What Is Skin Cycling? 

Taking a step back from a complicated skincare routine can do wonders for your skin. It doesn’t mean you need to throw out your expensive skincare products – it just means you don’t need to use them all at once. 

One method for getting the most out of your skincare without overdoing it is skin cycling. 

But what is skin cycling? How does it work, and how do you do it? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this skincare trend and give you a routine to try. 

What Is Skin Cycling?

Skin cycling gives your skin a break by “cycling” out your active products in your nighttime routine. This allows your skin to have a rest day (or rather night). Cycling helps prevent inflammation and helps your skin build tolerance against active ingredients. 

In short, skin cycling is a 4-night cycle routine around gentle peeling (exfoliating), treating, and hydrating. 

Skin Cycling Benefits: 

  • Reduces inflammation – Using fewer active products helps keep your skin calm.

  • Repairs skin barrier – Skin cycling can help repair a broken skin barrier. 

  • Builds skin tolerance – If you’re new to active ingredients, skin cycling is your best friend. Active ingredients can irritate, so cycling them out helps your skin adjust. 

  • Boosts hydration – Skin cycling can help maximize your skin’s moisture retention. 

Skin Cycling Routine

Night One: Exfoliate 

A gentle peeling exfoliator will help shed dead skin cells without stripping. Exfoliating is the first step because it helps your other products work even deeper. Here are a few gentle peeling masks to try based on your skin needs:

  • Patting Splash Mask Rejuvenating Purple Berry – For the anti-aging babes out there, this firming gentle peeling mask is for you. This rejuvenating mask contains lactic acid derived from five types of berries to energize dull skin. 

  • Patting Splash Mask Yellow Citrus & Honey – Want to brighten your complexion? Try this mask. It’s made with vitamin C, glycolic and lactic acid, and honey to provide a gentle peeling and reveal a glow.  

Night Two: Treatment

While many skin cycling routines use retinols, they aren’t always safe for sensitive skin and they aren’t pregnancy-safe. Instead of retinol, try these products that contain niacinamide, which can be gentler while still treating:

  • Pressed Serum Gold Apricot – This serum moisturizer contains apricot seed extract and niacinamide, providing ample hydration to troubled skin and helping decrease blemishes and dark spots.  

Night Three & Four: Hydrate

The third and fourth nights are for nourishing and repairing your skin barrier. Here are some moisturizers for your skin cycling routine: 

  • Pressed Serum Tundra Chaga – This 2-in-1 serum & moisturizer, made with 59.4% chaga mushroom extract, tackles fine lines and wrinkles while providing deep hydration.  

  • Pressed Serum Velvet Yam – Need deep, rich hydration? This moisturizer, made with velvet yam, shea butter, and macadamia oil, offers deep, nourishing moisture.

How Long Does It Take to See Skin Cycling Results?

This is tricky to answer – everyone’s skin is different. It takes some trial and error to find the right balance for your skin. If you don’t see improvements within a few weeks, try tweaking your routine and always listen to your skin! 

What do you think of skin cycling? Tell us below in the comments!