Skin cycling: What to know and what skin care to use

Dr. Whitney Bowe shares tips on how to skin cycle.

January 25, 2023, 2:33 PM

Your skin always needs some extra love and attention but during the winter an enhanced routine should be top of mind.

"During the winter, the skin barrier is especially prone to damage. That can show up as tight, dry skin, red patches, stinging or sensitivity," Dr. Whitney Bowe, a board-certified dermatologist, told "Good Morning America."

To put your best face forward, you may have considered a "skin cycling" routine, which includes using a nourishing cleanser nightly, a gentle exfoliator and rotating in both a retinoid night and recovery night.

You can scroll down for everything you may need to practice this wintertime skin care routine.

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Night 1: Exfoliation Night

Cleanser

Dermstore

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

  • $12.99
  • Dermstore

Exfoliator

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty

Exfoliation Night

  • $79
  • Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty
Dermstore

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant

  • $34
  • Dermstore

Moisturizer

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty

Petite Bowe Glowe

  • $35
  • Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty
Amazon

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

  • $13.97
  • Amazon

Night 2: Retinoid Night

Retinoid:

Ulta Beauty

Acne Treatment Gel

  • $17.99
  • Ulta Beauty
Dermstore

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

  • $70
  • Dermstore

Moisturizer:

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty

Petite Bowe Glowe

  • $35
  • Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty
Amazon

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

  • $13.97
  • Amazon

Pro tip: "Never slug on retinoid night! Slugging is when you apply a layer of petroleum jelly as the final step in your skin care routine right before bed," Bowe said.

Nights 3 and 4: Recovery Nights

Moisturizer:

Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty

Petite Bowe Glowe

  • $35
  • Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty
Amazon

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

  • $13.97
  • Amazon

Pro tip: "Slugging -- is fine on recovery nights if you do not have acne-prone skin," Bowe said.

Amazon

Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly 13 oz

  • $19.99
  • Amazon
  • Pack of 2
Glossier

Glossier After Baume

  • $28
  • Glossier
Ulta

Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Therapeutic Multi Purpose Cream

  • $15.99
  • Ulta Beauty

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