diff --git a/agent/skill_commands.py b/agent/skill_commands.py
index e878326af..ad1f03824 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 "