Skin Cycling: Here’s What You Need to Know

By now, you’ve surely heard of skin cycling, the buzzy beauty trend taking social media by storm.

Here’s a Skin Pharm-approved approach to cycling through Clay Time, Night Watch and Youth Serum.

Together, exfoliation, retinol and recovery will reveal smoother, brighter, healthier skin - a built-in way to answer the age-old question of whether glycolic acid and retinol can coexist in one routine.

DAY 1: EXFOLIATION // CLAY TIME

Key ingredients: salicylic acid 2%, charcoal, kaolin clay, thioctic acid and lavender oil.

This night is all about exfoliating dead skin and deeply cleansing the pores. Cue Clay Time, our polishing charcoal mask — it offers both chemical and physical exfoliation, a combination we love to smooth and brighten the complexion.

DAY 2: RETINOL // NIGHT WATCH

Key ingredients: hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), melatonin, bisabolol, vitamin C, vitamin E, phenylethyl resorcinol, botanical sterols and stearic acid.

Retinol repairs the skin, but it's notorious for being irritating, too. (This is why skin cycling is beneficial, especially for those with sensitive skin!) Our Night Watch gentle retinol drops decrease pore size, increase collagen production and smooth texture for a healthy glow.

DAYS 3-4: RECOVERY // YOUTH SERUM

Key ingredients: oligopeptide-10, hyaluronic acid, honey extract, azelaic acid, vitamin B5, allantoin, niacinamide 2%, rice bran extract and green tea leaf extract.

The next two nights are crucial to give your skin a rest from active ingredients. Use calming, moisturizing products like Youth Serum to decrease redness and improve skin tone while deeply hydrating.