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Skin care doesn't have to be expensive

A woman's reflection in a mirror as she smiles and touches her face.

April 13, 2026—Do you really need to spend big bucks for healthy-looking skin? A lot of advertisers and influencers would have us think that. But for most of us, a good skin care routine comes down to some basic practices and products that can be fairly inexpensive.

A firm foundation

From adolescence through old age, some simple steps can help your skin look its best. Start with these tips, courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Skin Cancer Foundation and other health experts.

Cleanse your skin twice a day (morning and night) and after sweating. After wetting your skin with warm water, apply a cleanser to remove dirt, oil and makeup. Use a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser, and use only your fingers to apply the product with circular motions. Using a washcloth or anything else can irritate the skin. Rinse away the cleanser, and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Moisturize at the right time. Apply a moisturizer right after a shower or bath to lock water in your skin. This extra moisture can reduce the appearance of fine lines. It may help your skin look "glowy" and more youthful.

Moisturizers don't have to be fancy—just right for you. If you have dry skin, you might look for a cream with ceramides or hyaluronic acid. If you have oily skin, a light gel-based moisturizer might be better.

Use sunscreen regularly. It's one of the best things you can do for your skin, and that's not hype. Sunscreen helps guard against premature aging signs, such as skin spots and wrinkles, as well as skin cancer.

Whether you prefer chemical or mineral sunscreens, a wide range of options (and price points) are available. Look for water-resistant, broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours if you're outdoors.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Most things that are good for your overall health are also good for your skin:

  • If you smoke, do your best to quit. Smoking makes skin age faster.
  • Get to bed on time. A good night's sleep helps every part of your body, including your skin, renew itself.
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods. It's often the best way to give your skin the nutrients it needs.

Tweak as needed

The basic steps are a solid start. But don't be afraid to adjust to meet your needs. That could include:

What about anti-aging products?

Sunscreen and moisturizers are the best anti-aging products you can buy, according to the AAD. If you decide to add other products to help minimize the appearance of aging:

  • Try one new product at a time. Wait a few weeks to see how it works and how your skin reacts. (Test a small amount on your inner forearm for a few days before applying it to your face.)
  • Focus on your specific skin concern. No single product does everything.
  • Expect modest results at best. No lotion, potion or pill actually reverses aging. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Know that more expensive doesn't always mean better. Anti-aging products come in all price ranges, according to the AAD.

Sound advice for younger skin

Tweens and teens may see viral skin care videos online and want to try them, but they don't need adult skin care products or routines, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. They shouldn't worry about wrinkles and dark spots yet! Some products may even harm young skin or cause long-term sensitivities.

Instead, kids and teens should stick to skin care basics mentioned above (especially regular sunscreen use).

Concerned about your skin?

A dermatologist can offer individual, expert help with many different skin concerns, from acne to questions about your skin type.

Sources

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