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Affordable Skincare To Make You Feel Your Best

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TAMUSA chapter.

Whether its hormonal acne, “maskne” or just watching way too much skincare by Hyram. We all experience the casual zit here and there and it leaves us feeling insecure. There is nothing we should be insecure about because it happens to all of us. However, we can’t help but want to be able to control it. Here are some affordable skincare products that I’ve personally tested out or researched the ingredients for them. 

★- Cruelty-free

 

Cleansers!

Cleaners are single-handedly the most important part of any skincare routine. Always try to cleanse in the morning and at night. One cleanse should be enough, unless you have more stubborn skin, then double cleansing is 100% okay. This is a very important step because it helps get all the dirt, oil, and makeup that can be clogging the skin.

Things to look for in ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid

Big No NOs: Fragrance, Alcohol, Witch Hazel

 

La Roche-Posay ($14.99)  ★ (in the United States)

Where to Buy: Target, Ulta

Currently, this has been my holy grail product. I began to use this a few weeks ago and I have seen a huge difference in my skin. If you have hormonal acne, which is usually around the chin area, this product has helped. It has Niacinamide in it which carries anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps control sebum production which controls oil so it won’t clog up your pores. This product is cruelty-free and works well if you have sensitive skin or dry skin. 

 

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser ($21.00) ★

Where to buy: Sephora

This product contains Glycerin and Allantoin which helps soothe the skin while also making the skin look a lot smoother. If you have combination skin this will most likely work for you! It does not contain any harsh chemicals like sulfates or fragrances. 

 

The INKY List Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser ($9.99) ★

Where to Buy: Sephora

Whether it’s normal, oil, or combination skin, this is a universal product for anyone. It targets blemishes and also any oils that are stuck in the pores. The Salicylic acid is meant to help exfoliate your skin while the Zinc helps control the oil and any redness. 

 

Unscented Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser ($8.99) ★

Where to buy: Target, Walmart

A gentle cleanser for fungal acne and sensitive skin. It does not have fragrance or parabens and it is highly recommended by dermatologists if you suffer from rosacea. It doesn’t strip your face or leave it feeling dry which is perfect for sensitive skin. 

 

Moisturizers!

If you watch SkinCare by Hyram you know how important moisturizer is to any skincare routine. Using a moisturizer helps with skin complexion and retains the moisture in the skin by relieving irritation. We also want to use a moisturizer to avoid any damage that the environment may cause it. Moisturize right after cleansing, morning and night. 

 

Cerave  ($14.94) ★

Where to find: Target, Walmart, Walgreens, HEB

Hyaluronic acid is your best friend while hydrating your skin. This is also my current moisturizer and I love it. It doesn’t feel sticky, and it absorbs well into the skin. The Ceramides in the lotion help restore the skin barrier. This moisturizer is best for normal skin.

 

Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream ($13.99) ★

Where to find it: Target

If you have oily skin then this product is for sure the move. When I used this, it felt very lightweight which is amazing! When you have oily skin, you don’t want to feel like there’s all this extra product on your face.. The green tea and aloe vera in the moisturizer helps with redness and keeps the skin very hydrated

 

e.l.f. Happy Hydration Cream ($12.00) ★

Where to Find it: Target

I tried this for a while and it made my skin feel amazing! The only reason I stopped using it was that I struggled to find it at my local Target. It has Hemp seed oil which helps keep the moisture locked in along Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and many vitamins. 

 

Exfoliators!

You want to exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and help newer cells grow. This benefits us with achieving healthy skin. Chemical exfoliation is the best way to go because it’s more gentle on the skin. If you use scrubs it can tear parts of your skin barrier that will become noticeable as you get older. Whenever you are using exfoliators make sure you do a patch test on your arm to see if it will react badly on your skin. We don’t want to get a chemical burn!

 

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($7.20) ★

Where to find it: Ulta, Deciem

You’ve probably heard of this popular mask from TikTok. This peel contains Glycolic acid and Lactic acid. Two ingredients that help restore any textured problems in the skin and helps reduce scarring from past acne. I will say if you have sensitive skin this might not be the right thing because it’s too strong. The mask is meant to be left on for 10 minutes then washed off with warm water. Make sure to put sunscreen afterward because the mask makes your skin more sensitive to the sun the next day. 

 

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% Serum ($6.80) ★

Where to find it: Ulta, Deciem, Sephora

If your skin is on the sensitive side, Lactic acid is a good alternative to heavy AHA and BHA’s. This works very well for any uneven skin tones, textures, or fine lines. It also works for any skin type (normal, oily, combination, dry). This product is also meant to help reduce sensitivity in the skin.

 

Sunscreen!

UV Rays can set back whatever progress your skin is making. Sun exposure can lead to quicker aging and acne scarring. The sun makes any skin problem worse and you don’t want to spend money on products if the sun is only going to constantly set you back again. WEAR SUNSCREEN! 

 

PURITO: Centella Green Level Safe Sun ($18.00) ★

Where to buy it: Purito, YesStyle, Amazon

I know, I know, this is a tad pricey for sunscreen but this is honestly one of my all-time favorites. It has UVA/ UVB protection, it doesn’t have fragrance, and it works for combination skin. You can wear it under makeup and it won’t irritate your eyes. One of their main ingredients is Centella asiatica and this helps reduce any skin inflammation while also helping heal damages due to the wound-healing properties in Centella.  

 

Neutrogena Age Shield Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 110 Oil Free – ($10.97)

Where to buy it: Target, Walmart 

This is my current sunscreen and it works really well.  It’s very lightweight and also oil-free. It has UVA/UVB protection which helps delay natural aging. It hydrates and protects six layers deep into the skin. The only negative about this product is that it leaves a bit of a white residue after applying too much. 

 

Skincare can be hard sometimes and you have to find what’s right for your skin. It’s a lot of trial and error but don’t get too discouraged. It’s part of the process and remember, you are all beautiful no matter what!! Eating healthy, drinking water, and using Non-Comedogenic products will help you achieve healthy skin. Good luck Mijas/Mijos!

Hello Everyone! My name is Lori Day. I am currently a Senior double majoring in Nursing and English with a minor in Legal Studies.
Lanie is a junior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio majoring in Communications with a minor in English. She is a passionate journalist with interests in lifestyle, entertainment, and enjoys creative writing on the side. When she's not typing away on her computer, you can find her updating the Her Campus TAMUSA Instagram page or reading a book. To discuss her wild conspiracy theories, you can reach her at lpere034@jaguar.tamu.edu or @lanielovee on Instagram.