When building a skin care routine, it’s important to remember that products don’t need to be expensive to be effective.
Adopting a simple, three-step approach that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin can help reduce skin care costs while keeping your skin healthy.
Limiting the number of products you use can also help, as using several different products can be costly. It can also irritate your skin and make signs of aging more noticeable.
In addition to simplifying your approach, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists to be skin and savings smart:
Cleanse your skin before applying skin care products and before going to bed. A gentle cleanser removes dirt, oil, and debris, and helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts. To prevent irritation, limit face washing to twice a day and after sweating.
Get the most from your moisturizer by applying it to damp skin. Moisturizer traps water in your skin, helping it look brighter and younger. Remember to moisturize your face, body, and lips, even if you have oily skin.
Use sun protection to help prevent wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. Whether you seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, or apply sunscreen, sun protection is an important part of your daily skin care. Apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing.
Consider using dual-function products, such as a moisturizer with sunscreen. Make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum and has an SPF of 30 or higher, and remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Read the label. Look for products for your skin type that say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”
Consider using petroleum jelly. This inexpensive product can have several uses, including moisturizing dry skin and nails and treating minor injuries.
To maximize results and minimize potential irritations, choose products that will work best for your skin type.
Skin types
Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use
Normal skin is clear and not sensitive
Dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough
Oily skin is shiny and greasy
Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others
If you’re not sure about your skin type, talk with a board-certified dermatologist before starting any skin care routine. To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit Find a dermatologist.
