Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to break the bank. While the skincare industry is flooded with expensive creams and serums, there are plenty of affordable options that deliver real results. So, where should you start, and what should you look for?

First, let’s talk about the basics of a good skincare routine. Regardless of your skin type or specific concerns, there are a few key steps that everyone should follow. Morning and night, start with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities from your skin. It’s important to choose a cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils, so look for hydrating, soothing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera. Next up is moisturizer. Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is crucial to maintaining your skin’s health and balance. Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog your pores. Ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, and jojoba oil are great for providing hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

Depending on your specific skin concerns, you might want to add additional steps to your routine, such as a toner to help balance your skin’s pH, an essence to provide an extra boost of hydration, or a serum to target specific concerns like acne, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation. When it comes to affordable skincare products, drugstores and online retailers offer a plethora of options. One of the most well-known and trusted brands is Cetaphil. Their Gentle Skin Cleanser and Moisturizing Cream are classics for a reason—they’re effective, gentle, and suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Another great option is CeraVe. Their products, like the Hydrating Facial Cleanser and Daily Moisturizing Lotion, are developed with dermatologists and packed with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

If you’re looking for something more tailored to specific skin concerns, brands like The Ordinary and The Inkey List offer a wide range of affordable serums and treatments. For instance, if you struggle with acne, try incorporating a product with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help unclog pores and kill acne-causing bacteria. Both of these ingredients are available in leave-on treatments or washes from drugstore brands like Neutrogena and Clean & Clear. Just be mindful that these ingredients can be drying, so always use them alongside a good moisturizer.

For more of an all-in-one approach to brightening your complexion and fading dark spots, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can be found in many affordable serums. The Ordinary offers a highly effective yet inexpensive vitamin C suspension cream, which can be applied in the morning before sunscreen to take advantage of its antioxidant properties. Moreover, don’t underestimate the power of sunscreen in your skincare routine. Sun damage can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and pigmentation issues.

A good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher will protect your skin from these issues. Look for options that say “broad-spectrum,” meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays, like the popular and affordable Neutrogena Hydro Boost sunscreen. When it comes to affordable skincare, there are plenty of options to choose from. You don’t have to compromise your budget to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Often, the simplest and most affordable products are the most effective, and with a bit of trial and error, you can create a skincare routine that suits your unique needs.

Now, let’s discuss a few specific product recommendations within each step of your routine. As mentioned, a gentle cleanser is key, and one that fits the bill perfectly is the Cerave Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. This cleanser starts as a creamy gel and transforms into a soft foam, effectively removing makeup, dirt, and excess oil without drying out the skin. It’s also enriched with hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture, making it an excellent choice for those with dry or dehydrated skin. If you’re looking for an affordable toner, Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner is a classic choice. Free of alcohol, parabens, and propylene glycol, this toner helps to balance the skin’s pH, refine pores, and soothe the skin with natural ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel, which has natural astringent properties.

For a budget-friendly moisturizer, we recommend the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream. This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer provides long-lasting hydration thanks to its formula containing hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin. It has a refreshing gel-cream texture that absorbs quickly, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. To target specific skin concerns, The Ordinary offers a range of affordable serums and treatments. If you’re looking to improve signs of aging, their “Buffet” serum is a multitasking powerhouse that targets multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and dehydration. It contains a blend of peptides and amino acids that work together to improve skin elasticity and texture.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of sunscreen. We recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50. This sunscreen is a game-changer for those with dry skin, as it provides broad-spectrum protection while also hydrating the skin with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Its lightweight, oil-free formula is non-greasy and won’t clog pores, making it suitable for daily use. These product recommendations are just a starting point. With a bit of research and experimentation, you can create an effective skincare routine on a budget that caters to your unique skin type and concerns.

Remember, the most important step is consistency. Give each product a few weeks to see how your skin responds and adjusts. Taking a gradual approach to introducing new products will help you understand what works best for your skin in the long run.