8 Days to Get Rid of Skin Defects and Problems, Dermatologists Swear by This Routine

Skin cycling is a transformative skincare journey that mirrors the rhythm of a fitness routine. It’s about giving your skin the time it needs to heal, rejuvenate, and thrive. By rotating active ingredients throughout the week, you allow your skin to absorb their full potential while giving it precious moments of rest. On the days when you step away from actives, you focus on nourishing hydration and replenishing moisture, restoring balance to your skin’s delicate needs.

Just like a well-planned workout, this method respects the natural ebb and flow of your skin’s energy, ensuring it’s always at its best. It’s a cycle of care, recovery, and renewal—designed to unveil your most radiant, healthy complexion.

Who can use this skincare.

Skin cycling offers great benefits for sensitive skin, but it’s a practice anyone can try, says Dr. Bowe. The key is to adapt the routine to your unique needs, while maintaining the core principle of using one active ingredient per day, allowing enough recovery time for your skin to adjust.

Dr. Bowe’s basic skin cycling routine, which she personally follows, is especially ideal for beginners and those with sensitive skin.

If your skin begins to feel sensitive, consider adding extra restore days. Skin cycling is also an opportunity to tune into your skin’s needs. If you reach your third repair day and still feel a bit sensitized, take an additional day to calm and soothe your skin, then resume your cycle.
Noticeable improvements typically appear after just two cycles (about eight days).

Day 1: Exfoliation step

Begin your skin cycling routine with exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion. After thoroughly cleansing your face, choose an exfoliator that works best for your skin—whether it’s a chemical exfoliant, physical scrub, or a combination of both.

Chemical exfoliants, like those containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids, can gently dissolve dead skin cells without abrasive scrubbing, while physical exfoliants use small granules to manually buff away surface debris. Alternatively, you might opt for a product that combines the benefits of both types, offering a dual-action exfoliation. After exfoliating, it’s essential to apply your evening moisturizer to replenish hydration and keep the skin barrier intact, ensuring your complexion stays soft and smooth overnight.

Day 2: Retinoid step

On Day 2, your skin will be primed and ready for a retinoid treatment, which works to accelerate cell turnover and improve skin texture. Retinoids, or forms of vitamin A, are powerful ingredients that help reduce fine lines, diminish dark spots, and fight acne. After cleansing, apply a retinoid serum or oil to your face, focusing on areas where you want to see improvement in texture or pigmentation.

The retinoid will work overnight to stimulate collagen production and enhance skin elasticity, leaving your skin smoother and more even-toned. To ensure that your skin doesn’t become too dry or irritated, follow up with a nourishing moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated and calm as the retinoid continues to work its magic.

Days 3 and 4: Recovery step

The recovery phase is an essential part of the skin cycling process, allowing your skin to rest and replenish after the exfoliation and retinoid treatments. During these two days, you’ll skip active ingredients and focus on hydration and healing.

After cleansing, apply rich, hydrating creams or masks that contain ingredients known for their soothing properties, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and plant-based oils. These ingredients help draw moisture into the skin, promoting a plump and healthy complexion. If you enjoy slugging, you can use this time to apply a thicker layer of moisturizer, which creates a barrier to lock in moisture and prevent water loss overnight.

Recovery days are crucial for maintaining the health of your skin and ensuring it stays balanced and ready for the next cycle of active ingredients.

Some examples of results after skin cycling.

Other useful tips can be found in our next article.