diff --git a/agent/skill_commands.py b/agent/skill_commands.py
index e878326afeeed..ad1f03824d3fe 100644
--- a/agent/skill_commands.py
+++ b/agent/skill_commands.py
@@ -393,6 +393,14 @@ def build_skill_invocation_message(
         return f"[Failed to load skill: {skill_info['name']}]"
 
     loaded_skill, skill_dir, skill_name = loaded
+
+    # Track active usage for Curator lifecycle management (#17782)
+    try:
+        from tools.skill_usage import bump_use
+        bump_use(skill_name)
+    except Exception:
+        pass  # Non-critical — skill invocation proceeds regardless
+
     activation_note = (
         f'[IMPORTANT: The user has invoked the "{skill_name}" skill, indicating they want '
         "you to follow its instructions. The full skill content is loaded below.]"
@@ -432,6 +440,14 @@ def build_preloaded_skills_prompt(
             continue
 
         loaded_skill, skill_dir, skill_name = loaded
+
+        # Track active usage for Curator lifecycle management (#17782)
+        try:
+            from tools.skill_usage import bump_use
+            bump_use(skill_name)
+        except Exception:
+            pass  # Non-critical
+
         activation_note = (
             f'[IMPORTANT: The user launched this CLI session with the "{skill_name}" skill '
             "preloaded. Treat its instructions as active guidance for the duration of this "
diff --git a/tools/skills_tool.py b/tools/skills_tool.py
index ed7a3e6a8d553..37319a74084fc 100644
--- a/tools/skills_tool.py
+++ b/tools/skills_tool.py
@@ -1497,8 +1497,12 @@ def _skill_view_with_bump(args, **kw):
             # qualified forms ("plugin:skill") return with the canonical name.
             resolved = parsed.get("name") or name
             if resolved:
-                from tools.skill_usage import bump_view
+                from tools.skill_usage import bump_use, bump_view
                 bump_view(str(resolved))
+                # A skill_view tool call is the agent actively loading the skill
+                # to act on it — that counts as use, not just a browse/view.
+                # Curator's stale timer keys off last_used_at (see agent/curator.py).
+                bump_use(str(resolved))
     except Exception:
         pass
     return result