Did you know that we can start to develop wrinkles and start to show signs of aging as soon as our early 20s? If you did, then you’re probably a skincare junkie just like me. If you’re not a skincare junkie, then your mom gave you some great advice. When I first started to become interested in taking care of my skin, I believed that higher-priced products essentially meant better ingredients, and that I absolutely had to use expensive products to get the best results. The saying, “You get what you pay for,” was lingering in my brain as I added some unnecessarily expensive items to my Sephora shopping cart. I wish I would’ve known that just because an item is expensive, doesn’t mean that it’s always the best product out there! I know it now - hundreds of dollars later.

Taking care of our skin in my opinion, is the most important thing we can do for ourselves. It is, after all, the largest organ of our bodies! While all of your friends are getting Botox in their 40s, you will have amazing skin if you put effort into your skincare starting now. So, if you’ve been wanting to customize a skincare routine for yourself, but have been hesitant due to the steep prices of some products, this article will be your saving grace.

pasted image 0-2.png — **1. Teena Clar-i-ty Facial Cleanser**

Teena by BeautyChickee is a natural skincare brand created by a nineteen-year-old Youtuber (okay, goals). She set her mind to creating a line that would guarantee her followers and subscribers help with their skin concerns. This cleanser sells for $15.99 (which is such an affordable price) and has all the cleansing properties a person could ever want. One ingredient that is listed in this product is salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid that will help to exfoliate any dead skin while also cleaning your pores out. You can shop this item on their website!

pasted image 0-3.png — 2. **Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner**

You’ve probably heard the hype over this toner thanks to social media, but it really is a holy grail item. Using a toner is one of the most overlooked steps in a skincare routine, but it’s essential for prepping the skin and returning it back to its original pH. This Thayers toner is $8.79 and can be purchased at Target, Walmart, Ulta, or Walgreens.

pasted image 0-4.png — **3. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane**

Retinol is honestly one of the best products that we can put on our faces. Retinol targets so many skin concerns with just one product! It reduces fine lines, boosts collagen production, evens hyperpigmentation, and improves the texture of the skin. What more could anybody want? This retinol serum sells for $5.80 (I know - so affordable) and can be purchased at Sephora or Ulta.

**4. Trader Joe’s**
**Ultra Hydrating**
**Gel Moisturizer**

Because who doesn’t need a good moisturizer? This Trader Joe’s hidden gem is considered the ultimate dupe for La Mer’s Creme de La Mer. While the La Mer moisturizer is set at a whopping price of $335, this Trader Joe’s dupe is only $8.99. Isn’t having clear, dewy, and plump skin one of the best feelings in the world? Talk about saving some coin!

**5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen**

The most important item in this whole article! Sunscreen is something you should be applying to your skin every single day, and reapplying throughout. Some sunscreens can be ridiculously expensive, but Neutrogena has some great, budget-friendly options that do the job. This Neutrogena sunscreen sells for $7.97. It can be purchased at Walmart, Target, CVS, and HEB.

**6. Bliss Ex-Glow-Sion Radiance-Boosting Eye Cream**

The skin under our eyes is the thinnest skin on our face. Unfortunately, this means that it is the most prone area to damage and thinning! The best way to prevent this damage is by starting to apply eye cream at an early age. It’s better to be safe than sorry! This Bliss eye cream is great for dark circles, dryness, and overall brightening of the under-eye area. This item retails for $17.99 and can be purchased at Target or Ulta.

pasted image 0-5.png — **7. Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub**

Exfoliating is a crucial part of a skincare routine. It helps to rid the face of any old skin that may be trapping bacteria, thus causing oxygen to circulate and gunk to be released from the pores. However, many exfoliators contain microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles that are believed to make the exfoliating process more effective. Unfortunately, these microbeads can lead to microtears in the skin, causing a ton of damage. This Simple exfoliator uses rice granules instead of microbeads (yay!). It retails for $9.52 and can be found at Walmart and CVS.

The extensive steps of a skincare routine might seem a bit overwhelming after reading this, but we promise the time and effort you put into your skin will result in a happier lifestyle. As mentioned before, starting a regimen early can really slow any aging that will take place in the future. Of course, aging is not entirely preventable, but there are many measures we can take to give our skin the care it needs and deserves. We hope you are able to use this article to find affordable skincare products that work for you and eventually customize your own perfect regimen.

Article by Sofia Perry

Underrated and Affordable Products Your Skin Needs