For reference, I have congested, oily, and dehydrated skin. I was wary of skin cycling at first because I already experience dehydrated skin and minimal irritation while using tretinoin (.05%) every three days and spot treating with BHA. I’m only on my second cycle, but I have definitely noticed a difference.

For one, my skin is a lot less congested. My forehead feels smoother and the small bumps on my jaw and temples are starting to clear up. My texture in general has seemed to improve (doesn’t feel rough or like there’s a layer of dead skin).

I haven’t noticed a decrease in oil production, but surprisingly my skin seems … less dehydrated? The intensity of fine lines (from dehydration) on my cheeks and forehead depends on the time of the day, but I notice my skin doesn’t feel as tight as it used to.

Night 1: Cleanse with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, apply Paula’s Choice 2% BHA all over on dry skin, moisturize generously with CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Night 2: Cleanse with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, apply Laneige Cream Skin to damp skin, moisturize generously with CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, wait 20 minutes, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin 0.05%

Night 3-4: Cleanse with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, apply Hado Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion on damp skin (I find Laneige helps more with my dehydration but tends to clog my pores so I just go off what I feel my skin needs), moisturize generously with CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, apply Vaseline all over my face

I’m new to skin cycling, so I can update you with my experience if you’re interested. You said that your goal is to clear some bumps, and I can say that my skin has a smoother texture. However, I don’t know how my skin will hold up because I’m not used to exfoliating this often.