The Right Skincare Products Matter
We are all told that we should implement some type of skincare regime if we want to appear more youthful over time, reduce breakouts or just gain an overall sense of confidence from a clear complexion. The problem is most people don’t know where to start, given the millions of brands to choose from.
Take a good look at your medicine cabinet, good chances are it’s full of half empty bottles long forgotten about or products that you keep trying to convince yourself to love. As a self-admitted beauty junkie, I have no shame in admitting the hundreds of dollars I’ve spent trying to find the Holy Grail products that would change my life. One thing I’ve learned in my quest to find a cure all type products is that quality skin care doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
This list of products contains a mix of the Top 10 Skin products you should own, all under $20!
Top Skin Products To Start Using Now
Biore’s Deep Charcoal Cleanser
- Contains Charcoal is an active ingredient; this essentially acts as a magnet pulling out impurities deep below the surface of skin.
- This tingling like sensation is gentle on skin while removing build up caused by cosmetics and natural oil accumulation without stripping skin.
This particular product is geared toward those with oily skin, who are constantly battling trying to keep shine at bay. Those with oily skin often make the mistake of over washing their skin; stripping away essential oils. This imbalance of oil then causes glands to shift into overdrive to compensate for the lack of oils. This removes excess oil while replenishing with essential oils, so that way your skin isn’t left rough to the touch.
Charcoal Pulls Out Impurities
[Link: The 5 Best Toners To Improve Your Skin Under $20]
Cetaphil Daily Cleanser
There is a reason why this cleanser consistently makes dermatologists’ best list, time and time again. Although it carries a soap-free formula, it still has major cleansing power to remove dirt and buildup without irritating skin. For those with sensitive skin and looking for a fragrance free option, this product is perfect! The thing I like most about this product is its lotion like consistency without leaving a thin layer of film behind on skin. Another highlight of this product is its non-comedogenic properties which prevents the product from clogging in your pores, leading to potential breakouts.
Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
Now toners are considered optional for those without oily skin; but, for those with combination or oily skin it is that extra step that can make all the difference. Most toners have some form of alcohol that can further strip skin of essential oils that can dry skin over time and further compound oily skin. Witch Hazel makes a great toner because it is found in nature and gentle on skin.
This particular variety is one of my favorites to use because of its alcohol free formula and refreshing scent. Some of the highlights within the ingredient list are the rose petal, aloe vera and grape seed extracts. All these ingredients are known for their deep humectant properties and being gentle on skin.
The scent of this product is naturally fresh and soothing on skin when dabbed on with a cotton pad. You would be amazed of how much dirt and grime can be removed with simply one swipe. For me this is the most satisfying part, because then I know the product is truly working otherwise all that gunk would stay sitting on the surface of my skin!
Nature's toner
InstaNatural Rose Water Facial Toner
Following with the rose trend, this rose based toner mist is refreshing and cooling to the skin. I love to use rosewater mists to refresh skin throughout the day, especially on a those warmer days of the year, when the oil seems to pile on. Rose water contains fatty acids that help capture and lift bacteria from the surface of skin, leaving a more radiant, glowing appearance.
In addition; roses, have anti-inflammatory properties which make it great for those suffering with eczema, cyst acne and even Rosacea. For me I like to spritz this product if I’m not going to use water to wash my makeup off. I just have to mist over my face and use a cotton pad and the makeup seems to melt off with little to no tugging of my face!
Radha Beauty Retinol Moisturizer Cream for Face and Eye Area
Moisturization is often considered the last step within a skin care regime to seal in vitamins, antioxidants and proteins to help generate healthy skin cell production and create a barrier against free radicals found in the environment. Usually the eyes are a tall tell sign of aging, due to its thin consistency, the constant tug and pull of makeup application leads to the development of crow’s feet.
This product is packed with a cocktail of anti-aging ingredients that will help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to the reduction of elasticity by our bodies as we age. Some of the highlights of this product are: retinol (vitamin a derivative that helps increase cell turnover), hyaluronic acid (water sacs to fill in fine lines), green tea (naturally contains caffeine to promote anti-inflammation) and Vitamin E. Not only does this product come packed with good for you ingredients; it has a light clean scent that won’t irritate the area around the eyes.
[Link: 6 Anti-Aging Ingredients You Should Be Using]
CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion
This product has a rich thick consistency that you can feel melt into skin as it’s absorbed. Despite its consistency, this formula truly is non-greasy and doesn’t leave a film like layer over skin. Some highlights of the ingredient list are the cocktail of anti-aging powerhouses
- Niacinamide (boosts collagen production and creates a lipid filled barrier to protect skin),
- Hyaluronic acid (holds moisturize and has ability to carry as much as 1,000 times its weight)
- Lavender Oil promotes anti-inflammatory repair
Neutrogena Hydra Boost Water Gel
This is probably one of my favorite moisturizers I have used more recently. It has a gel like consistency without the stickiness or film like property. One of the highlights of this formula is hyaluronic acid as one of its key components. Hyaluronic acid is a lubricant found in between the spaces of your joints (otherwise your bones would grind against one another). I find that the consistency of this one almost works much like a serum and gives off a radiant glow (for those seeking a dewy look).
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing
Now clay masks are great to do about 2-3 times per week (depending on skin type). Think of them as a deep conditioner you do about every so often to neutralize your hair. Every so often your skin needs a restart, a blank slate so to say to keep it break out free! Clays in general are great for minimizing the appearance of pores that can lead to breakouts and painful whiteheads. The tightening sensation is normal as the clay works to pull out impurities.
This clay is great because it contains 100% natural calcium bentonite clay (a lot of clays out there are filled with added fragrances and fillers that can trigger allergies). It’s great for drawing out blackheads as well, I used with both water and apple cider vinegar and found that I had better results with the vinegar, as the water led to a clumpier consistency I’ve used all kinds of masks. For best results don’t let mask completely dry (take off right before it completely hardens for best results) .
Radha Beauty Vitamin C Serum
When it comes to anti-aging, Vitamin C should be one ingredient in your arsenal. The highlights of this serum include: hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, witch hazel and Mandarin orange peel extract. All these ingredients are known for boosting collagen production and protecting the barrier of your skin from further damage from free radicals and stress. Vitamin C is also one of the key components found in facials because they help
- Brighten skin
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Peel away dead skin to reveal a more radiant appearance.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Every now and then we all deal with a break out and when time is not on your side, you need a product to spot treat it. This drying lotion is perfect because it doesn’t contain harsh sulfates that can cause your skin to peel. It is formulated with salicylic acid, an ingredient known to dry out acne from the surface down.
Maggie Lin had this to say of her experience using this product:
“A staple in my skincare routine! I feel insecure without it tbh because this literally make pimples disappear overnight. Even for deeper/larger pimples it helps reduce size and healing process. Bought this over and over, and I don't think I'll ever not buy this! I am a teenager with crazy hormones and this helped so much with the occasional breakouts. Before I found this, I was trying so many things – from drugstore to high end- and nothing works as well as this. The price isn't exactly cheap, but it is definitely worth it.”
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