New Year//Same Goals

At the start of 2020, I vowed to re-invest in myself.
Specifically with my skincare routine, which meant Lots of new product.
But what do you do with all the expensive skincare elixirs that may not 
have been suitable for the delicate skin on your face? 

Regifting is always an option, sharing is caring after all. But! did you know that you could still use those items meant to treat various facial issues - to combat dark spots and signs of aging (etc) on other parts of your body? I mean, why not! If it was originally crafted to be sensitive enough for the delicate skin on your face, it is definitely suitable enough for other parts of your body. We can just group this practice into the prejuvination category.

That being said, there are a few things you should keep in mind before slathering your trouble areas with creams and serums. Speaking of the latter, serums tend to have a higher concentration of active ingredients, most of them are for creating smoother skin and a more youthful appearance so if you have sensitive skin (which isn't usually the same intensity as your face) use a clean moisturizer as somewhat of a carrier for your product. For example, products that contain retinol could leave sensitive areas red and peely so for this sort of application as well as products containing AHA and BHA's, be Sure to use a very clean, basic moisturizer as its carrier; and only every other night.

Another good point to drill in would be the same rule you'd follow for your face routine. Not many people are able to combine AHA's and BHA's with any products containing Vitamin C, one of the Most potent brightening antioxidants in your arsenal, but a recipe for irritation when combined. Even on the more tolerant skin of your body. Both are gentle topical exfoliants (in comparison to say, a peel/microdermabrasion) and generally should not be used together, in fact, it's suggested they're used a few days apart - if not a week. However, if you're using Vitamin C on its own (or in a hand/body cream for an extra boost), exfoliate First for the best absorption, apply and let it sit for a few minutes, then moisturize to seal it in.

Now, we've all seen women who look much younger from the neck up than the chest down, [a couple telltale signs are brown speckles and crepey ripples] and you might be able to combat these with products already in your stockpile; specifically created to prevent these signs of aging. It's also important to note that there's nothing wrong with aging gracefully and there is no cure-all [hydration and genetics also play a large role in how this happens to each individual] but when we shop for moisturizers, exfoliants, serums, and oils we tend to choose products that will help stave off conditions we are worried about ahead of time, already see creeping up on us or ones our matriarchs developed - and these items (even drug store brands) can be Very Pricey. So this article focuses on not letting your product and money go to waste by repurposing it, safely, on skin thick enough to handle almost anything you throw on it. Always with care and a bit of knowledge.