We all want to look good, and we all know we should be practicing the best skin care routine possible. But finding ways to do that on a budget when you’re bombarded with ads telling you to spend the equivalent of a car payment on products each month is another story. So just how do you practice the best skin care possible without going broke? (See also: 10 Budget Beauty Products You Can Make at Home)
Dr. Peggy Fuller, owner of the Esthetics Center for Dermatology in Charlotte, North Carolina, agreed to step up to the plate when I approached her recently about providing practical, affordable ways to take care of your skin. Dr. Fuller treats high-profile patients from all over the world at her medical spa and treatment facility, with people coming from as far away Germany, China, South America, and Africa to receive everything from skin care to spa facials under her care. She has been quoted by such entities as the Associated Press and Black Enterprise magazine for her expertise on black skin care and other topics. Bonus? She even included numerous product recommendations you can find at the average pharmacy chain store. Sweet!
In addition to drinking plenty of water, Dr. Fuller recommends using sunscreen every day with a minimum of SPF 30, desk jockeys included. That’s right, even if you’re chained to your desk at work and never see the sun, you still need to protect yourself with the appropriate SPF product. Three over-the-counter daytime products Fuller’s a fan of are Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer (SPF 30), Cetaphil UVA / UVB Defense (SPF 50), and CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM (SPF 30).
For those who love an affordable nighttime dose of facial moisturizer, she points to the following discount products: Oil of Olay Regenerist Fragrance-Free Regenerating Serum, Pond’s Dry Skin Cream, and CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM.
Most people, says Fuller, are unaware just how much moisture typical soaps and shower gels can strip from your skin. I really expected her to advise something hoity-toity and expensive at this point in the conversation. But guess what she uses at home on her own skin? Sensitive Skin Dove. I love it! Other drugstore product recommendations resulting from our discussion included Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, and Pond’s Wet Cleansing Toilettes. That’s cool news; I love finding healthy affordable toiletries.
Dr. Fuller is adamant about proper diet playing a key role in your best skin care routine. Her recommended list of power foods is a winner in my book. No uber-expensive rainforest berries here (although it’s great if you can afford that type of thing). Just basic, healthy fare that most folks can find at their local grocery stores. Here’s what made the list: dark leafy vegetables, tomatoes, broccoli, blueberries, oranges, salmon, sardines, and tuna. The dark-green leafy veggies are of particular importance according to Fuller, as they contain all sorts of good stuff (technical term) to help reduce wrinkles and increase cell turnover to protect against environmental damage.
When it comes to combining skin care with fashion, Dr. Fuller advises taking a tip from Prince William’s future bride. Hats can look just as stylish on you as they do on Kate, and they shield your face from the sun’s harmful rays while you wear them. Speaking of looking good, Fuller also preaches picking out a great pair of wrap-around sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes. “These don’t need to be expensive,” says Fuller. “I’m a huge fan of shopping at places like Target.” That’s right. She said Target. Gotta love a girl who can keep beauty and budget on the brain at the same time, like Wise Bread’s own Andrea Dickson, for example, who has a number of cheap beauty tricks up her sleeve.
When it comes to great skin care, there are a couple of things Fuller reminds us we are better off just doing without. Like sodas, for instance. She recommends ditching them in favor of things like water or green tea, which can help reduce the cellular inflammation associated with aging. Additionally, she points to tanning beds and sunbathing in general as enemies to any skin care routine. “If you want a glow, use a spray-on or other self-tanning product,” says Dr. Fuller.
I always love to hear when dermatologists use the same inexpensive products they recommend -- it's nice to know they aren't just giving us cheaper versions of more effective, pricier items.
Anybody else have frugal skin-care finds? I like scouring the beauty section at T.J. Maxx. The only downside is when I find a product I love and can't find it on a discount again.
