A flawless complexion can make a person look younger and healthier. It can certainly help bolster their confidence as well. Your complexion is the foundation of the face you present to the world. However, if you’ve read up on what celebrities use to get that glow, it can seem impossible because of the cost. How many articles have you seen about celebrity X’s thousand+ dollar routine she uses each day?? I don’t even read them. What’s the point? I can’t afford that. From creams that cost several hundred dollars to laser therapy that can quickly add up to thousands, so how can the average person improve their complexion on a budget?
Natural remedies can often be effective, and there are tricks to getting insurance coverage for even pricey medical treatments. If you want to improve your complexion without breaking the bank, here are six ways to go about it.
1. Recognize that acne sometimes requires medication.
Seeing a dermatologist is just as important as seeing your general physician. If you’ve tried over the counter treatment or medication for acne and it’s not working, it’s time to kick it up a notch. Whether or not your insurance will cover certain prescriptions depends on numerous factors. However, even very expensive options like Accutane and Aczone often have “club prices” that your dermatologist knows about or a coupon or sample they can give you. It simply requires having the right coupon, or perhaps going through an online pharmacy, to get medication that works for a sliver of the at-cost price. Many effective medications even have a generic option that can fit in your budget. I was on a generic antibiotic for acne for several years in my early twenties and I think it was only around $5 a month and it worked really well.
2. Sunscreen is your best friend.
Sun damage is the number one cause of premature aging. Lines, wrinkles, and brown spots can all be prevented with a good sunscreen regimen. Even better, sunscreen doesn’t have to cost a lot. As long as the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, is at least 30 SPF, and isn’t expired, it’s effective. However, you will need to seek out water-based sunscreen specifically for the face(or
risk a breakout). I try to ensure as many of my skin products as possible have SPF. You can find moisturizers, lip balm, and foundation with SPF.
3. Diet plays a big role.
You are what you eat, and both health and beauty start from the inside out. A healthy diet and good amount of water are key to a better complexion. Further, limit alcohol consumption to provide even more benefit for your skin. If this is difficult, there are medical treatments available to help you. What you eat can also play a role in flare-ups with rosacea, so you’ll want to identify any trigger foods and avoid them. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory items is also a great way to boost your complexion. I incorporate berries into my breakfast each morning to start my day of right with food that has antioxidants that can help my skin.
4. Keep moisturized.
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin does still need moisture. In fact, it’s often a sign that your body is overcompensating for lack of moisture. It’ll require some trial and error to find the best moisturizer for you. And still don’t forget the sunscreen! Sunscreen designed for the face is often the ideal amount of moisture. Never skip sunscreen because you fear it will make your complexion oily. I even have two different kinds of moisturizer, one for daytime and one for nighttime.
5. Choose a good eye serum.
Did you know the skin around the eyes is very thin, and often the first to show signs of aging? It’s never too early to adopt a good eye care regimen. The Oil of Olay line, available over the counter, is consistently ranked as having some of the best skincare products. I’ve always had good luck with their products and my favorite moisturizer is Oil of Olay. Try their retinol cream to help tackle those fine lines and wrinkles. Make sure when you apply you only use your ring fingers to avoid rubbing in too hard.
6. Cold water reduces pore sizes.
Pores will always get clogged, especially if you wear makeup, but regular exfoliation followed by a cold water rinse can help. See an esthetician to safely unclog pores and deal with pimples without risks of infection or scarring. A pimple is a temporary annoyance. Don’t let it scar your skin and become a mark that stays forever.
Your complexion is often the first thing people notice about you. Put your best face forwards and prioritize your complexion without overspending!
