Most are pinching pennies during the recession and holidays, but that’s no reason for your skin to suffer. Here are a few wallet-friendly tips to help you revamp your skin care regimen…
Get Face Mapped. This is a complimentary service offered at the Dermalogica on Montana concept space in Santa Monica with no appointment necessary! A licensed skin therapist analyzes your skin from forehead to collarbone, identifying potential problems, unique needs, and how to treat them professionally. They will also tell you what type of products you should be looking for and how to use them correctly. Why? Because many consumers have bathroom cabinets full of products they don’t ever use, as they are not correct for their skin condition, don’t get results or might actually irritate their skin. The majority of today’s consumers are mystified about their own skin type and condition which leads to wrong purchases therefore wasting money on products that don’t work or make them breakout.
Try before you buy! Another tip is to try the prescribed (after being Face Mapped) products directly on your skin at a skin bar. Many spas, salons and specialty retail stores offer this great service to shoppers. Under the watchful eye and guidance of a skin therapist you can sit at the bar and try all the products that have been recommended to you on your skin and learn tips on how to correctly use them at the same time. This also teaches you how much or little to use, techniques for getting the most of your products and how to remove cleansers, etc. If you haven’t got time to sit and try, then ask for samples to try at home. Collect samples of your favorite products and use them for travel.
Invest in multipurpose products, products that double up for a few functions! For example, a clay-based cleanser for oily skin can also be used as a 3 minute mini masque that’s absorbs oil, leaves the skin matte and deep cleanses the follicles (pores). A spritz toner for the face will also work on taming frizzy hair and hydrating the skin on the body. A nourishing lip balm is also excellent for dry cuticles, shoes that pinch on the heels and smoothing eyebrow hairs. Look for a tinted moisturizer with SPF – this helps you save as it’s a 3 in 1 product: you get coverage, moisturizer and sun protection. Buy a cleanser with hydroxyl acids that also doubles as an exfoliant, or use a facial brush with your cleanser to get that exfoliating action. A soothing repairing face masque can also be used on insect bites, rashes and sunburn. A hydrating serum that boosts moisture levels can ensure that you don’t have to change up your moisturizer through the changing seasons just boost the moisturizer with the amount of extra hydration you need in the summer, fall and winter. Apply directly to the eye area versus using an eye cream. Add your spf to your Moisturizer or foundation to get sun protection instead of having to invest in several sunscreen products – simply customize your favorite moisturizer with your spf.
Use less product or make your product go further! Most people use way too much product and need to replenish before its necessary. So knowing how much to dispense will help you to make your products stretch further. A foaming gel cleanser requires just a pea size amount and goes a long way when mixed with water. Higher grade products are more concentrated and may cost more initially but you will use far less due to the higher quality formula and concentration. Use a woven body or buffing cloth for your shower gel or wash, apply a little of the product to that versus directly on your body and see how far it goes – you will use 50% less guaranteed.
It’s not about pretty packaging! Think about the packaging and store products correctly. Most skin products contain water, fats and waxes in the formula (anything that’s a gel, lotion or cream) and should therefore be kept away from direct sunlight and preferably stored in a cool, dark environment. Keep in mind that tubs and jars require you to open a lid and dip in a finger or spatula and taking the lid off alone subjects the product to airborne bacteria (think about the type of bacteria in a bathroom too). Look for contamination hygienic packaging like pumps and tubes that dispense exactly what you need and you’ll use less, won’t need to throw it out and have safer product to use. Even some of the most expensive $400 creams still have this type of easy to contaminate packaging! No amount of preservatives (and fragrance that masks rancidity) can cope with a dirty finger being plunged into it every day and it will turn quickly and you will have to throw it out or you can keep using it and get an eye infection! Total waste of your hard earned dollars.
For more complimentary skin care advice, visit the Dermalogica on Montana Skin Bar at 1022 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica CA, 90403 (310) 260-8682.
