Discover the ultimate skin cycling routine morning and night, a step-by-step guide to achieving your best skin ever!
This beginner's guide will explain in detail what skin cycling is and provide a breakdown of all of the steps and products involved in a skin cycling routine morning and night so you can achieve the best results from your skin cycling routine.
So, if you're ready to start, read on for a step-by-step guide on how to incorporate skin cycling into your daily skincare routine.

What Is Skin Cycling?
Skin cycling is a term used to describe a skincare routine that involves regularly switching between different products to achieve optimal results. This method is based on the idea that using different products at different times will expose your skin to various ingredients and their benefits while also preventing damage to the skin barrier due to over-exfoliation.
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The Beginners Guide: Skin Cycling Routine Morning and Night
What Should My Skincare Routine Look Like in the Morning?
The skin cycling method only applies to your nighttime skincare routine. Your morning routine can stay the same and doesn’t need to be anything complicated. Here’s an example of my morning skincare routine:
Skin Cycling Night 1: Exfoliation Night
- Cleanse and pat dry
- Chemical exfoliant
- Serum
- Moisturize
- Oil- pat on a few drops of oil if your skin still feels dry after moisturizing
A tip from Dr. Bowe: Don't follow an exfoliating product with a retinoid or another active-style product on the same night.
Skin Cycling Night 2: Retinol/Retinoid Night
- Cleanse and pat dry. Skin should be completely dry, damp skin will increase the chances that the retinoid may irritate your skin)
- Retinol/Retinoid. Use sparingly and don’t forget your neck and décolletage.
- Serum
- Moisturize
Skin Cycling Night 3: Recovery/Healing/Hydrating
- Cleanse and pat dry
- Serum
- Moisturize
- Facial Oil- pat on a few drops of oil if your skin still feels dry after moisturizing
Skin Cycling Night 4: Recovery/Healing/Hydrating
- Cleanse and pat dry
- Serum
- Moisturize
- Facial Oil- pat on a few drops of oil if your skin still feels dry after moisturizing
What is skin cycling?
Skin cycling is a skincare routine developed by dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe that involves regularly alternating between active ingredients like retinols/retinoids and exfoliants and then giving your skin a few nights of recovery to achieve optimal results. The idea is that by using different products at different times, your skin will be exposed to a variety of ingredients and benefits, which can help to improve its overall health and appearance while preventing damage from over-exfoliation.
What types of products should I use in my skin cycling routine?
Skin cycling can be beneficial for all skin types, but the best results will vary depending on your specific skin concerns. For example, if you have oily skin, you may see better results with products that address excess oil production. But if you have dry skin, you may see better results with products that provide hydration. It's important to consult with your dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the best products and routine for your specific skin type and concerns.
What type of skin concerns does skin cycling address?
Skin cycling is a skincare method that aims to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin by regularly switching between different products. This approach can help with various skin concerns like acne, fine lines, and dryness, but it is important to note that it is not a universal solution, and the effectiveness of addressing specific skin concerns will depend on the products your use.
Will skin cycling cause any irritation or side effects?
Skin cycling can be beneficial for all skin types and is intended to reduce irritation to your skin barrier. However, it's important to consult with a skincare professional to ensure that the products you use are suitable for your specific skin type.
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