While internet trends may rapidly shift, one phenomenon is proving to have lasting power: skin cycling. This innovative term, introduced by New York dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, has captured the attention of TikTok and skin care enthusiasts alike. With certain skin cycling videos amassing over 450,000 likes and the hashtag “#skincycling” garnering an impressive 255 million views, it’s clear that this trend is more than just a fad.
At its core, skin cycling revolves around the practice of alternating between various skin care products on different nights. This method primarily incorporates conventional retinol, a potent ingredient known for its effectiveness but also for its potential harshness. To mitigate irritation, skin cycling emphasizes the importance of giving your skin “recovery” days, allowing it to heal while still benefiting from the powerful ingredients used on the other nights.
If you’re unsure about diving into skin cycling or using conventional retinol, consider opting for skin care products featuring a gentler alternative like bakuchiol. Eminence Organics provides a range of products that exclusively use natural retinol alternatives, enabling daily application without the need for rest or recovery periods, ensuring your skin remains nourished and refreshed.
Continue reading to discover your options—whether you prefer to embrace skin cycling or explore natural alternatives that deliver similar benefits without the potential side effects.
Understanding Skin Cycling | Comparing Conventional Retinol and Natural Alternatives | Evaluating If Skin Cycling Is Suitable for You | Exploring Reasons to Skip Skin Cycling
Understanding Skin Cycling: A Revolutionary Skin Care Routine
Skin cycling represents a thoughtful approach to nightly skin care, specifically crafted to optimize your use of potent products containing strong active ingredients. This skin care strategy entails rotating through a set schedule of products over several nights, which allows for essential “rest nights” where your skin can recuperate. These rest periods are vital, as they help your skin recover from potential irritation while still reaping the benefits of the active ingredients applied during the other nights of this four-night regimen.
A typical skin cycling routine is straightforward and follows a general schedule that includes:
- Night 1: Exfoliation
- Night 2: Application of Conventional Retinol
- Night 3: Recovery and Moisturizing
- Night 4: Recovery and Moisturizing
Rest days play a crucial role in this process, particularly because conventional retinol can be too intense for daily use, potentially leading to skin discomfort.
Comparing Conventional Retinol and Gentle Retinol Alternatives
Retinol is a powerful skin care ingredient derived from Vitamin A. Its small molecular structure allows it to penetrate the epidermis, reaching the dermis where it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. According to Healthline, the result is skin that appears plumper, with noticeable reductions in fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. Additionally, retinol is known for its effectiveness in controlling breakouts; the Cleveland Clinic highlights how it prevents clogged pores caused by dead skin cells and oils, which can lead to various types of acne.
However, Dr. Bowe warns in an interview with Popsugar that overusing conventional retinol or combining it with other irritating ingredients can lead to inflammation rather than the desired effects. Therefore, she recommends using retinol as the sole exfoliating or resurfacing ingredient in your routine.
At Eminence Organics, we choose not to include conventional retinol in our formulations. Instead, we focus on creating products that utilize gentle retinol alternatives. These alternatives can be safely applied both day and night, unlike traditional retinol, which is typically reserved for nighttime use. This approach allows you to enjoy the smoothing and firming benefits of retinol without the irritation.
One standout ingredient is bakuchiol, extracted from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant. This ingredient has been a staple in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, renowned for its healing, calming, and soothing properties, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial attributes. Recently, bakuchiol has gained traction in the skin care industry for offering results akin to conventional retinol—such as reducing fine lines and improving skin texture—while being gentler on the skin.
You can find bakuchiol featured in our Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer, a lightweight gel cream suitable for all skin types. This moisturizer also includes niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, which is effective in visibly minimizing pore size, supporting the skin barrier, and smoothing uneven skin texture.
The combination of bakuchiol and niacinamide is also present in our Radiant Protection Fluid SPF, a hydrating formula that protects with SPF 30 while imparting a dewy finish. Since bakuchiol is safe for daytime use, this SPF product offers a dual benefit: treating your skin while shielding it from harmful UV rays.
If you’re searching for even more options to achieve desired results without adverse effects, consider our Natural Retinol Alternative. This botanical-based complex enhances skin firmness and elasticity, delivering a lifted appearance while minimizing visible signs of aging. Unlike synthetic Vitamin A, this alternative is derived from chicory root and tara tree extract, ensuring you receive similar outcomes as conventional retinol—without the accompanying side effects.
