Fall is here! The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and your skincare deserves a seasonal refresh. As cooler weather rolls in, skin often needs the perfect mix of gentle resurfacing and rich nourishment to stay glowing, smooth, and resilient. So, to maintain optimal skin health and appearance, it is essential to craft a fall skincare routine that adapts to seasonal changes. 

That’s where skin cycling comes in—a structured skin care routine that alternates active resurfacing nights with restorative recovery nights . A skin cycling routine cycles through different active ingredients for optimal results. This approach, recommended by estheticians and board-certified dermatologists, is rooted in the best practices of cosmetic dermatology. By cycling through exfoliants, retinol, and recovery, you get all the benefits of active ingredients while minimizing irritation.

Because skin types vary—dry, oily, and combination skin—it’s important to tailor your cycling plan to your own needs and sensitivity levels. Combination skin may require a tailored approach within a skin cycle to address both oily and dry areas effectively.

Tailoring your cycling plan ensures you get the most out of your routine. A well-structured skin cycling routine can improve skin texture, even skin tone, and support collagen production for firmer, healthier-looking skin.

To help your skin get ready for fall, I am sharing my three favorite skin cycling routines to match your skin’s mood and goals.

When skin needs a softer touch, this level delivers mild exfoliation and deep hydration with retinaldehyde, the gentlest form of retinol.

Step 1 – Gentle Cleanser (Every Night)

• Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prepare your skin for actives. This step is especially important for sensitive skin, as it helps avoid irritation before applying exfoliants, retinol, or hydrating products.

Step 2 – Recovery Support (Every Night)

• Apply Plated Intense Serum or NeoGenesis Recovery to promote healing.

• Follow with Epicutis Lipid Serum to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

Step 3 – Alternating Actives

• SA Resurfacing Elixir – Acts as a chemical exfoliant, providing gentle exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin. This blend of retinal, vitamin C, glutathione, and bakuchiol helps lighten hyperpigmentation, balance oil, smooth texture, boost cell turnover, and stimulate collagen. 
  Alternate with

• Anfisa AN-Dew 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum – Contains exfoliating acids, including 10% azelaic acid and gluconolactone, to help renew the skin surface, unclog pores, smooth texture, and restore radiance. Hexylresorcinol, resveratrol, and licorice root help reduce redness and dark spots.

Perfect for early fall or when your skin needs a gentle restart. This routine is especially suitable for those with higher skin sensitivity.

For deeper renewal and to visibly fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation, we step up the power for a brighter, more radiant complexion and improved skin texture.

Step 1 – Gentle Cleanser (Every Night)

• Start with a gentle cleanser to sweep away impurities and balance the skin, creating the perfect canvas for your active ingredients. This step helps keep normal and combination skin clear, fresh, and ready to fully absorb exfoliants, retinol, or hydrating treatments.

Step 2 – Recovery Support (Every Night)

• Apply Plated Intense Serum or NeoGenesis Recovery to promote healing.

• Follow with Epicutis Lipid Serum to maintain hydration.

Step 3 – Alternating Actives

• iS Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3% – Encapsulated retinol with Extremozyme® technology, bio-identical lipids, and antioxidants to boost turnover, protect, and nourish. Includes vitamin C, peptides, shea butter, and mushroom extract for added anti-inflammatory benefits. Regular use of retinol can help refine skin texture for a smoother, more even appearance.
  Alternate with

• Glymed Brilliant Tone– A creamy, brightening serum with Lightening Drone Technology to target hyperpigmentation, soothe inflammation, and increase cell turnover. Mulberry and apple extracts add gentle exfoliation and glow. As this product contains chemical exfoliants, avoid overuse to protect the skin barrier and ensure ingredient compatibility with your skin type.

Ideal when skin looks dull or uneven and needs that “just had a facial” radiance while supporting smoother skin texture.

A consistent nighttime routine is essential for menopausal skin support, as it allows for targeted renewal and optimal absorption of active ingredients.

For hormonal changes and advanced skin firming, this level focuses on intensive renewal and nourishment.

Step 1 – Gentle Cleanser (Every Night)

• Begin with a gentle creamy cleanser to dissolve impurities while replenishing moisture, ensuring the skin stays soft and comfortable. This soothing first step helps protect dry, menopausal skin from irritation before applying exfoliants, retinol, or deeply nourishing treatments.

Step 2 – Recovery Support (Every Night)

• Apply Plated Intense Serum or NeoGenesis Recovery to promote healing.

• Follow with Epicutis Lipid Serum for barrier health and hydration.

Step 3 – Alternating Actives

• Emepelle Night Cream – Formulated with patented MEP Technology® to restore estrogen-deficient skin. Combines retinol, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing emollients to improve elasticity, hydration, and collagen levels—counteracting the rapid collagen loss seen in menopause. This night cream helps stimulate collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin.

  Alternate with

• iS Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3% – Encapsulated retinol with Extremozyme® technology, bio-identical lipids, and antioxidants to boost turnover, protect, and nourish. Includes vitamin C, peptides, shea butter, and mushroom extract for added anti-inflammatory benefits. Regular use of retinol can help refine skin texture for a smoother, more even appearance.

Especially beneficial for skin needing a power boost with plenty of comfort.

No matter your skin type or cycling level, choosing a nourishing, barrier-repairing moisturizer is essential in the cooler months—especially when introducing or increasing retinol/retinal into your routine. Moisturizing supports the skin's barrier and overall health, helping to maintain resilience against dryness and irritation. Skin naturally needs more moisture in fall and winter to counteract dryness from indoor heating and brisk outdoor air.

Some of my favorite Fall moisturizers include:

• GlyMed Plus Comfort Cream – Rich and soothing, perfect for restoring hydration to stressed or dry skin.

• Circadia AquaPorin Hydrating Cream – Boosts skin’s natural ability to retain moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.

• Sorella The Balm – Plumps, smooths, and rehydrates while inhibiting wrinkle formation.

Incorporating skin rest and allowing time in between active treatments is especially important in the fall. Giving your skin dedicated recovery nights helps minimize irritation and supports the skin's barrier, maximizing the benefits of exfoliants and retinoids.

Cooler air and indoor heating can leave skin dry, tight, and sensitive. Skin cycling alternates treatment nights with recovery nights to prevent over-exfoliation, allowing your skin to rest, repair, and fully absorb the benefits of active ingredients.

A consistent evening skincare routine during seasonal transitions is essential for maintaining skin health, hydration, strength, and radiance. For full-spectrum care, pair your nighttime cycle with vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection.

These skincare routines are designed to keep skin luminous, plump, and balanced all season long.

Listen to your skin. If it feels dry or sensitive, add an extra recovery night before returning to actives.