Weekdays often demand speed emails, errands, deadlines. Skin likes rhythm, especially when seasons change. A simple four-night cycle can keep glow while avoiding irritation. On Night One, use a gentle chemical exfoliant think lactic acid around 5% or mandelic at similar strength on dry skin, then seal with a plain moisturizer. Night Two is for a retinoid: a pea-sized amount of retinol (~0.3%) or retinal (~0.05%) on completely dry skin; buffer with a thin layer of cream first if you’re sensitive. Nights Three and Four belong to barrier repair only: ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, and a few drops of squalane; if air turns sharp, tap a tiny occlusive over cheekbones. Repeat the rhythm, and in the morning never skip sunscreen. Transition routines aren’t about doing more they’re about doing the right thing at the right time so the skin stays calm while the weather stops being polite.