get the most out of them while avoiding irritation. The 4-night cycle goes a little something like this.

Night 1: Exfoliate

Exfoliators use either physical texture or acids—like alpha, beta hydroxy, and salicylic—to smooth away dead skin cells and unclog pores to reveal a resurfaced and renewed complexion.

Beautylish recommends Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment for a chemical exfoliator or Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher for a physical exfoliator

Night 2: Retinol

Once skin is unclogged and renewed, it’s ready to better absorb retinol the following night. Retinol, and its natural alternatives, help fight signs of aging, restore clarity, and boost skin cell renewal to treat fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, sun damage, clogged pores, and acne.

Beautylish recommends Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum, or for a gentler alternative, Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

Night 3 and 4: Rest

Rest is crucial to let your skin recover before doing it all over again. Moisture and hydration are key on these nights to nourish your skin microbiome and repair your skin barrier.

Beautylish recommends Augustinus Bader The Light Cream, Sisley-Paris Restorative Facial Cream, or Caudalie Vinosource Hydra S.O.S. Intense Moisturizing Cream

Results

While everyone’s skin is unique, my combination skin seems to love skin cycling. For two full weeks, I went back to the basics. During the day, I cleansed, toned, moisturized, and applied SPF. At night, I added in either an exfoliator or retinol. Gone are the days of 8-step skincare routines.

After two weeks, my skin seems noticeably calmer with a smoother texture and reduced milia. Which means I was likely exposing my skin to too many products and overdoing it earlier. Less is definitely more and rest days are just as essential for our skin as our bodies, and my skin is proof.

In addition to calmer, happier skin, the predetermined cadence also put my mind at ease. I no longer have to keep track of how many days it’s been since I used a product or when the last time I used a treatment was. It takes the guesswork out of which products play well together or if you’ve given enough time between certain active ingredients—phew!

While I’ll be sticking to this routine for now, it’s okay to experiment and figure out what works best for your unique skin. Some may only want one day of rest or others may want to add in an extra rest day between exfoliating and applying retinol. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, as long as you’re allowing your skin to rest and staying consistent, the results will speak for themselves.