Mass-market brands like Olay, Aveeno, Dove, Neutrogena, and Eucerin offer top-notch skin care for a bargain. In fact, I often find that inexpensive brands are better than pricey "boutique" options because big companies can afford to invest more in research and development. Most people can get away with using just three or four products - stick to what's right for your skin type, and you can buy everything you need for $50.
Let's consider the most common skin type: Dry, resistant, non-pigmented, and wrinkled (DRNW). If you're a DRNT, meaning that your skin is "tight" and less prone to wrinkling, you can still learn a lot here -- it never hurts to give your skin more anti-aging attention than it needs. While DRNWs are less prone to breakouts and irritation than others, they do need to be careful to properly moisturize their skin and protect it against the sun, or it can begin to age rapidly. Consider my top recommendations for this type:
Cleanser: I love the Dove Pro-Age Facial Cleanser - it contains glycerin and fatty acids to cleanse without stripping dry skin of the moisture it needs to properly heal and fight lines and wrinkles (about $6).
Morning Moisturizer: Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Lotion SPF 15 includes coenzyme Q10, one of the most powerful antioxidants around, along with sun protection - giving you two essential products for the price of one (about $11). (Tip: You can save money by using an SPF 15 for everyday use - you don't need to load up on SPFs 30 and higher for everyday use, unless you spend much of your time outside.)
Eye Cream: You don't need one. Just delicately pat your regular facial moisturizer around your eye area as you would an eye cream and you're all set. If you prefer a separate one, though, Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Eye Gel is a great option with anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe even the puffiest eyes (about $10).
Evening Moisturizer: If you're going to invest in any element of your skin care regimen, I suggest visiting your dermatologist for a prescription retinoid. Otherwise, you can still get the anti-aging benefits of retinol with an over-the-counter night cream like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream (about $20). (Tip: Always save your retinol product for the evening. The sun inactivates retinol - which is a waste of money any way you cut it!)
Put it all together, and you have a highly effective, skin type-specific regimen for just $50. Not sure what your skin type is? You can always find out -- and get a wide variety of excellent, inexpensive product recommendations -- in my book, The Skin Type Solution.
Wishing you great skin!
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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book," The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.
All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.
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