Contrary to what many people believe, it is possible to put together a cheap skin care routine that can improve your appearance, address any skin problems that you may have, and protect your skin against further damage by the elements. Key to putting together an effective cheap skin care program is understanding your skin's needs, reading ingredient labels, and avoiding products that have the potential to irritate your skin. Inexpensive skin care products can be found at many drugstores, health food stores, and supermarkets, making it convenient to put together a regimen that works for you. In all cases, it is a good idea to start out by buying small or sample sizes of products that interest you so that you can make sure that they work well with your skin.
Your first step in developing your own cheap skin care system is to identify the products that you need. For example, you'll typically want to use an effective cleanser on your skin as well a moisturizer that provides sun protection. If you have acne, you may also wish to incorporate an acne treatment product into your routine. Depending on your age and budget, you may also want to add an exfoliant and a toner to your regimen, though these products aren't as essential as keeping your skin clean and using a moisturizer.
When choosing a cleanser, take into consideration whether you regularly use makeup. Some cleansers are better than others at removing makeup, so you'll want to choose one that can leave your skin clean without causing irritation. Another option is to purchase an inexpensive makeup remover to use along with your cleanser. When choosing a moisturizer, be sure to check the label to ensure that it offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Fortunately, many cosmetic companies realize the importance of sun protection, so many inexpensive moisturizers now include sunscreen.
Read the ingredients label on each product that you consider. If you know that you have a sensitivity to a particular ingredient, don't buy products that contain it, even if the product is a good value. Many people are sensitive to fragrances used in skin care products, so look for products that are labeled fragrance-free.
Some drugstores offer cheap skin care products that are private-label versions of more expensive brands. Compare the ingredients labels of the brand-name product and its private-label equivalent. If they appear to be similar, it may be worth it to give the private-label product a try.
