Literally.
Let's now check out some daily at-home routines to amp up skin's wattage.
Again briefly, complexion cross-training means switching up usual go-to-face products. It can produce a bevy of beauty-benefits by feeding skin varieties of helpful ingredients.
How's it done?
Simply by varying, or cross-training, your usual morning & night face-washing/moisturizing ritual.
Result? Skin can be reset to sparkling!
SKIN Cross-Training Drills:
CLEANSER:
* Pick up an acid-based, exfoliating cleanser (containing either glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid...no gritty particles) and use in lieu of basic cleanser for about a week, day & night, if tolerated. This step alone will start continuous sloughing of dead, oily, and even dry, flaky skin that may not be visible. Once it's gone, however, say "Hello" to the polished face beaming in the mirror!
Afterwards, back off and use every other day to maintain results.
However, if you're oily, you might have a favorite new 'normal' daily cleanser.
* You can also use this face wash as a quick mask for extra-sloughing action. Smooth on a generous, undiluted amount and leave for 5–10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
BONUS BENEFIT: Serums and creams applied afterwards can now easily penetrate their intended target for more radiance!
TONER:
* After cleansing, choose a toner/astringent with one or more of the above-mentioned acids. Wipe over face with dampened cotton once or twice a day for around one week, or just every other day.
* Alternate the acid/exfoliating potion with a gentle toner...organic rosewater, for example.
If you're really into it, toss an antioxidant-rich tonic into the mix. Keep shifting formulas, and notice what produces your freshest face.
SERUMS/MOISTURIZERS:
* After toning, play with alternating antioxidant serums in the same manner.
For example, one day apply topical vitamin C serum right after toner, before moisturizer.'
The next day choose a different antioxidant concoction, such as idebenone (found in Prevage), or any other free-radical scavenger.
Finally, select a niacin-based product to round out the program (Osmosis has SKINtechie's favorite).
note: Niacin (applied topically) will be the next 5-star ingredient you'll be reading about in 'glam' magazines.
* Switch up differing moisturizers the same way.
Perhaps Monday it's an exfoliating-glycolic cream, Tuesday a firming-peptide formula, and Wednesday a hydrating cream or essential-oil blend.
These cross-training methods offer a plethora of perks, nourishing skin with a healthy variety of savvy ingredients.
RETINOIDS (Vitamin A):
* Try prescription retinoids (such as Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, etc.) for 1 or 2 weeks straight. Use at night instead of moisturizer, or if you're dry/sensitive, under or mixed with moisturizer.
If skin is irritated after this friendly-fire-assault, back off to allow necessary recovery time. When complexion feels restored, use every few nights as tolerated.
* Alternate nightly prescription-strength "A" and over-the-counter strength retinol.
All the bang with less sensitizing side-effects!
* Try night-time exchanges between acid-based serums/moisturizers and any vitamin A product you like.
Every now & then, ditch both and apply soothing moisturizer only.
THE FINE PRINT:
When you start skin cross-training, don't panic if your face starts to feel fragile. A bit of sensitivity (pinkness, mild flaking) is NORMAL and a sign you're providing skin an improvement opportunity.
By never safely 'pushing' your skin, it stays pretty much the same, doesn't it?
Similar to taking a boxing class when your biceps are used to hiking (hehe)... your arms may end up somewhat (or "Can't-even-wash-my-hair") sore. But the aches definitely communicate you're on the path to heightened fitness.
Same is true for claiming goddess/god-worthy skin. Nudge its comfort level, yet trust your instincts and know when to back off (said instincts might include: flaming-red, raw, and/or excessively peeling skin).
Have fun and play with one or more of these skin-gym options at a time. Implement a different method whenever your skin needs another boot-camp boost!
Cross-training.
It's not just for bodies anymore!
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