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If the extent of your skin care regimen involves splashing water on your face in the morning, it may be time to improve your process. But identifying and following an affordable skin care routine is easier said than done.
Depending on your skin type, your daily schedule, and, most importantly, your budget, different routines and products will best serve you. Here, we’ve outlined some top tips for keeping your routine simple, thorough, and affordable. We’ve also rounded up nine of our favorite inexpensive skin care products.
Ready to give your skin the love it deserves?
Finding Your Affordable Skin Care Routine
Though it can be tempting to fill your drug store cart with all the products you can get your hands on, take a moment to learn more about the essentials of skin care. To that end, we’ll outline a skin care routine that is comprehensive and effective, yet still simple enough for anyone to tackle in their day-to-day life.
Start with the basics with this six-step regimen recommended by skin care experts.
In the morning:
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Cleanse your face to remove excess oil, dirt, or build up
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Apply a toner to help clear away any extra-clingy grime or oil
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Treat your skin according to your skin care goals, that could mean:
- Applying eye cream to your under-eye area
- Spot treating blemishes
- Massaging serums into your skin
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Moisturize with a nutrient-rich hydrating moisturizer
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Apply sunscreen
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Start your makeup application
In the evening, repeat these steps but leave out the sunscreen and makeup. Voila! That’s it.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin is a little different, so take on your skin care routine with an experimental mindset. You might discover that your skin doesn’t need that extra cleansing step of toner more than once or twice a week. You might find that a light hydrating serum is all you’ll need during the day instead of a heavy moisturizer. Be patient with your routine and you’ll find the process and products that work best on your skin.
But whether you have oily skin or sensitive skin, whether you omit the toner or keep it in your schedule—the more you can save on skin care products, the better. For that, there’s our carefully curated list below.
Nine Best Affordable Skin Care Products
When it comes to investing in skin care: stick to the classics, avoid the trends.
Just like a little black dress never goes out of style, some products and brands have proven their
efficacy for decades and are beloved by dermatologists and skin care gurus alike. Here are our top nine picks for the best affordable skin care products.
Note: we’ve focused on cleansers, serums, and moisturizers with sunscreen, in case you want to follow the simple routine listed above.
1. Dove White Beauty Bar
At only $3, this bar of soap is the most inexpensive product on our list and probably the most inexpensive skin care product.
Gentle enough for all skin types, you can use this bar on your face and body.
2. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
This daily cleanser is ideal for oily and sensitive skin types and deep cleans without drying out. A pack of two 16 oz cleansers will cost you less than $20.
With more than seven decades of business under its belt, Cetaphil is a classic and beloved brand by dermatologists.
3. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Snag this unscented facial cleanser for under $10 on Amazon.
Ideal for sensitive and dry skin, Vanicream’s cleanser has over 11,400 reviews on Amazon, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers love it for its moisturizing properties and for how gentle it is on even the most sensitive skin.
4. Derma-E Advanced Peptide and Collagen Serum
Available for under $40, Derma-E’s advanced serum is rich in antioxidants, supports collagen health, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, and helps reduce redness and inflammation.
5. Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum
You can find Olay Regenerist at your nearest drugstore or on Amazon for less than $25.
This serum firms skin and delivers moisture “10 layers deep” into the skin’s surface. It’s fragrance-free, lightweight, and works to fight signs of aging.
6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster Face Serum
At just under $22, this serum features the special ingredient hyaluronic acid, which works to attract and retain moisture like a super-powered facial magnet.
Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic, Neutrogena’s serum brightens and tightens your skin at an affordable price.
7. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer
Featuring broad-spectrum SPF 15, this daily moisturizer and sunscreen is available online for less than $15. Oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic, this product is ideal for all skin types.
8. Vichy Aqualia Thermal UV Defense Moisturizer
Vichy’s moisturizer does it all.
Available for under $35, this lightweight, French-made formula features broad spectrum SPF 30 and provides 48-hour hydration. Featuring Vichy volcanic water and B vitamin niacinamide, this moisturizer strengthens and protects the skin’s barrier while reducing dehydration.
9. Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF
There’s a reason the Neutrogena brand shows up twice on this list.
Available for under $15, this long-lasting moisturizer features broad spectrum SPF 15. Made without fragrances, dyes, alcohol, or oil, this is a fantastic product for sensitive skin.
Discover Your Best Skin Care Routine with RebateKey
An affordable skin care routine can look like an elaborate 12-step regimen or a simple three-step process. Depending on your skin type and schedule, you may even choose to pursue a routine that mixes the steps outlined above with your own personal favorites.
No matter which routine you choose, there are myriad affordable skin care products on the market that will help you clean, brighten, and moisturize your precious skin.
If you know you want a deal but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. RebateKey helps people save money, offering cashback for everything from daily cleansers to specialty serums.
Ready to make skin care a priority rather than an afterthought? Check out our deals and start shopping—and saving—today.
Sources:
Allure. 13 Top Dermatologists Reveal Their Skin Care Routines. https://www.allure.com/story/skin-care-routines-of-dermatologists
Healthline. What Order Should I Follow When Applying Skin Care Products?
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/order-of-skin-care
Real Simple. 12 Affordable Skincare Brands Derms Say are Even Better Than Expensive Ones. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/best-affordable-skincare-brands
Today. The Simple Skin Care Routine Dermatologists Recommend (And It’s Not Complicated).
https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/affordable-skincare
The New York Times. How To Build a Skin Care Routine. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/tmagazine/skincare-routine
