Affordable Skin Care
During March of last year, at the beginning of what I didn’t know would be a long term quarantine, I decided to take a closer look at my own self care routines. In the midst of such an emotionally and mentally draining time, I found small moments of peace in taking care of myself. However, I noticed that I didn’t quite know what I was doing with my skincare routine.
Like most girls, I grew up on Clean & Clear cleansers and just about any other generic cream I could find at Target. With more research though, I found that a lot of the products I was using were actually doing more harm than good. These popular products had been stripping my face of natural oils for YEARS. As it turns out, the majority of them just have great marketing but very little credibility or approval from dermatologists.
I didn’t have the money to invest in luxury cleansers, creams and serums though on my small college budget, and I certainly could not make trips to big department stores for professional advice. So while I was socially isolated, I took some time to research brands that were approved by dermatologists. To my surprise, the selection was much better than I expected. Many dermatologists even referred me to my local drugstore for products, and it soon became clear that good skin is not necessarily a luxury. In fact, a majority of these products were under $20. I quickly compiled a shopping list for the perfect skincare routine, both affordable and effective. Here are some of my favorite products that won’t compromise next month’s rent:
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
$12.99 at Target
This is the best overnight moisturizer I’ve tried so far. The formula is lightweight, blends well with other serums, and is approved by dermatologists. CeraVe also has an AM version of this product with SPF 30 (which is a must, even in the winter.)
CeraVe Facial Foaming Cleanser
$10.99 at Target
I will never use a different cleanser than this one. CeraVe’s Foaming Cleanser gently cleans without drying or irritating skin. Like most of their products, it features essential ceramides like Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide.
If you have dry skin, you should already be using some form of Hyaluronic Acid. The Ordinary has the purest vegan serums for the best price. Apply this after cleansing but before your moisturizer for the best results. I like to use mine overnight for deeper hydration.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
$12.00 at Ulta
I tried everything to get rid of the dark blackheads on my nose until I discovered Salicylic Acid. This masque penetrates your skin and dissolves the dead skin cells clogging your pores. After years of nose strips, I will never go back
If you only get 3 skincare products in your life, get some type of niacinamide. It's full of Vitamin B3 which literally heals your blemishes and protects your skin. This is the best product for an even skin tone for about the price of a latte.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
$6.39 at Target
This product is the only one that has been personally recommended to me by a dermatologist. This cleanser is tried and true, it’s basic but you can't go wrong with it. (I would recommend for oily skin, it did dry mine out a bit)
Unscented Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
$4.99 at Target
For times when washing your face is too much work, micellar cleansing water is the next best thing. It has a sensitive formula that removes dirt and oils without leaving a greasy residue. Skip the marketing and extra ingredients in brands like Garnier. When it comes to your skin, keep the formula simple.