Contributed by Daily Makeover's Megan McIntyre
You want the best for your skin--it is, after all your largest organ and a healthy-looking outside is indicative of a healthy inside. But does having great skin mean you need to spend $400 on so-called miracle creams? We didn't think so, so we asked Annet King, director of global education at the International Dermal Institute to help us make some sense of the skincare aisle. Read on for her no-nonsense skincare tips on what products you can scrimp on and which ones you should splurge for.
Cleanser
Cleanser is one of those products that you're literally washing down the drain: It doesn't stay on your skin long enough to benefit from tons of different pricey ingredients. Instead, King advises saving your money and choosing a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that will remove dirt and oil and won't irritate your skin. We like: Johnson & Johnson Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash.
Moisturizer
Since moisturizer not only sits on your skin all day, but is also expected to hydrate and protect it, King recommends dropping a few extra dollars on this category. "Look for a light and gentle moisturizing lotion that's suitable for your skin type and that doesn't contain any irritants--otherwise you'll run into skin problems that you didn't have before," she says. We like: Bliss Triple Oxygen+C Energizing Cream.
Sunscreen
Since UV rays are the leading cause of aging and damage in the skin, you would think you'd need to spend major cash to get the best protection. Not so says King, who attributes major advances in sunscreen technology and wide availability to the cheap, high quality products currently on the shelves at your local drugstore. We like: Aveeno Positively Ageless Sunblock Lotion SPF 55.
Eye Cream
Since your eyes are the first areas to show the signs of aging, King suggests you invest in an eye cream with high concentrations of retinol, vitamin C, peptides and antioxidants to give you the best results. We like: Lancome Génifique Eye. However, if you're not concerned about lines and are just looking for something to soothe tired eyes, King says that you can pick up an inexpensive, fragrance-free, cooling eye gel.
Exfoliator
The key here, says King, is keeping your skin looking healthy and radiant. While there are tons of cheap skin polishes out there, most of them use harsh granules which can damage or scratch your skin. King advises you skip them in favor of a slightly pricier exfoliator that uses less-abrasive chemicals to get rid of dead skin cells. We like: Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Thermafoliant.
Face Mask
Face masks are another example of where new innovations means lots of choices for those on a budget. Whether your concerns are acne or dehydration, there's a quality drugstore face mask for you. We like: Yes To Tomatoes Total Treatment Facial Mask.
Anti-Aging Treatments
If there's one place to really drop some cash, King says its here. "Definitely invest as anti-aging treatments are what really helps to get results on the skin. You just can't get this type of ingredient technology for cheap, as you need a higher percentage of active ingredients to see real results," she says. We like: Kate Somerville HydraKate Line Release.
So the next time you're stocking up on skincare essentials, keep these simple tips in mind and you'll not only see a more radiant complexion, you'll also save yourself some cash.
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