Cross-Train Your Beauty Routine: 4 Reasons To Regularly Switch Up Your Products

By Fiona J. Kirk

Experts say that cross training is the best way to get fit – and there’s no question that hitting the treadmill one day and taking a kickboxing class gives you a terrific energy boost. So why not do the same when choosing your cleanser, shampoo and moisturizer? Mixing it up can be just as effective on your beauty routine as it is for your muscles and endurance.

Cross-Training Tip 1: Zap Zits Without Dulling Skin.

If you’re dealing with adult acne and also notice a couple of new wrinkles when you look in the mirror, the choices can be tough: do you use the harsh cleanser with salicylic acid or pick the gentle one that leaves you with a greasy feel (and possibly more pimples)?

Instead, why not get the best of both worlds? Trade off using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($11.49 at drugstore.com) and Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash ($6.49 at neutrogena.com) every other day.  The Neutrogena Acne Wash will stop incoming pimples in their tracks, while the Cetaphil Cleanser will leave your skin feeling nourished, not dry.

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Cross-Training Tip 2: Hair With Body, Without Build-Up.

Using a shampoo that gives you extra volume can also leave you with residue, especially near the roots. To combat heavy hair, use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week in place of your regular shampoo. A perfect combo: Herbal Essences’ Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo ($4.29 at cvs.com), which will give you the lift you need, and Frederic Fekkai’s Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo ($23 at sephora.com), which will remove build-up and get your hair squeaky clean.

Cross-Training Tip 3: Hydrated Winter Skin, With A Natural Glow.

In the cold months of winter you don’t want an orange glow that screams, “fake tan.” But you shouldn’t have to put up with pasty skin. The solution? Trade off using Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer ($8.49 at drugstore.com) and Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($11.49 at riteaidonline.com). The colloidal oatmeal in the Aveeno Lotion keeps your skin silky smooth, while the  Jergens Moisturizer helps you to achieve a natural, warm skin tone.

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Cross-Training Tip 4: Squeaky Clean Skin That’s Soft.

The brown sugar in Fresh Sugar Lemon Bath & Shower Gel ($18.50 at sephora.com) works as an antibacterial cleanser and rejuvenates your skin. And if you alternate it with Sabon’s Lemon Mint Body Scrub ($30 at sabonnyc.com), which mixes Dead Sea salt crystals with almond and soy bean oils, your skin will be exfoliated and radiant as well.

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