Skincare: There is so much that that one simple word can mean, but is it really so important? And how can you buy skincare that brings you results without breaking the bank? Continue reading to find out.

Our skin is the biggest organ in our body, it is constantly exposed to the elements (UV rays, pollution, stress and so much more.) So the simple answer is yes, you want to take care of your skin just like you would take care of any other organ in your body. Skincare is usually associated with topical treatments, but the reality is, a good skincare routine starts on the inside. A healthy diet, exercise and vitamin supplements can all help with your skin goals.

HOW TO AFFORD GOOD SKINCARE?

Now, let’s get to the reason why you are here. How can I afford good skincare?

Let’s be honest there is a reason the beauty industry (which includes skincare products) is a billion dollar industry. We are always looking for the “miracle product” that will make us look better, hide our defects or make us look more youthful, and this industry has cashed in on that desire. So how can you get the results you are looking for without going broke?

EXPERIMENT

First of all you need to experiment on what ingredients work for you. Just because your favorite influencer is using a certain type of product or brand, doesn’t mean that this product is right for you, and it’s probably really expensive. We all have different skin needs, some of us have dry skin, oily skin, hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea, wrinkles and so on. You want to find what you want to improve on your skin and find the right ingredients for your skin. I say ingredients not brands, because you want to base your spending on what ingredients the products have and the concentration. Here is a list of some common skin problems and ingredients that can help you. These are definitely not limited to just these ingredients, they are just some examples.

There are some ingredients that seem to be universal like, Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Lactobacillus Ferment, Mandelic Acid, Niacinamide, and Shea Butter. Therefore these are very common ingredients in many skincare products. I am not recommending any of these ingredients, this is the part where you have to research what is right for you skin. Let me give you an example from my own skincare journey. I have found that I cannot use Vitamin C, even though I so badly want to. I read articles and see experts comment on how great of an ingredient it is, but no matter what brand I use, or whichever concentration, my skin turns bright red and starts to itch. I will still try to experiment with it, but as of now, I just can’t do it. This is something all of us have to go through, just because something is said to be wonderful or works for some people, we may not all be able to handle it. This is why the experimentation process can be so frustrating, but it is so important!

BUYING AFFORDABLE PRODUCTS

So now you’ve found what ingredients you want to incorporate into your skincare routine, what now? And maybe you don’t mind spending a little extra, if it ACTUALLY works. But what if you spend all that money and it doesn’t work? This is where you have to get a little creative, but don’t worry there are always options.

LOOK FOR OFF-BRAND PRODUCTS

One great new brand that is on the market is ‘The Ordinary.’ I love this brand, it is simple packaging and a simple marketing strategy. They keep everything simple so you don’t have to pay extra. They have some many different ingredients to choose from, this is where you can choose ingredients not packaging. Start with them and see what works for you and then experiment with other brands and products.

ALWAYS TRY SAMPLES

Like I said earlier, maybe you don’t mind spending a little bit extra, but you want to know it works. Many brands offer samples. One of my favorite companies that does this is, Dermalogica. These products are professional, esthetician grade products and the price tag reflects that; however, they always offer samples for a fraction of the price. This allows you to try these products without spending a ton of money. Some other brands, such as SkinScript offers samples, with them you need to have an esthetician license to buy from them. In this case ask your esthetician if they have any samples they could sell you to try at home. When you buy more expensive products, they usually have a higher concentration, so a little goes a long way. These products usually last you for a long time.

DRUG STORE BRANDS

We can’t forget about the good old drugstore. They actually offer many good skincare products. Some great products to check out when you are there are; CeraVe, Eucerin and La Roche-Posay. These products can be affordable and can also give you the results you are looking for.

SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN & MORE SUNSCREEN

Remember, you don’t want to put in all the hard work of nailing your skincare routine and forget to put on sunscreen. Many skincare products exfoliate the skin, leaving it more vulnerable to the sun and sun damage. ALWAYS put on sunscreen, even if you work inside or it’s cloudy outside. They say you should at least put on a SPF 30, but I always use SPF 50. And don’t just say that your makeup has SPF and call it good, go the extra step and put on an actual sunscreen.

So let’s sum this up, is skincare important? YES, its very important and even if you are young and seem to have perfect skin, go ahead and start, you will be thankful you did later.

However, skincare doesn’t always have to be expensive. Educate yourself on the ingredients that the products have not just the brandname, this can save you money and heartache. Be willing to try new things, but ALWAYS do your research!