Great Skin Does Not Have to Be Expensive!

The cosmetics industry spends millions of dollars a year trying to convince people that their potions and lotions are the key to beautiful, clear skin. While the quality of many of the products are excellent, the price you pay for anywhere from half to one ounce of these products are not really worth it. There are easier, widely accessible, and less expensive ways to pamper your skin.

Wash your face with a soap free cleanser. You can buy a no frills soap free cleanser at any local pharmacy. Most large chain stores will even carry their own store brand which is usually 50% cheaper than the major brands. Make sure that it's soap free. Soap dries out skin.

Also, buy something without fancy fruit extracts or fragrances. While it's lovely to smell like strawberries, the fragrances and extracts found in cleansers do exactly what you don't want them to do--irritate your skin! A basic, no fragrance, soap-free cleanser without nifty pebbles or additives is ALL you need to wash your face. Also, don't buy the hype of branding, you really don't need to go to a department store to buy some designer version of these basic cleansers, it's all the same stuff.

Invest in some cheap baby wash cloths. Instead of buying an exfoliating cream or those disposible cloths that come pre-soaped and are expensive, think about stopping at a Target or Walmart and pick up a pack of baby wash cloths. They come in packs of 3-5, are very soft, small, and cheap. These are great for washing your face because they will give you more traction to actually cleanse the dirt off but are small enough that they are easy to use. Moreover, since the soap free cleansers don't lather a great deal but are more like creams you use to wipe off the dirt go farther when you have a wash cloth. Also, since they are cheap, you can use them for about 2 weeks and either throw them away or throw them in the laundry.

Buy moisturizer with SPF. Again, store brand basic moisturizer with SPF 15 is more than sufficient. If you want to splurge on moisturizer and buy something more expensive, do your research first. Companies make all sorts of claims about the magic of their product. Creams can't turn the clock around and won't make you any better looking. Try Paula Begoun's website for reviews of cosmetic products based on the type of ingredient. Some more expensive products DO have the ability to moisturize better but again, don't expect them to work magic.

Buy a night cream (if your skin can stand it). If your skin is not too oily, consider buying a night cream. Really, any heavier facial moistuzier without sunscreen (which can irritate your skin at night while you sleep) can serve as a moisturizer. This isn't a must but at night when you're indoors and asleep, your skin has an opportunity to rest along with your body. A night cream after you wash your face at night before bed may be good idea.

Try some home remedies.

1. Yogurt with honey makes a great mask. Inexpensive and easy, try mixing 2 parts PLAIN yogurt with 1 tablespoon honey and apply on face. Let dry. It won't get hard but you will definitely notice some change in consistency. Leave on for about 10 minutes and wash off with water and washcloth. Apply light moisturizer.

2. Cucumbers over the eyes are cliche but they are great for bags and circles. Cut slices of cucumber and slap them on the eye. Close your eyes and use the opportunity rest as well.

Drink water. Your body needs water and your skin needs water to be supple. Don't forget those 8 glasses a day!

Sleep! Rest! Don't stress! Stress and exhaustion can really tire the skin and make it look dry and irritated. Of course we all get stressed but give yourself a few minutes every day to relax and take the day in stride.