Skin Cycling is one of the current trends we’re seeing from lifestyle bloggers and social media influencers. While dermatologists typically discourage patients from following the latest trends in skincare, this specific one may actually be beneficial. In fact, skin cycling is something dermatologists have been recommending for years, especially for those who struggle with sensitive or overreactive skin. Skin cycling allows people to incorporate potentially irritating skincare products into their daily routines a few times each week to minimize the potentially adverse effects of these products. In this blog, you can learn more about exactly what skin cycling is, and most importantly, we’ll review some of the best skincare products you can incorporate into your skin cycling routine to make getting started quick and easy.

What Is Skin Cycling?

Skin cycling is a skincare routine that allows people to incorporate exfoliants and retinols into their skincare routines while taking steps to significantly minimize the adverse effects that can occur when using these products. Specifically, exfoliants and retinols can cause skin irritation, inflammation, redness, and other issues when used every day. This is especially true for those people who have skin sensitivity or chronic skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. While exfoliants and retinols can be irritating to the skin, they also offer skin health benefits, including promoting skin cell turnover, improving skin tone and texture, and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some people can use exfoliants and retinols regularly without any adverse effects on skin health. Others will get better results out of exfoliants and retinols if they’re not used every day. Instead, using these products once or twice a week delivers the maximum benefits these products provide while simultaneously minimizing negative outcomes.

How Does Skin Cycling Work?

Each person should coordinate their skin cycling routine with a dermatologist to ensure they are getting the most out of their routine while incorporating products that are right for their skin type and skin health needs. While we do recommend working with a dermatologist to create a customized skin cycling routine, a good, simple skin cycling routine should involve using an exfoliant or retinol periodically within your skincare routine. Then, the routine gives the skin several days to rest and rehydrate. The specific skin cycling routine a patient chooses may differ, but in most cases, we recommend using exfoliants and then retinols as part of the evening skincare routine followed by several days without either product to allow the skin to rest. Exfoliating and using retinols can leave skin vulnerable to damage from the sun and other environmental allergens or irritants, so using these products at night can further minimize their adverse effects.

Each person’s skin cycling routine can be customized to meet their specific needs, but two that we often recommend are outlined below. The first describes a recommended skin cycling routine for those who have very sensitive or product-reactive skin.

Night 1 Evening Skin Cycling Routine

• Cleanser
• Exfoliant
• Toner
• Moisturizer

Night 2 Evening Skin Cycling Routine

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Retinol
• Moisturizer

Nights 3 & 4 Evening Skin Cycling Routine

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Moisturizer

Night 5 Evening Skin Cycling Routine

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Deep hydrating face mask
• Moisturizer

Nights 6 & 7 Skin Cycling Routine

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Moisturizer

For balanced, oily, or dry skin types that do not experience as much sensitivity or product reactivity, patients can utilize their exfoliants and retinols more frequently. Rather than a full week between uses, they may tolerate a shorter, four-day skin cycling routine. After the four-day cycle described below, they would start over on day one.

Night 1 Evening Skin Cycling Routine

• Cleanser
• Exfoliant
• Toner
• Moisturizer

Night 2 Evening Skin Cycling Routine for Sensitive Skin

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Retinol
• Moisturizer

Nights 3 Evening Skin Cycling Routine for Sensitive Skin

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• Moisturizer

Night 4 Evening Skin Cycling Routine for Sensitive Skin

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Deep hydrating face mask
• Moisturizer

Best Exfoliants for Skin Cycling

When dead skin cells remain on the skin, they can cause numerous skin health concerns. They leave skin looking dull, give it an uneven tone and texture, and even contribute to acne breakouts. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, preventing these skin health issues. In the past, you may have seen harsh, abrasive physical exfoliant products like sugar scrubs. While less abrasive physical exfoliants can be beneficial for some people, most dermatologists recommend using chemical exfoliants since they are gentler and less likely to cause irritation or damage skin. The DermSkincare team recommends trying one of our two top-recommended exfoliants described below:

• SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser – One easy way to incorporate exfoliants into your skincare routine is to replace your cleanser with an exfoliating cleanser once or twice a week. This exfoliating cleanser gently cleans skin and removes dirt, oils, and grime while also scrubbing away and dissolving dead skin cells to clean the surface of the skin and open the pores.
• Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads – For a truly quick and easy way to use a chemical exfoliant, we recommend the skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads. These individual pads are pre-treated with a high-quality chemical exfoliant. After cleansing the skin, you simply apply the exfoliant in gentle, circular motions all over the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

Best Retinols for Skin Cycling

We’ve been using the word retinol throughout this blog because it has become the more prevalent way of describing skincare products that are derived from vitamin A and used to improve skin tone and texture. Retinoids are the prescription-strength versions of these products. The over-the-counter type you’re more likely to use is called retinol. These products are very similar to retinoids, but they tend to have lower concentrations of active ingredients to reduce the risk of skin reactivity. Below, we describe some of our most-recommended retinols available at Derm Skincare:

• Sente Bio Complete Serum – This time-release retinol allows the skin to reap the rewards of retinol while minimizing irritation. As the retinol is gradually released, the skin can fully absorb this ingredient without the possible side effects. Additionally, the use of heparan sulfate analog (HSA) further hydrates and soothes skin.
• SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 – This is a low-concentration retinol recommended for those with sensitive or aging skin. It can be a good retinol for long-term use, or it can be a first step before using a retinol with a stronger dose. This product was designed to help keep pores clear, so it can be especially beneficial for acne-prone skin.
• Revision Skincare Retinol Complete – This is another 0.5 concentration retinol. The low dose makes it ideal for sensitive, rosacea-prone, and eczema-prone skin. It’s also another product that serves as a first step before increasing to stronger retinol. The Revision Skincare Retinol Complete was designed specifically for aging skin, and it can help to dramatically improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular usage.
• Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream – This gentle but effective retinol combines the antiaging benefits of retinol with the soothing and moisturizing advantages of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), making it a great option for every skin type, including sensitive and aging skin.
• Skinbetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream – The benefits are similar to the traditional version of this product, but the intensive version has a slightly higher dose of retinol. Either version can be an effective addition to skincare routines. In many cases, starting with the regular formulation and increasing to the intensive formula is beneficial.

Best Moisturizers to Improve Benefits of Skin Cycling

The perfect skin cycling routine would never be complete without the right moisturizer to restore hydration and soothe skin. Choosing a moisturizer to complete your skin cycling routine is just as important as utilizing the right exfoliants and retinols. Below, we describe some of our top dermatologist-recommended moisturizers to use as part of your skin cycling routine:

• SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 –Lipids (fat cells) within the skin serve to create a smooth, protective, moisture-absorbent layer that keeps skin looking youthful, glowing, and well-hydrated. This moisturizing cream helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier for healthier and younger-looking and feeling skin.
• ALASTIN Skincare Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex Technology – ALASTIN skincare products were developed to help improve skin health before, during, and after dermatologic procedures. They promote healing, skin cell regeneration, and overall skin health. Not only does this product offer increased hydration for the skin, but it also promotes the production of collagen and elastin for smoother skin. This deep-moisturizing product is beneficial for all skin types, but the lightweight, oil-free formulation makes it a great deep-hydrating option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion – This is our top recommendation for anti-aging skincare routines. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while restoring moisture and hydration to the skin.
• EltaMD Moisturizer – This is a great everyday moisturizer for all skin types. It’s gentle, lightweight, and easily absorbed, but still ultra-hydrating. It’s good for morning and evening and as part of a skin cycling routine.

Learn More About Your Skincare Needs

If you want to learn more about dermatologist-recommended skincare products and skincare routines, we hope you’ll come back to explore DermSkincare regularly. Our site provides information and resources to support skin health, and we provide access to the highest-quality skincare products currently on the market. Whatever your skincare goals, DermSkincare has you covered.