My fellow broke college student, are you tired of having skin that you are less than proud of? Are you ready for a change that will lead you to glowing, clear skin? Well, I’ve got something to tell you and it’s going to absolutely blow your mind: it is totally realistic to achieve your skin goals while on a budget. Shocking, right? We’ve all seen those Instagram and YouTube videos of beauty gurus using high-end, expensive products but we don’t have the time (or money) for that. Nevertheless, I got you, sis, on the ways you achieve your skin goals while on a budget.
Always Wash Your Face Before Bed. There Are 86,400 Seconds in the Day and You Still Can’t Find the Time to Wash Your Face?
Since there is indeed 86,400 seconds in the day, I know for a fact that you can find the time to wash your face! When you’re taking a shower make sure to dedicate 30-60 seconds to lathering up your face with foamy goodness. Just by taking the time out to do this, you will be removing a day’s worth of dirt, oil, and pollutants which can help promote clear skin.
Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub ($8.19 CVS)
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser (5.99 CVS)
Biore Baking Soda Liquid Cleanser (7.99 CVS)
Tip No.2- Never Pop Your Pimples. Your Skin’s Telling You No but Your Fingers are Telling You Yes
How can something as satisfying as popping a pimple be so harmful? Yes, popping your pimples can lead to scars, more breakouts, or even an infection. But if you succumb to the urge to pop, remember this: wash your hands and under your fingernails vigorously, use cotton swabs instead of your fingertips for a safer pop, and apply spot treatment immediately afterward.
Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment (8.99 CVS)
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication (7.49 CVS)
Skin + Pharmacy Advanced Acne Therapy Spot Treatment (8.99 CVS)
Tip No.3- Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize.
Is moisturizing really that important? Well, in short, yes. Parched skin is a big no-no. Dry skin will make your face more susceptible to breakouts. I challenge you to slather moisturizer on your face after washing it. You will be able feel your skin change right before your eyes; your skin can go from extremely dry to soft and supple in a matter of seconds. Remember to moisturize, your skin will thank you for it in the future.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer Pink Grapefruit ($6.59 Target)
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Moisturizer (6.49 CVS)
Tip No.4- Get Some Sun, but Not Too Much Sun
Shinin, Shinin’, Shinin’, Shinin’ yeah
All of this winnin’
You’ll definitely be “winnin’” once you allow those golden rays of sunshine to penetrate your melinated skin. Just being in the sun triggers your body to start producing vitamin D, which majorly contributes to skin cell growth and repair. A bonus would be that lovely, tanned glow the sun blesses you with afterward. However, beware, it is a myth that African-Americans don’t sunburn, we do. Therefore, make sure to keep in mind your skin’s limits well while you’re soaking up the suns delicious rays. For more information about the sun’s benefits, click here.
Tip No.5- Exfoliate: Exfoliate Your Way to Skin Goals
Get that dead skin off, girl, it’s no good. When dead skin cells pile up, the result is excess oil and clogged pores which leads to blemishes and acne. That’s exactly what we are trying to combat. Get those fresh, and new skin cells working by exfoliating away the dead skin so that your skin will be left nice and healthy. For more information about exfoliation, click here.
Burt’s Bees Peach & Willow Bark Deep Pore Scrub ($9.19 at CVS)
Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub ($8.19 at CVS)
Tip No.6- Don’t Be Afraid to Try Again…and Again
Like my girl Aaliyah sang, “If at first you don’t succeed. Dust yourself off and try again”. That applies here. Not every product is going to work for every skin type and the first product that you use may not be solution to your problem. You just have to keep modifying your routine until you finally find something that works perfectly for you and you’ll be right on your way to poppin’ skin.
Lead photo from Jackie Aina