Skin Cycling: The Viral Trend Even Sensitive Skin Will Love
New York-based M.D. Whitney Bowe has been behind the four-night routine since 2021, when she developed it as a way to simplify skincare for her patients. The method’s beauty is in its simplicity: after cleansing and before moisturizing, use an exfoliant on night one, Vitamin A on night two, and finish with two nights of repair that focus on hydration. That's it!
Ideal for most skin types, this streamlined approach of cycling through products prevents irritation and ensures you are getting the most out of your active ingredients.
To get you started, we are breaking down two foolproof routines curated by our skin experts:
Dry Skin:
For dry skin, focus on products that nourish as they refine and rich moisturizers that will pamper newly resurfaced skin.
Day 1: Nature of Things Clarifying Facial Polish -
Our estheticians love this finely milled scrub because of how customizable it is - add it to your face wash or use it with water to slough off dead skin cells.
Day 2: Alpha-H Vitamin A -
Further exfoliate, renew and hydrate skin with this juicy serum that boats .5% collagen-stimulating Vitamin A along with Jojoba and Evening Primrose Oil.
Day 3: MDO Intense Hydrating Moisturizer -
Flood skin with hydration using this hyaluronic acid and lipid packed cream that helps restore the skin’s barrier after you’ve exfoliated and stimulated cell turnover.
Day 4: Augustinus Bader the Face Oil -
This best seller will convert even the most oil averse - its silky, rich texture immediately sinks into skin as it starts working to restore the barrier so that it is ready for the next night of exfoliation.
Sensitive Skin:
Don’t give up on Vitamin A and exfoliants, even if you have sensitive skin. Strategically placed recovery nights are the best way to introduce more active formulas into your routine.
Day 1: Dr. Barbara Sturm Facial Scrub -
Formulated for sensitive, dehydrated skin, this creamy scrub uses Vitamin A and purslane, a power-packed active ingredient, promote epidermal regeneration and regulate the keratinization process. The peel also promotes cell renewal, thereby reducing fine lines and improving the appearance of the skin. In addition, Horse Chestnut stimulates the microcirculation and strengthens the blood vessels, while precious silk extracts supply intensive moisture and create an incomparably smooth complexion
Day 2: YTTP Vitamin A + Niacinamide Youth Serum -
Receive all the benefits of using a super potent form of Vitamin A, without the irritation in this golden serum that tempers it with soothing Ceramides, Adaptogens and Niacinamide.
Day 3: Haoma Recovery Night Cream -
This velvety moisturizer, which is full of resilient botanicals hand-foraged in Wyoming, sinks beautifully into skin and infuses it with their restorative power.
Day 4: Joaquina Botanica Orquídea + Vitamin C Hydrating Glow Oil -
Inspired by the vitamin rich plants of Latin America, this lush oil hydrates as it gently brightens so that skin is glowing and ready to begin the cycle all over again.
