Another day, another TikTok trend that's all the rage. Many TikTok trends are gimmicks without any scientific backing. Or, in the case of the NyQuil chicken trend that took off, just plain dangerous. However, one has bubbled up to the surface that is worth investigating. Enter: skin cycling.
Not only can it be good for skin with sensitivities or newbies to actives like retinol. Skincare experts are giving the green light. To get the details on why skin cycling can be so beneficial, we tapped Dr. Carlos A. Charles, co-founder of 4.5.6 Melanin Skincare and medical skin expert. For starters, he notes, skin cycling gives your skin a chance to soak up all the benefits of your skin care routine without irritation.
"Additionally, it is a great way to customize your routine to meet your skin's needs," he tells xoNecole. "Those with oilier, less sensitive skin may want to use a stronger retinoid. Instead of taking two 'rest' days, they may only want to take one. Whereas those with sensitive skin may want to do the opposite and even extend the rest days for three days, allowing the skin a nice long break to mitigate irritation."
If you have skin conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis, or rosacea, Charles emphasizes a one-on-one appointment with a derm is essential before trying on skin cycling.
So, What Is Skin Cycling?
"Skin cycling refers to the practice of using varying routines for your skin care regimen on different nights of the week and repeating these routines successively," Charles shares. "The goal with skin cycling is to give your skin a couple of repeated nights of maximum skin cell renewal and focused treatment followed by a couple nights of rest."
He notes that we should think of skin cycling like physical exercise routines, "where one day you might lift weights, on the next day you may perform intense aerobic exercise, and the next day you may rest, allowing your body to rebuild."
How To Start a Skin Cycling Routine
Carving out a skin care routine isn't as tricky as it sounds. But we're lucky to have Charles to break down what a sample routine could look like.
Skin Cycling Routine: Night One
Night one of skin cycling is all about exfoliation. However, a gentle chemical exfoliator is recommended versus a physical exfoliant—the reason for this: skin irritation. Skin irritation not only leads to physical discomfort. But upsetting the skin barrier can lead to more hyperpigmentation. Chemical exfoliators come in a range of formulas, from masks to peel pads.
4.5.6. Melanin Skincare To Be Clear Resurfacing Exfoliant Mask
If your skin is oily or acne prone, this exfoliant mask crafted with melanin-rich skin in mind soaks up excess sebum, smooths skin texture, and brightens. We can thank ingredients like pumpkin enzymes, rosehip seed oil, and niacinamide for that.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
I've used this peeling solution for years, and it never disappoints. Formulated with AHA and BHAs (think: glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids), utilizing this weekly can make a significant impact on the overall appearance of dark spots and texture. However, don't overuse this or leave it on beyond what the directions advise. I don't care if you've got a pimple that just won't go away.
Urban Skin Rx Medspa Edition: Complexion Correction Peel Pads
Peel pads can also offer exfoliating benefits sans the physical exfoliants. These correction peel pads are infused with glycolic and salicylic acid and retinol. If your skin is sensitive or you're new to exfoliating, these aren't for you yet. However, these could be worth a try if you're a skincare vet.
Anna Efetova/Getty Images
Skin Cycling Routine: Night Two
On night two, it's all about retinoids. If you're new to using retinoids, you want to start slow to prevent skin irritation. But once you incorporate one into your routine, your skin cell turnover will increase, and your skin will build collagen. And if you struggle with acne, retinoids can help greatly with that too. With retinoids, less is always more. You only need a pea-sized amount to reap the benefits.
The Ordinary. Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
The Ordinary's was the first retinoid I tried. I love that this one is in squalane because the formula hydrates while treating the skin. And this formula is ideal for retinoid newbies.
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer
Fragrance-free moisturizers are always at the top of my list. If your skin is sensitive to fragrance and you're looking for a hydrating retinol option, reviewers say this highly-rated night cream delivers the goods without irritation.
Dr. Loretta Concentrated Firming Serum
I've been using this serum every other night for the last two years. It's my holy grail. The honey-like formula glides onto my skin and prevents any unwanted irritation or dryness. And it helps get my hormonal acne in check.
Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images
Skin Cycling Routine: Night Three and Four
Think of nights three and four as giving your body rest days after working out. "You would enter the rest phase of the cycle in which you can simply use a gentle cleanser followed by the application of a hydrating moisturizer. On these two nights, you should avoid using any active ingredients to allow the skin to rest."
4.5.6 Melanin Skincare - COME CLEAN Cleansing Oil
Double cleansing makes a big difference in the health and appearance of your skin. I like to start with a cleansing oil because it breaks down makeup, dirt, and debris from the day without stripping moisture.
No matter your skin type, this hyaluronic acid-infused formula gently cleanses while nurturing and hydrating the skin barrier. This formula is currently a personal favorite.
Eve Milan New York Reset Serum
This hydrating formula has two ingredients that the skin barrier loves: niacinamide and ceramides. Apply this serum to damp skin after cleansing the skin. The niacinamide helps even the skin tone and protect, while the ceramides encourage moisture retention.
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Featured image by Renata Angerami/Getty Images
- How To Use And Add Retinol In Your Skincare Routine - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
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Well, I’ve been on safaris in South Africa, hiked waterfall-lined paths in Jamaica, and enjoyed sunset tequila tastings at high-end Mexican resorts, but camping? It was definitely a surprisingly fun 10-out-of-10 adventure I’d gladly embark on again. When Kampgrounds of America (KOA) invited me to join a Black camper’s retreat hosted by Black People Outside at the Cape Charles Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort in Virginia, I couldn’t say no.
I mean, while camping for some of us might be a hard pass, for me, it was an opportunity to reconnect with a childhood memory, try out glamping in a state-of-the-art camper, and see a part of Virginia that I didn’t grow up visiting as a child in the Hampton Roads communities my maternal family called home back then.
RISE IN INTEREST: Black Folk Camping And Creating Safe Spaces
Kameron Stanton, left, and Chevon Linear, founders of Black People Outside
Courtesy
And my adult curiosity and affinity for the outdoors are shared by a growing number of my peers. Black people made up 14% of campers in 2024, an increase from 11% in 2019, according to a recent KOA report. There’s an emerging trend of Black campers taking on nature-centered adventures like skiing, foraging, hiking, and van dwelling.
We’re definitely not new to this, but certainly true to it—from author and anthropologist Zora Neal Hurston to pioneering park ranger Betty Reid Soskin to Outdoor Afro founder Rue Mapp to the many other women who have boldly advocated for liberation, inclusion, and exploration in outdoor spaces.
And with Black People Outside, founded by Chicago-based couple Kameron Stanton and Chevon “Chev” Linear, the Black camping experience reflected something that happens whenever we show up to the party: cultural connection, unapologetic fun, good vibes, and our own unique flair for soul-stirring memories. I enjoyed a luxe VIP stay in a Platinum Salem RV among the who’s who of media, and it was divine.
So, whether you’re looking for a reset in a world where we’re constantly navigating microaggressions and systemic stress, or you just want something fun and off-the-beaten path for your next travel rendezvous, take a nod from this camping itinerary, perfect to celebrate Black joy and community:
WHERE I STAYED: Glamping In A Luxury RV Rental In Cape Charles, Va.
The beach side of Kampgrounds of America's Cape Charles, Va. property
Courtesy of Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
For this trip, I stayed in a Salem Fsx Platinum RV that was rented via RVShare.com. (Think of it like the Airbnb of camper rentals.) You basically filter for the type, location, and other amenities, and you book the camper.
With KOA, you can visit their website or use their app to find a campsite for parking the RV among one of their more than 500 campgrounds across the U.S.
You can have the RV delivered to the KOA campsite of your choosing (depending on the rental, host policies, and rates). I highly recommend letting the host set it up, especially as a newbie camper. The KOA staff was also very helpful in assisting when I needed anything explained or a small hiccup resolved. (I’m no expert on the ins and outs of outdoor plumbing, electrical hookups, and camper pull-out features, so this comes in handy.)
