I know how much you care about your skin, but beauty products can be so expensive. I totally understand what you’re going through—when I’m planning my budget for the month, I actually have a “beauty” section. Skin care is critical, but so is being smart in these unfortunate economic times. And it’s time to get realistic about your beauty regimen.

Since November is National Healthy Skin Month, the dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) put together a list of their top tips for skin care on a budget, and I’ve helped you out with some awesome (and affordable) products! After reading this, you should be able to look fabulous without shrinking your wallet in the process.

“Clean, treat and prevent. Don’t let a 12-hour period go by without using some sort of treatment or product on your skin (sunscreen counts).” Get in the habit of performing your skincare ritual before school and before bed. It’s not really beauty sleep when your skin’s clogged with leftover makeup and everyday skin pollutants. I use Pond’s Cold Cream ($4.49, drugstores) to remove my makeup every night. It’s inexpensive, and it’s been around forever for a reason (it works!).

“Use sunscreen 365 days a year. This helps prevent sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots or even skin cancer.” Since you’re using a moisturizer and/or makeup almost every day anyway, why not invest in products that have SPF built right in? To avoid clogging your teenage, zit-prone pores, try Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15 ($12.99, drugstores) and Almay Smart Shade Makeup SPF 15 ($8.99, drugstores).

“Get the most from your body moisturizer. Apply it to damp skin as soon as you get out of the shower to lock in moisture.” You shouldn’t just stick with SPF on your face, either. Even in the winter, you should use body lotion with sun protection. Try Eucerin Everyday Protection Body Lotion SPF 15 ($10.29, drugstores).

“Consider using petroleum jelly. This common, inexpensive product has several uses for skin care, like moisturizing rough, cracked elbows, hands, cuticles and lips.” This is a huge way to save a buck. I smother my lips in Vaseline Petroleum Jelly ($4.49 for 13 oz., drugstores) every night before I go to sleep, and they’re super soft when I wake up. Plus, a little goes a long way, so one jar will last you months!

“Use one or two skin care product lines at a time. Limiting product lines saves money and space.” There are so many great products sold together in combination systems. There’s no need to have three different cleansers and five moisturizers from different brands. When you use products from the same line, you benefit even more from their ingredients. Try Clean&Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit ($19.99, drugstores), which includes a cleanser, moisturizer and spot treatment.

“Remember, a more expensive skin care product is not necessarily more effective. Some brands contain fragrances that may lead to skin problems.” It’s true. I’ve used fancy shmancy products that smelled divine, only to find that they were too much for my sensitive skin. I tried Dove White Beauty Bar ($2.99, drugstores), and I had beautiful, soothed skin without spending a moisturized arm and leg.

“Consider dual-function products, like a lip balm with sunscreen.” There are so many multitasking products on the market today that it can be overwhelming. I’ll help you narrow it down with Burt’s Bees Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8 ($4, drugstores).

Remember that you don’t need to spend a whole paycheck on beauty products. Thinking so might leave your skin neglected or your part-time wages squandered. You can have beautiful skin on a budget, as long as you follow our tips!

Stay beautiful!

Kathleen <3

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