Every day, a new beauty or skincare trend seems to emerge on TikTok, but only a few get the approval of skin experts. One of these is the concept of skin cycling.

You might have encountered this term from a dermatologist or skincare enthusiast on the platform, but what exactly is skin cycling, and how does it work?

Coined by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe in a 2022 TikTok video, the term "skin cycling" is a skincare technique that involves alternating through different products while incorporating rest days.

According to the skincare company Mesoestetic, the effectiveness of skin cycling lies in the regeneration and improvement of skin quality achieved by using specific products on different days.

How to do skin cycling

In a typical skin cycling routine called the "four-night cycle," you start with exfoliation one night, follow up with a retinoid the next night, and then allow your skin to recover during the subsequent two nights, known as "rest days." On these rest days, you can apply moisturizers and other skincare products from your regular routine, and then the cycle repeats.

Dermatologist and prominent Filipino celebrity doctor Vicki Belo asserted that skin cycling stands out as the most recent and, in her opinion, "most effective" method for applying nightly creams.

In a TikTok video, Dr. Belo recommended initiating the routine with exfoliation on the first night, employing products containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), or enzymatic peels to eliminate dead skin. Moving to the second night, she advocated for the inclusion of retinoids, an essential in skincare, suggesting the application of either 0.05% retinoic acid or 1% retinol in a pea-sized amount.

As for the third night, Dr. Belo designated it as a rest night.

"Just wash your face and let your face recover," she advised.

This cycle is then repeated.

Skin cycling reminders

While skin cycling enjoys widespread recognition for its efficacy among users and professionals, it's crucial to bear in mind certain guidelines when adopting this method. Bowe, the trend's originator, provided the following recommendations for those venturing into this skincare approach:

1. Prior to applying any exfoliating product, ensure you cleanse your skin and pat it dry.

2. Opt for exfoliating products with acids, as they prove more effective and gentle compared to abrasive scrubs.

3. If your skin experiences a burning sensation post-application of an exfoliating product, promptly wash it off. Mild tingling is generally acceptable.

4. Allow the tingling sensation to completely subside before applying your cream or moisturizer.

5. Before applying retinoid, cleanse and pat your skin dry. Avoid applying retinoid to damp skin to prevent irritation.

6. Recognize that skin cycling isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Bowe stressed its adaptability, encouraging users to tailor it to their skin's specific needs or goals for optimal results.

7. If your current skincare routine is proving effective, there's no need for adjustments. For instance, if you're already using prescription retinoids daily and experiencing positive outcomes, it is not necessary to change it.