Evaluating If Skin Cycling Is Suitable for You
With endorsements from dermatologists and enthusiastic support from TikTok users, it’s evident that adopting a skin cycling schedule can be beneficial for many individuals. If your current skin care routine feels complex or overwhelming, skin cycling can streamline your regimen while helping you identify products that may no longer be effective for your skin. Additionally, this method is valuable in reducing skin irritation, as dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick explains to Elle: “It can be particularly advantageous for those with dry or sensitive skin who might struggle to tolerate a retinoid or exfoliant.” The rest days incorporated into skin cycling allow sensitive skin types to recover and focus on hydration, replenishing the moisture barrier.
However, if you have oily skin that is prone to breakouts, skin cycling may not be the best option for you. In a video by Doctorly, dermatologist Dr. Muneed Shah cautions that using conventional retinol every fourth day might not be frequent enough to see significant results, especially if you’re targeting specific skin concerns.
According to the Eminence Organics Product Support Team, skin cycling serves as an introduction for those aiming to maintain a consistent exfoliating routine. It is also an excellent choice for individuals who tend to apply too many products or overindulge in their skin care routine. Dr. Bowe emphasizes in an interview with Elle that “[Skin cycling] encourages a ‘less-is-more approach.’ Instead of layering multiple products, it promotes strategic use of selected products.”
How To Start Skin Cycling: A Step-by-Step Routine
If you’ve decided that skin cycling aligns with your skin care goals, you might be eager to begin your journey immediately. The good news is that you likely already possess the essential products for skin cycling, as the process generally involves three straightforward steps. To help you stay organized, consider setting a reminder on your phone calendar to track which day you’re on in your skin cycle.
Night 1: Prep Your Skin and Exfoliate
Your skin cycling routine begins with prepping your skin through cleansing and exfoliation. Start by thoroughly cleansing your skin and patting it dry before moving on to exfoliation. This step is crucial, as exfoliation helps eliminate the dull surface layer of your skin by sloughing away dead skin cells, impurities, and makeup. Regular exfoliation contributes to smoother skin, clearer pores, and a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
Eminence Organics provides an extensive selection of exfoliating products to suit various preferences. Some of our top recommendations include the best-selling Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant, the delicious Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% (which pairs beautifully with the Soothing Chamomile Tonique), and the invigorating Turmeric Energizing Treatment.
If you prefer multitasking products, consider combining your exfoliant with your cleansing step by using either the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser or the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser.
Night 2: Apply Conventional Retinol for Maximum Benefits
On the second night of your skin cycling routine, focus on applying conventional retinol. Like exfoliants, retinoids are available in a variety of formulations, including masks, creams, and serums, with different strengths to suit your needs. Dermatologists often recommend starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing to higher strengths as your skin adjusts.
Night 3: Prioritize Recovery and Deep Moisturization
As you enter night three, it’s essential to allow your skin the time it needs to rest and recover. This is the ideal time to introduce masks, serums, and hydrating products formulated with soothing and replenishing ingredients. Recovery nights are dedicated to helping your skin bounce back from the more intensive ingredients applied during the first two nights of your skin cycle.
The Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence and Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque are packed with natural ingredients designed to soothe and support the skin’s moisture barrier. For additional hydration on recovery days, consider using the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum, which features a deeply replenishing Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex.
Night 4: Continue Recovery and Moisturization for Optimal Skin Health
Wrap up your skin cycle with a second night of recovery, allowing your skin to rest and restore with nourishing ingredients. Consider using products like the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream, and Echinacea Recovery Cream, all of which provide essential hydration and support for a calm complexion. One of our satisfied customers, Sharon A., affectionately refers to the Echinacea Recovery Cream as a “miracle moisturizer.” In her online review, she shares, “I use it before bedtime every other day, and in the morning, my skin feels hydrated, soft, and radiant with a noticeable reduction in redness caused by dryness. My sensitive skin has greatly benefited from the botanicals, leading to numerous compliments on my complexion, so I will definitely continue using it.”
Exploring Reasons to Skip Skin Cycling: Alternatives for Clear Skin
While skin cycling offers several advantages, it is not strictly necessary for achieving clear, healthy skin. As mentioned earlier, there are gentle, plant-based retinol alternatives available that effectively mimic the benefits of conventional retinol without the risk of irritation. Both bakuchiol and our Natural Retinol Alternative can visibly lift and firm the skin while smoothing out the appearance of wrinkles, all without the side effects often associated with conventional retinol, such as dryness, redness, UV sensitivity, and peeling.
If you prefer to bypass skin cycling altogether, consider incorporating our Age Corrective products into your routine, which includes the Bamboo Firming Fluid, Bamboo Age Corrective Masque, Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck, and Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. Alternatively, explore our Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Collection, featuring the Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer and Radiant Protection SPF Fluid.
For those interested in using retinol alternatives daily, you can certainly do so. If you’re seeking a natural option tailored to your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to an Eminence Organics Spa Partner in your area for personalized recommendations.
