The Rise of ‘Skin Cycling’: Why This New Skincare Trend Is Taking Over

You may have heard of “skin cycling” trending on TikTok and Instagram, but what is it, and why is everyone raving about it? Skin cycling is a simple, effective routine designed to prevent over-exfoliation and maximize results from your skincare products.

Here’s how it works: Instead of using all your active ingredients every day, you cycle them. A typical routine could look like this:

• Night 1: Exfoliation night. Use a chemical exfoliant (like an AHA or BHA) to slough off dead skin cells.
• Night 2: Retinoid night. Apply your retinol or retinoid product to stimulate cell turnover and fight signs of aging.
• Night 3 and 4: Recovery nights. Focus on hydrating and soothing your skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide.

This pattern gives your skin time to rest and repair, which is key to avoiding irritation. Dermatologists have praised skin cycling because it optimizes the use of powerful ingredients without overloading the skin. The result? Fewer breakouts, smoother texture, and a healthy glow.

Gen Z loves skin cycling because it’s low-maintenance but high-impact—a perfect match for those who want great skin without the confusion of a 10-step routine.