The following is a post from a frequent contributor named Andrew to the Facebook group LIFE EXTENSION and ANTI-AGING. You can look him up if you like, and the forum is definitely worth reading. This regimen seems to be pretty comprehensive, and while we have not tried it, it may be worth taking a look. Enjoy!
“I’m dealing with the same exact thing. After wasting $15k on treatments my Functional Dr put this together for me and the results have been astounding.”
Here is exactly what he put together for me.Purpose: keep the barrier strong enough to tolerate nightly damage.
- After shower
Pat dry but leave skin slightly damp. - Manual stimulation – 3 minutes
Firm circular massage
Light skin rolling
This is not optional in an aggressive plan. - CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion
Thick layer.
Massage until fully absorbed. - Compression
Wear a snug undershirt or light compression garment for several hours if tolerated.
This provides low-grade mechanical tension, which fibroblasts respond to.
No actives in the morning. Morning is defensive so night can be offensive.
NIGHT ROUTINE (aggressive alternating protocol)
You will now run a 4-night active cycle instead of “gentle alternation.”
NIGHT 1 – Glycolic + Occlusion
- Shower.
- Wait 15 minutes (completely dry skin).
- Alpha Skin Care 12% glycolic
Thin but complete coverage. - Wait 10 minutes.
- CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion (medium layer).
- Occlusion
Cotton shirt overnight or very thin petrolatum layer 1–2×/week max.
This is a controlled chemical injury. That’s the point.
NIGHT 2 – Retinol Push Night
- Cleanse.
- Wait 15 minutes.
- Naturium Retinol Body Lotion
Full, even layer. - Wait 5 minutes.
- Second pass of retinol only if no stinging (optional, advanced).
- CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion.
This is where long-term tightening comes from.
NIGHT 3 – Mechanical Remodeling Night
- Cleanse.
- Manual massage 7–10 minutes
Deeper pressure than recovery nights
Still no bruising - CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion only.
- Compression shirt overnight.
This amplifies fibroblast signaling from the prior two nights.
NIGHT 4 – Retinol OR Glycolic (skin-dependent)
If skin feels calm → retinol
If skin feels thick but dull → glycolic
Never both.
Then repeat the cycle.
WEEKLY CADENCE (example)
- Mon: Glycolic
- Tue: Retinol
- Wed: Mechanical
- Thu: Retinol
- Fri: Glycolic
- Sat: Mechanical or light retinol
- Sun: Forced recovery (CeraVe only)
Yes, this is aggressive. That is intentional.
NON-NEGOTIABLE SAFETY RULES
If any of these appear, you back off immediately:
- Burning pain (not warmth)
- Persistent redness >24h
- Shiny, tight, “plastic wrap” look
- Peeling that cracks or stings water
Backing off for 5–7 days does not ruin progress. Pushing through irritation does.
EXPECTED RESULTS (REALISTIC, NOT MARKETING)
Weeks 2–4
- Skin feels thicker, less crepey
- Texture improves first, not tightness
Weeks 6–10
- Visible tightening in mild–moderate laxity
- Best response above and around the navel
Weeks 12–16
- Plateau
- Remaining laxity = structural, not topical
At that point, only energy-based or surgical options move the needle further.
