Skin Care Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

By Jane Farrell

Caring for the health of your skin doesn’t have to break the bank, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

“It’s important to realize that products don’t need to be expensive to be effective,” said board-certified dermatologist Sheila Zahra Farhang, MD, FAAD. “A simple, three-step approach that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin is key–and that doesn’t mean you need a lot of different products. Limiting the number of products may be better for your wallet and your skin since using several different products can be costly, can irritate your skin, and can make signs of aging more noticeable.”

In addition to simplifying your approach, Farhang recommends the following tips 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 and 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.”

Finally, consider using petroleum jelly. This inexpensive product can have several uses, including moisturizing dry skin and nails and treating minor injuries.

“With a wide variety of products available, keeping your skin healthy and looking its best should be affordable,” said Dr. Farhang. “To maximize results and minimize potential irritations, choose products that will work best for your skin type. If you’re not sure about your skin type, talk with a board-certified dermatologist before starting any skin care routine.”

For more information on skin care, click here to visit the AAD website.