There are a few basic skincare rules that are obvious to informed consumers – we know how important regular cleansing, moisturizing, and daily application of SPF creams are for the skin. However, when we start adding more products, such as anti-aging cosmetics or exfoliants, the situation becomes a little more complicated. You may be wondering: how often should we apply each one? And in what order is it best to apply them? In its short existence, TikTok has provided us with many skincare trends. From double cleansing to the glass-skin effect – we've seen a lot of skincare advice that we can either adopt or ignore. As for one of the latest trends, skin cycling, the success of this recommendation lies in its versatility. People who regularly care for their skin can rotationally use skincare products to achieve a wide range of effects. WHAT IS SKIN CYCLING ? The concept of rotating the use of cosmetics, as presented on social media, is relatively new, although the idea itself should sound familiar, as these methods have been recommended by dermatologists for years. Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York dermatologist, is credited with coining the term "skin cycling." According to Bowe, a classic Skin Cycling program consists of a four-night schedule. The first night is for exfoliation, the second for retinoids, and the third and fourth nights are for regeneration, focusing on hydration and repairing the skin's protective barrier. After completing the cycle, the process is repeated. The idea is to incorporate specific cosmetics with higher concentrations of active ingredients, such as AHAs or retinoids, into your regular skincare routine only on certain days of the week, while allowing the skin to rest and regenerate for the rest of the week. Although these cyclical skincare treatments are commonly recommended for people with sensitive skin , prone to rosacea or psoriasis, anyone can benefit from this method of skincare, incorporating a full range of effective cosmetics while minimizing the risk of irritation. WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF A SKINCARE ROUTINE? Your specific skincare routine may vary depending on your skin type, desired results, and preferences. Everyone seems to have their own preferred skincare cycle, but one of the simplest options is to use an exfoliant on the first evening, a retinoid on the second, and then rest for at least two nights. Exfoliating can be done in the morning, while retinoids should be applied in the evening, so it's usually easiest to simply schedule these additional treatments as part of your evening routine for consistency. If you see good results, stick to your skincare cycle. If you notice inflammation, redness, irritation, or other problems, stop the cycle and talk to a dermatologist. Exfoliating products and retinoids are the most important products to consider when skin cycling. While these products are essential for skin renewal, stimulating collagen production, and improving skin tone and texture, they can be problematic. Frequent use of exfoliants and retinoids can lead to inflammation and damage to the skin's protective barrier. Therefore, skin cycling allows people to reap the benefits of these products without the unnecessary risk of skin irritation. CHOOSING A SKIN EXFOLIATION METHOD The purpose of exfoliation is to remove the outermost layer of the epidermis, which consists of dead keratinocytes. This allows subsequent products to be more easily absorbed by the skin, evens out skin tone and texture, and helps reduce the risk of breakouts and exacerbations of acne lesions. Various types of peels are available on the market. The most popular are those containing abrasive granules. They perform their function very well, but are not recommended for people with sensitive skin or active acne. Another group is chemical peels, which in turn are divided into acid and enzymatic peels. CHOOSING RETINOIDS Retinoid is a term most often used in reference to skincare products containing active ingredients derived from vitamin A and designed to prevent and counteract signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, these are ingredients that act very intensely on the skin and can cause irritation. A cyclical skincare routine can help avoid this undesirable reaction to retinoids. One form of retinol – the modern RETINOL H10 used in ORIENTANA SERUM – is free of irritating properties and will be suitable even for those starting their journey with this ingredient. MOISTURIZING AND REGENERATION During a four-day skincare cycle, the remaining two days after exfoliation and retinoids are dedicated to moisturizing and regenerating the skin. Cosmetics with ceramides, such as the modern CERAMIDE SERUM , nourishing oils and butters (e.g., NATURAL CREAMS) , soothing plant extracts, and humectants like hyaluronic acid or trehalose are excellent choices. IS SKIN CYCLING SAFE? A cyclical skincare routine isn't ideal for all skin types. Exfoliating twice a week might be too intense for some skin types (in such cases, once a week is recommended); it's worth consulting your dermatologist or cosmetologist, who can assess your skin and determine a suitable program. If you have very sensitive skin, skip this step in your skincare routine.