About Face

Beautiful Skin for Less than $10

At some point we all go through phases when the skin on our face betrays us in some manner. I was lucky in high school and college because I rarely got a blemish of any kind. Little did I know that once I hit my 30's my face would decide to make up for lost time. In my quest to deal with my combination skin, I've learned a few things about what works for me as well as what doesn't. I'm a remarkably frugal person. I tend to try to stretch my money as far as I can, so I needed to find something affordable that actually WORKS. So here and now, I'm going to divulge my top 10 products that are under $10 that worked for me.

 1. St. Ives Apricot Scrub - this little gem is the best thing I've found for exfoliating. It's great for getting rid of the dead skin cells that dull your complexion and make your skin look dry and flaky. There is also an acne formula available. Price: under $4 at Walmart.
  St Ives Swiss Formula Blemish & Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub 6 Oz
St Ives Swiss Formula Invigorating Apricot Scrub 6 Oz

 2. Substitute exfoliating tool - I've seen the little battery powered exfoliating tools on TV. They have a rotating brush on them and they charge anywhere from $20 - $50 dollars for this "amazing tool". Funny thing... for Christmas my husband gave me a battery powered pedicure kit that has a took the looks very much like the pricier tool. He paid less than $8 for it at Walmart. I have very sensitive feet and can't use a "brush" on them, so the brush in the kit is now used 2 - 3 times a week to scrub my face. It has worked wonders on my skin. The kit also comes with file, pumice, and callous file attachments, so you can actually take care of your feet and your face for under $8!!! You can get the same tool here...
 Neat Feet Trim Portable Pedicure System

 3. Neutrogena daily cleansing wash (under $6),is the best cleanser I have found. In general, all of Neutrogena's products that I've used were effective and it's one of the few brands that I have come to trust. When I use daily cleansing wash with my face scrubber, it does a great job at removing my make-up and preventing break-outs. Walmart has the lowest price that I've found thus far for it, and they also have 2-fer deal going.
 Neutrogena(R) Facial Cleanser Normal to Oily Skin Deep Clean(R) 6.7 Oz
Or you can save a little more with the 2 pack
Neutrogena Facial Cleanser Normal to Oily Skin Deep Clean 6.7 oz (Pack of 2)

 4. St.Ives Collagen Elastin Moisturizer - This is one of the few moisturizers that doesn't make my face oily or cause me to break out in zits. It doesn't take much at all, and the collagen elastin helps keep your skin looking young.
  St. Ives Swiss Formula Collagen Elastin All Skin Types Facial Moisturizer 10 oz (Pack of 2)

 5. Peroxide - Yes. Really. When it comes to preventing outbreaks as well as quickly getting rid of the blemishes once they've erupted, I haven't found anything better. Many of the acne creams are primarily peroxide. Those creams dried out my skin and caused dry skin bumps to appear and made my skin flaky - particularly on my cheeks. I have found the treating with basic hydrogen peroxide soaked into a cotton ball and dabbed onto the area where my outbreaks occur works well. Just be sure to moisturize afterwards because it can dry out your skin over time. Price: under $2.

 6. To get rid of the redness that commonly comes with pimples, try putting some Visine on it it. I'm not kidding. It really DOES get the red out! Visine Original Tetrahydrozoline Hci Eye Drops, 1 oz

 7. Pores. It's almost a dirty word. The best pore refining product I've found comes from the good folks at Neutrogena. It definitely improved the appearance of mine. That right, I'm not afraid to say it. I HAVE PORES! Neutrogena Toner Pore Refining 8.5 oz (Pack of 2)

 8. It can be hard to clear out the pores on your nose, but I swear by Biore Pore Strips. They're easy to use, not loaded with harsh chemicals, and you can actually see the impurities that they remove right on the strip. Biore Pore Strips Deep Cleansing 14 Ct

 9. Hot water and mild soap. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your face is simply wash it with a gentle soap and water as hot as you can stand it. Giving your face a break from chemicals and make-up can work wonders. The hot water helps open up the pores and the soap of course cleanses. Gently scrub your face with a washcloth or just use your fingertips. Rinse well and pat your face dry. I suggest Ivory soap if you have oily skin, and Tone or Caress if you have dry skin.

 10. When it comes to fading dark spots I'm old school. Porcelana Fade Cream is still made and on the market for a reason. Just remember, this type of cream can irritate sensitive skin and it is intended to be used sparingly.

 NOTE: I CAN NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE TIPS AND PRODUCTS WILL WORK FOR YOU. I AM NOT A DERMATOLOGIST. I'M JUST SPEAKING FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE.