7 Smart Ways to Save Money on Your Skin Care Routine

In a quest for healthy skin, I've spent a good deal of money on products that promised a clean, clear face but didn't come through on that promise. What a waste of money they were! I've finally found a facial routine that works for me, and I'm not only happier with my skin, but I'm also spending less money on beauty products. To help you avoid the mistakes that I've made, I'm sharing with you this list of seven smart ways to save money on your skin care routine.

1. Sunscreen Guards Against More Expensive Problems

   

   One of the first rules of frugality is that it is better to spend a little upfront to prevent a problem than it to spend a lot down the road to repair a problem. In other words, you should apply sunscreen now, or you'll be faced with bigger skin-repair expenses later on. Sunscreen reduces damage from UV rays and can lower your risk of skin cancer. It can delay the development of lines and wrinkles and help you maintain an even skin tone.

2. Store Brands Offer Similar Products for Less Money

   

   Healthy skin care doesn't require expensive purchases from the department store beauty counter. Drugstore brands can keep your skin in top shape for less, and the pros often use the same products that you can get at your local big box store or pharmacy on their celebrity clients. Even store brands can be effective. Some store-brand products cost only half as much as their national-brand counterparts. To compare a product from a store brand to one from a national brand, look at the ingredients list to see if they are similar.

3. Learning How Much Product to Use Reduces Waste

   

   So many skin products get rubbed over your body and then rinsed down the drain. Using too much is an example of literally throwing money down the drain. Not only that, but with some facial products, if you use too much, they will leave your skin dry and irritated. Instead of guessing, learn just how much of each product in your beauty arsenal to use. The following comparison to coins can help:

   • Facial cleanser: Use a dime-size amount.
   • Sunscreen: Apply a quarter-size portion to your face.
   • Serums, oils and eye creams: Use a penny-size amount of these products.
   • Retinol: Portion out a dollop that's between the size of a dime and a nickel.

4. Using Moisturizer at the Right Time Gives You the Most Benefit

   

   Moisturizer is an important step in your skin routine, so you shouldn't skip it in an attempt to be frugal. Instead, you should apply it properly so you get the most benefit from the product. After washing, apply moisturizer almost immediately. Your skin should still be damp when you add this product; this allows the moisturizer to lock in the hydration on your skin. With proper use on a regular basis, moisturizer can help relieve and prevent wrinkles, give your skin a healthy glow and provide an even surface to which to apply makeup.

5. Baby Wash Is a Gentle Skin Cleanser

   

   Designed for babies' delicate skin, baby wash is also a gentle way to wash your own skin. Although it's gentle, it can be effective at washing away layers of makeup, and with tear-free formulas, you don't have to worry about irritating your eyes. To treat your skin as kindly as possible, look for brands that are paraben-free and hypoallergenic. If you buy a store brand, you may be able to get a large bottle for around $2, which is much less expensive than many designated face washes. With regular use, your skin may become as soft and supple as a baby's.

6. Homemade Masks Treat Your Skin with Household Ingredients

   

   A face mask is a nourishing treatment that lets your skin really soak in the benefits of hydrating, clarifying or nourishing ingredients. You can buy pre-made masks at the store, but it's cheaper and almost as easy to make your own masks with ingredients that you probably already have at home. For example, a banana mask will moisturize your face and may also clear up acne. Just mash together a medium banana, a few spoonfuls of honey and a large scoop of plain yogurt. Apply it to your skin; leave it in place for 15 minutes before gently rinsing your face.

7. Water Gives Your Skin a Healthy Glow

   

   One of the cheapest ways to keep skin looking its best is to drink plenty of water each day. Celebrities like Beyonce, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Tyra Banks have all claimed that staying thoroughly hydrated is a critical component of their beauty routines. Drinking a lot of water plumps up your skin in a good way, which can minimize the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It can also help keep acne at bay and give your skin a healthier glow. For the best results, drink water steadily throughout the day.

What frugal changes will you make to your skin care routine? I find visualizing my product amounts as coins helps me use just the right amount each time.