THE END OF SUMMER GLOW
Skin Cycling 101: The Trend That’s Simplifying Skincare for Every Season
As summer fades and the crisp transition into autumn begins, I’ve noticed something new when I catch my reflection—tiny freckles scattered across my cheeks. A subtle change, but a reminder that, as I approach 40, my skin is evolving. While I’ve never dealt with significant pigmentation, the effects of time, sun exposure, and daily life are becoming more visible. This shift has inspired me to rethink my skincare routine, ensuring it remains effective yet gentle. Enter: skin cycling.
Skin cycling emerged as a major trend in 2024, and it’s one I’m wholeheartedly bringing into 2025. The concept is simple: rather than overwhelming your skin with multiple active ingredients every day, you follow a structured schedule that alternates between treatment and recovery. This method allows your skin to absorb the benefits of powerhouse ingredients (think retinol, AHAs, and vitamin C) while also giving it time to rest and rejuvenate.
The beauty of skin cycling lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. A standard cycle might look something like this:
Night 1: Exfoliation (chemical or physical) to slough away dead skin cells and enhance absorption of active ingredients.
Night 2: Retinol or vitamin A application to encourage cell turnover and target fine lines, pigmentation, and texture.
Nights 3 and 4: Recovery nights, where hydration and barrier repair take priority, allowing the skin to restore balance before starting the cycle again.
Rather than overwhelming your skin with multiple active ingredients every day, you follow a structured schedule that alternates between treatment and recovery
By following this method or something similar (check with your dermatologist before starting any regime) you can enjoy the benefits of active ingredients without overloading your skin—an approach that feels both prescriptive and manageable.
Of course, no skincare routine is complete without the right products. As I fine-tune my regimen for the year ahead, I’m sticking to a curated selection of essentials that complement my skin cycling schedule.
Regardless of how well I stick to my skin cycling routine, one thing remains constant: SPF. With my skin showing subtle signs of change, sun protection is more critical than ever. Pigmentation, fine lines, and loss of elasticity are all accelerated by UV exposure, making a high-quality sunscreen an absolute essential. Whether it’s summer or winter, sunny or overcast, SPF is the one step I refuse to skip.
The beauty industry is flooded with new trends and miracle products, but skin cycling feels different. It’s not about chasing the latest hype or layering on excessive steps—it’s about working smarter with your skincare.
This method has allowed me to maintain a simple yet effective routine, giving my skin exactly what it needs at the right time.
As I move further into 2025, I feel more confident than ever in my approach to skincare. While I can’t stop the clock, I can certainly give my skin the care and attention it deserves. If you’re looking for a way to refine your routine without overcomplicating things, skin cycling might just be the game-changer you need.
Cat’s Product Recommendations
Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask ($72) – This multitasking wonder delivers both physical and chemical exfoliation, leaving my skin feeling incredibly smooth and radiant. It’s my go-to for exfoliation nights, helping to brighten and even out my complexion.
Esmi Encapsulated Retinol 0.50% Level 2 ($85) – A gentle yet effective retinol that supports collagen production and refines skin texture. I use this on my vitamin A nights to encourage cell renewal and keep my skin looking fresh.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing ($45) – Sun protection is non-negotiable, and these bronzing glow drops provide an added boost of radiance while keeping my skin shielded from harmful UV rays.
The Know’s Alpha-Blu Serum ($69) – This is the one product I use daily, no matter what stage of the cycle I’m in. It gently refines my skin’s texture while offering a layer of protection against modern-day stressors, including blue light exposure. I swear by it for maintaining a smooth, healthy-looking complexion.