Cabins at Kampgrounds of America's Cape Charles, Va. site
Courtesy of Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
Let’s get into the top-tier features of this camper: It had a master bedroom with a smart TV, a closet, and shelf space. The bathroom had a vanity, cabinet space, and a shower (with an adjustable shower head and hot water with great pressure). There was digital AC and heating in both the bedroom and the front of the camper, along with a dining nook and a kitchen with lots of cabinet space, a full-sized stove, refrigerator, and microwave.
I enjoyed a lot of time in the camper's lounge area with a smart TV and fireplace. The RV was decorated like a modern studio apartment on wheels. There was also a guest room with bunk beds, storage, and games. Outside, there was a retractable awning, LED lights, and a sound system (that played music by the fire pit!)
I stocked my fridge with all my dream camp snacks, hosted an impromptu late-night pow-wow (to bring the party inside during the campsite’s “quiet hours”), and used KOA’s inclusive WiFi access, which was strong and reliable my whole time there.
WHAT I DID: Lodging Options, Town Exploration & Recreation
Hiking in Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles, Va.
Courtesy
If you don’t want to rent an RV, the Cape Charles KOA campground also offered safari tents (that look just like the ones I saw in South Africa), grass lots to build your own tents and set up, cabins that reminded me of Bermuda cottages, and drive-up options for groups with RVs. There was an on-site pool, private beach access, a beach-side restaurant and bar, and a welcome center that offered souvenirs, information, and snacks.
I also learned how to pitch a tent from scratch (via a completion where my teammate and I won a bottle of sparkling wine), how to start a fire from scratch (a lesson led by Kameron), and the best ways to find a good hiking trail in your community (Kameron and Chev walked us through Kiptopeke State Park, where there are opportunities for bird watching, kayaking, yurt camping, fishing and swimming at the beach.)
And if you want to take things to another level, charter a boat or rent one via a hosting platform or with recommendations from the KOA staff. Go fishing or just enjoy a recreational day out on the Chesapeake Bay.
SAFETY & INCLUSION
The winning tent-building duo at the KOA campground in Cape Charles, Va.
Courtesy
Now, safety: The whole time, I felt loved and welcome, as the KOA campground in Cape Charles was a secure property that required access cards, had staff readily available day and night, enforced rules on speed limits and quiet hours, and had decent lighting around the grounds. I also felt a sense of peace and rest because nobody really bothered me. Either people were super-friendly or just minded their business, and I didn’t mind that.
There was lots of laughter, ish-talking, roasted s'mores, wine, and dancing among a diverse group of Black women creatives, journalists, PR pros, podcast hosts, and authors—and that brought on a profoundly magical sense of security and connection in and of itself.
Also, camping—as any experience for me, due to my worldview—is what you make it. The KOA staff were super-helpful and personable, Chev cooked divine breakfast tacos and a crab boil with locally sourced seafood, our hosts created a Spotify playlist filled with reggae, dancehall, salsa, R&B and hip-hop hits we all loved, and I even met the owner of the camper, a kind, tatted, middle-aged family man who shared his journey into entrepreneurship and his love for customer service.
We spent the final night of the trip with a little party by the fire pit and a viewing of Super High, a clever animated film about fibroids, cannabis, and self-care by a fellow camper on the trip, Bianca Lambert, and celebrated the upcoming birthday of another amazing media entrepreneur, Nneka M. Okona.
Time well spent with amazing Black creatives, journalists, PR pros, and authors in Cape Charles, Va.
Courtesy
We took a drive into “town,” which for any small community near water is where all the action is. There were breakfast diners, seafood spots right by the water, art galleries, and bars. While there may have been a few blank stares here and there, I found most folk to be friendly enough to return a “Hello,” or a smile. (And those who didn't, I really don't regard as worthy of disturbing my peace and openness to fully enjoy a new experience.)
The shops were diverse both in nature, vibe, and offerings. One shop even had items made in Kenya, Mexico, and Guatemala, and, according to the woman behind the counter, advocates for the women creatives and artisans who made the items.
Camping offers revolutionary rest, freedom, and healing—an act of self-care and reconnection. When Black folk show up in nature, for ourselves and for our communities, it’s powerful, reminding everyone that the mountains, the trees, the oceans, the rivers—they all belong to us, too. It’s now a bucket-list travel adventure I'd gladly repeat.
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Featured image courtesy of Janell Hazelwood