What to Keep, What to Skip, and How to Do It Naturally

Let’s talk about something that’s all over your feed lately—skin cycling.

If you’ve been scrolling Instagram or TikTok, chances are you’ve seen dermatologists and beauty bloggers talking about it like it’s a skincare revolution. And honestly? The idea is smart—but like most trends, it gets overcomplicated quickly, with 10-step rotations and a rotating lineup of actives that can leave your skin more confused than cared for.

So, what exactly is skin cycling? And how do you make it work if you prefer a gentler, more natural approach?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Skin Cycling?

In the simplest terms, skin cycling is about giving your skin “active” nights and “recovery” nights—a rhythm that helps you avoid irritation from over-exfoliating or overusing ingredients like retinoids.

A common cycle might look like this:

• Night 1: Exfoliate

• Night 2: Retinol or Bakuchiol

• Nights 3 & 4: Recovery (moisturize, hydrate, rest)

Rinse and repeat.

It’s like cross-training, but for your face.

Why It Can Work—If You Do It Right

Your skin doesn’t need a hard-hitting ingredient every single night. In fact, doing too much, too often is one of the fastest ways to damage your skin barrier—especially if you’re already dealing with dryness, redness, or sensitivity.

That’s why we love this concept in theory. But we also know that you don’t need to flood your skin with chemical peels or high-strength retinoids to get results.

There’s a gentler way. And it starts with plants.

A Natural Approach to Skin Cycling

If you’re already using Simple Body products, good news: you’re halfway there. Most of our skincare line is designed to support and strengthen your skin without irritation—making it easy to rotate based on what your skin needs that day.

Here’s how to build your own natural skin cycling routine:

✦ Night 1: Exfoliate Gently

Instead of harsh scrubs or synthetic acids, use something like our Exfoliate + Glow Tonic made with natural AHA fruit extracts (think sugarcane, orange, lemon, and maple).

It helps clear dead skin and support cell turnover—without stripping your barrier.

Pro Tip: Use 2–3x a week depending on your skin. Less is more.

✦ Night 2: Nourish with Plant-Based Actives

This is where you’d traditionally use a retinoid. But if you’re looking for a natural option, Bakuchiol is a fantastic alternative. Our Age Defense Serum is a customer favorite—it helps with firmness, fine lines, and uneven tone, but won’t cause peeling or sensitivity. So, that means you CAN use an active on your skin every night… without compromising your skin barrier.

✦ Night 3 & 4: Extra Moisture Barrier Repair

These nights are for moisture and recovery. That means no actives, no exfoliants—just replenishing hydration and skin-loving oils.

We recommend layering:

• Barrier Defense Serum (oil-free hydration + ceramides)

• Beauty Balm with plant-based Vitamin C to lock in moisture

• Pomegranate Oil or Nightly Face Serum to give your skin an extra drink of moisture

Think of this like a little spa night for your skin.

What to Skip (Especially if You’re Going Natural)

There are a few things we don’t recommend if you’re trying to follow a gentler rhythm:

• Harsh scrubs (like walnut shell or apricot pits) You’ve probably heard me preach, but I’ll say it again…please don’t use a scrub with harsh, jagged exfoliants–like nut shells. These harmful ingredients can cause micro tears in your skin and severely disrupt you skin barrier. This leaves your skin susceptible to infection and irritation. You want an exfoliant that is ROUND. One that rolls over your skin! (Like Bamboo Stem Extract!)

• High-dose retinol unless prescribed and supervised. Too many customers have come to me with redness, irritation, dry, flaky and damaged skin from the use of retinols. In addition, they’re not using sunscreen, which can cause further damage to the skin. Instead, stick to ingredients with 1-3% concentration of Bakuchiol. It has all the same benefits of Retinol, but none of the side affects!

• Fragrance-loaded “anti-aging” creams that burn or sting, If something burns your skin, don’t use it! Your skin is trying to tell you that product is too harsh for your skin! So many people ignore what their body is trying to tell them! Please don’t ignore these symptoms, listen to your body and use things that feel good, nourishing, supporting, moisturizing and soothing. Your skin will thank you!

• Peeling every night (Your skin doesn’t need to shed daily). Please be careful how much you exfoliate! It’s different at every stage of life! If you skin feels raw, red, irritated…STOP EXFOLIATING until your skin is better, then decrease the frequency with which you’re exfoliating….and potentially change the method of exfoliation. Perhaps the AHA tonic is too much for your skin or maybe your skin doesn’t like a scrub. Consider, again, what your skin is telling you. If you have questions or want to change the method of exfoliation…consult an expert. We can offer you alternative solutions to what you are currently using!

Your skin isn’t a project—it’s a living organ. Treat it kindly.

So… Do You Have to Skin Cycle?

Nope. Skin cycling is a tool, not a rule.

Some people do better with the same routine every day, especially if their skin is sensitive or their lifestyle is hectic. Others love having a few nights where they exfoliate or use something targeted.

The point is: pay attention to your skin. If it feels tight, flaky, or red—scale back. If it feels dull or congested, bring in a gentle exfoliant. And always, always moisturize.

Natural Skin Cycling with Simple Body

We’ve intentionally formulated every product with real skin rhythms in mind. That means no fillers, no harsh synthetics—just clean, proven ingredients that work together in harmony.

Need help building your routine? We offer free skincare consultations by phone or in-store. Let us help you find your rhythm.

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Want to try skin cycling the natural way?

Check out these ideas:

Exfoliate 1 x per week with each of these (Think Monday, Wednesday, and Friday)

• Exfoliate + Glow Tonic

• Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
• Bamboo Face Polish

Double Moisturize with TWO of these Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday

• Age Defense Serum

• Barrier Defense Serum

• Face Cream

• Pomegranate Oil

• Beauty Balm

Then, MOST IMPORTANTLY, listen to your skin. Does it feel good? Keep going! Does it feel too moisturized? Back down a little. Your skin is wise, it will tell you exactly what it needs!

xoxo
Jewels