If you’re a college student, you know the importance of sticking to a budget. Heck, you’re lucky if you can afford a night out with friends during the week, let alone a high-end skin care product. While Ulta and Sephora may seem like the holy land for all things beauty, you can actually get products that are just as effective from drugstores at a fraction of the price.

A typical skin care routine involves some sort of face wash or cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. In addition, if you are acne prone, you can apply acne treatment to problem areas and use face masks once or twice a week. And, believe it or not, you can do all of this on a budget.

Face Wash

It doesn’t matter where you shop. As long as you look at the ingredients in the products you are buying, you can find effective products at high-end stores and drugstores. Always look for a cleanser that is free of sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent that strips the skin of natural oils. Your best bet for a facial cleanser is to find something that is gentle and effective.

Some great examples are products from Garnier. They are gentle, effective, and come at an affordable price. The Garnier SkinActive Face Wash With Green Tea is a deep pore facial cleanser that is made without parabens, dyes, silicones, or sulfates, making it an excellent gentle face cleanser. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is another amazing product that effectively removes makeup without irritating the skin.

Toner

Toning is another critical step in any skincare routine. The primary purpose of a toner is to remove residual oil, dirt, and grime on the skin while also restoring moisture balance. A good toner also actively improves your skin’s texture. If you have dry skin, a good toner can control redness and flaking.

Mario Badescu has an excellent line of skincare, and their Aloe Vera Toner is one of their mildest formulas made for dry and sensitive skin types. This toner helps soothe irritation while unclogging pores and improving texture. While not available at most drugstores, you can score this awesome product on Amazon for less than $20.

Moisturizer

Whether you have dry or oily skin, moisturizing is an integral part of skin care. A good moisturizer restores balance in your skin which means less oil and fewer clogged pores. If you don’t use a good moisturizer, though, it might break you out. Clean & Clear carries a Dual Action Moisturizer that is oil-free and contains a small amount of salicylic acid to help battle acne.

Acne Treatment & Face Masks

In addition to your regular skin care regimen, applying acne treatment to problem spots is an effective way to treat your acne. Any product with benzoyl peroxide will do the trick, and the least expensive products are actually the most effective ones you’ll find. Zapzyt Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel is an excellent spot treatment for acne. Applying face masks once or twice a week is also a great way to maintain a healthy glow. Yes To has a great line of affordable face masks that you can find at your local drugstore. Their grapefruit mask is filled with vitamin C and is great for brightening the appearance of skin.

We Help You Understand Your Skin

While sticking to a budget is important, taking care of your skin is essential, especially in your younger years. A specialist like Jackie Carr can help you to understand how to best take care of your skin on a budget. Our chemical peels can restore and transform the appearance of your skin, and we will advise you on how to best take care of your skin at home on your own. To schedule an appointment, contact PUR-ONE MEDISPA today.