Skin Cycling, Anyone?

A TikTok beauty trend that is actually dermatologist approved.

- Arissa Ha

Skin cycling, a buzzworthy trend in skincare, has taken the social media skincare community by storm. If you’re a regular on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, you’ve probably noticed the term skin cycling making waves. It’s not just a passing fad, with hashtags like #skincycling racking up millions of views. But what exactly is this skincare approach, and why has it gained so much popularity in recent times?

Dr Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist certified in New York City, is the one who first coined the term “skin cycling.” While the term is new, the key principle of incorporating “rest” days into your skincare routine is not a new concept. Dermatologists have long been advising intermittent or alternating use of active skincare ingredients.

During the pandemic, many people found themselves paying more attention to their skincare routine—piling on layers of products and experimenting with various ingredients. Many also started experiencing irritation and skin damage as a result of excessive layering or using ingredients that end up impairing the skin barrier.

Skin cycling seeks to address this problem by encouraging a more thoughtful and strategic approach to skincare. Rather than continuously adding more products to your routine, skin cycling emphasises using products in a way that complements each other. It’s about finding the right balance, not overloading your skin.