Beauty & Wellness
Smart Beauty Investments For Long Lasting Savings
My passion for skincare began at a young age. Although I am a millennial who grew up before TikTok, which opened the door to countless beauty routines, my teenage self was captivated by the quest to create an ideal skincare formula for a clear and radiant complexion. For me, it felt like a scientific experiment to determine what was most effective. This led me to frequent my local Lush and drugstores, in search of the best face masks and moisturizers.
Looking back, I didn’t fully grasp that my skin quality then was likely at its peak. However, I am thankful for having started my skincare practices early, even as I cringe at the money I wasted on various “miracle” products throughout that journey.
Over the years, through much trial and error, I have come to understand that not every product on the market is essential for a solid skincare regime. The reality is that some skincare items, techniques, and treatments are indeed worth the investment, provided you know where to direct your attention.
To help you avoid unnecessary spending and reduce the trial and error process, I consulted with two skincare experts who established their own brands. I sought their insights on what defines an effective skincare routine, focusing on which investment products are genuinely worth splurging on to provide long-term savings.
Reasons to Invest in Your Skincare
With an overwhelming array of products available, starting your skincare routine can be daunting. However, according to experts, beginning a simple regimen early can be a wise investment. Allison McNamara, founder of the acclaimed MARA Beauty, recounted how she began using a low-strength retinol in her mid-teens. “I think using retinol was incredible for long-term skin health and also assists with the hormonal acne many of us experience during puberty and later. I was prescribed Retin-A Micro at 15 but had been using cosmetic retinol from Neutrogena a few years earlier—this is one of the best decisions I made for my skin!”
Yet, your initial products don’t have to be overly complex. Dr. Loretta Ciraldo recommends starting with a cleanser and sunscreen during your teenage years and incorporating a Vitamin C serum as you approach your late teens or early 20s. “Serums are an excellent investment since they contain actives that penetrate deeper into the skin and generally lead to more noticeable improvements compared to other skincare types,” Dr. Loretta noted. McNamara also emphasizes her dedication to Vitamin C, describing it as a product she uses “religiously in the morning.”
Selecting the Right Skincare Investments
Both experts agree that skincare is essential, and a successful routine need not be overly intricate. Key components include a cleanser, serum, and sunscreen, with options available across all price ranges. For those not breastfeeding or pregnant, incorporating retinol a few times weekly can effectively address issues from acne to wrinkles.
While these products may not yield immediate results, they can prove valuable in the long run. For instance, consistent use of sunscreen helps prevent sun damage and reduce cancer risks over time. Retinol is another advantageous product to introduce early, as it promotes skin cell turnover and improves uneven skin tones, potentially averting the need for more intensive treatments later.
Beauty routines can be costly, and the vast range of product options (and their prices!) can be intimidating. Understanding what merits a financial commitment versus what can be sourced from a drugstore is crucial for both your skin’s health and your wallet in the long term!
Budget vs. Investment Skincare Products
Cleanser
A gentle cleanser is fundamental in keeping skin free from dirt, debris, and makeup buildup. For thorough makeup removal, an oil cleanser is highly effective, and following up with a second gentle cleanser ensures your skin is clean without losing vital moisture. Good news: a cleanser can fit any budget—there are plenty of effective options available at every price point.
Sunscreen
When it comes to skincare, sunscreen may be the most crucial product for both skin integrity and overall health. Choosing the correct sunscreen with an appropriate SPF rating is vital, and it is essential to apply it generously throughout the day. Remember to extend application down your neck and to use a full-body sunscreen as well.
Vitamin C Serum
The popularity of Vitamin C serums has surged, thanks to their ability to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s worthwhile to conduct thorough research to find the most effective serum for your needs. Selecting a stable Vitamin C serum is essential for achieving the desired results. Many Vitamin C serums also blend well with complementary ingredients that offer additional benefits. Brands such as True Botanicals provide a Vitamin C powder that can be combined with your preferred serum to enhance its potency.
Exfoliating Serum or Peel
As Retinol promotes cell renewal, it is essential to integrate an exfoliating serum or peel to eliminate dead skin cells. While I fondly recall the days of using St. Ives Scrub in my younger years, the current recommendation leans towards serums enhanced with exfoliating components like lactic acid, which tend to be gentler on the skin.
Retinol
When researching anti-aging skincare components, Retinol consistently emerges as the leading option. This ingredient is effective for addressing various concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. Available in different potencies, Retinol may cause irritation for some skin types, so it’s advisable to start with infrequent use—once or twice weekly—and gradually increase application as your skin adapts.
Investment in-office skincare treatments
In addition to an at-home skincare routine, seeking professional treatments is an investment worth considering. It’s essential to have regular check-ups with a dermatologist for general health, but there are also various in-office aesthetic services that can yield more significant results than those possible at home.
According to McNamara, microneedling is a highly effective minimally invasive treatment that employs tiny needles to create microinjuries in the skin. This technique can address issues such as acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks, with enhanced outcomes achieved through multiple sessions.
For individuals struggling with acne or pigmentation issues—conditions that can be exacerbated by pregnancy—Dr. Loretta suggests undergoing a set of glycolic peels in a professional setting. Your provider will collaborate with you to determine the appropriate strength based on your specific requirements and desired outcomes.
Although these treatments can be costly, they are undoubtedly an investment. When performed accurately by qualified professionals and supplemented with fundamental practices like the use of sunscreen, these procedures may deliver results that typical skincare products alone cannot achieve.
Investment at-home skincare tools
While not essential, at-home skincare treatments can also contribute to maintaining clear skin and provide a soothing wind-down routine at night. McNamara recommends LED masks and microcurrent devices for skin tightening as beneficial tools for home use.
Another at-home treatment she advocates for is facial massage, which can be done manually or with a Gua Sha tool. This technique is an excellent way to apply serums and helps release tension in the facial muscles, which often carry tightness.
Even though they are not required, at-home beauty devices can provide a practical means to enhance your skincare routine comfortably at home. However, this is…One area where spending a bit more initially can be advantageous is in beauty tools. Devices such as LED masks and microcurrent tools might demand a higher upfront investment, but generally, those priced higher are designed for longevity compared to their more affordable counterparts.
