How Much Should You Spend on Skincare?
Each month, the skincare world introduces the next must-have and advanced product or skincare line to address fine lines, dark spots or acne.
But the questions start to arise: do I need to spend $45 on a cleanser when the one I have works well? And do I need to buy and entire skincare line and its products to get the best in skincare? The answers vary per person, especially when it comes to what products someone has already tried and their concern and age category.
The good news is that great skincare does not have to break the bank and can happen at home with just a few investment pieces. According to aesthetician Kerry Benjamin, owner of Spa Benjamin in Mar Vista, CA, the three pieces of advice she recommends to her clients for at-home skincare maintenance are:
1.Invest in skincare devices, such as cleansing brushes or LED devices for fine lines or acne
2.Wash smarter with the right cleanser
3.Focus on hydration for all skin types (including oily), but don't invest to much money on a moisturizer. Instead, focus on serums, which have high concentrations of active ingredients.
Skincare Devices
Now more than ever, skincare devices are easily accessible outside of spas and dermatologist offices and just as easy to use. The bonus: they help prolong visits to the spa and dermatologist. The Clarisonic brushes are recommended by U.S. dermatologists and aestheticians since they are gentle for all skin types, clean 6 times better than using hands alone and, promote micro-circulation, which helps with cell turn-over. Bonus: they help make products, such as serums and spot treatments, work better.
Cleansers
While a cleanser with high-end and active ingredients may sound ideal, keep in mind that cleansers only sit on the skin for 1-2 minutes before being washed down the drain. However, make sure to find one that works with your skin type. Neutrogena’s Fresh Foaming Cleanser is soap-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic and safe enough to remove.
Moisturizer
Remember that every skin type needs moisture. However, also remember that their #1 job is to hydrate only: moisturizers have larger molecules and do not penetrate the epidermis. Instead, focus on investing in a serum, since the molecules are smaller, penetrate the epidermis and go to the layers of skin that need treatment and repair. Philosophy’s No Reason to Hide is a multi-tasking serum that uses ingredients including vitamins B and C to addresses multiple concerns, including uneven texture, fine lines and discolorations.
Tips and Tricks:
• Where to spend: facial serums and eye creams.
• Where to save: cleansers, masks, exfoliators, toners, moisturizers and SPF. Along with cleansers, masks and exfoliators only sit on the skin for a short period of time. Look for any alcohol-free toner and choose a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher.