Simple and inexpensive skincare

I describe myself as aging-indifferent. I don’t have an aching desire to look younger and don’t care much about wrinkles, but I do want clear skin. Sure, I’m just a crazy kid with a dream, but I also don’t want to burn up my retirement savings on fancy products that feed the illusion of youth.

While I acknowledge my skin looks better without the benefit of the evil magnifying mirror, I do seem to be experiencing mild acne, which I did not have when I was young. Why now? I don’t know, but I kept saying I needed to visit a dermatologist so I could get a professional recommendation on a simple and inexpensive skincare regime.

Then I concluded most derms have their own fancy products and procedures to sell, along with inbred anti-aging bias, and the chances of me getting out of there with a minimalist game plan were slim to none. I started reading.

My objective was to find reasonably priced products I could purchase at my local drugstore and a simple routine even an aging-indifferent minimalist could love … something more gender-neutral, as opposed to beauty-focused. So, first, I settled on a regime. Then I looked at specific products, and ladies and gentlemen, there ain’t no shortage.

I like Neutrogena, even though they are owned by corporate giant Johnson & Johnson, which has some splaining to do over asbestos in its talcum powder of yesteryear. Alas, I’m not a black and white sort of person and mostly swim in the gray areas of life. Sort of like Mayor Pete, who said he didn’t approve of Chick-fil-A’s politics but kind of approves of its chicken.

Better for me to squint and carry on with money in my pocket than to search for some pure and magical potion made by holistic skin fairies in France. I just need some shit for my face.

Here’s where I landed:

Morning

  1. Cleanse – Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
  2. Vitamin C Serum – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
  3. Moisturizer with Sunscreen – Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer (SPF 50)

Evening

  1. Cleanse – Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
  2. Retinol Cream – Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum
  3. Moisturizer – Cera Ve PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Buying a product with the words “wrinkle repair” rather offended my aging-indifferent sensibility, but all my reading suggested retinol would help clear up my skin, so I caved. I started the regime a few weeks ago, and I have been astonished. My face has pretty much cleared up, and despite my best attempts, I look younger. Seriously, my skin looks visibly firmer and brighter.

And, I confess, I like it.

Although I read tons of articles, mostly using search terms dermatologists and skincare, here are the two that resonated with me:

Six Top Dermatologists Reveal Their Skincare Routines

The Simple Skincare Routine Dermatologists Recommend

Are you using retinol? Vitamin C serum? I knew about retinol but missed the day on Vitamin C. According to reports, Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant that protects the skin from the damage of ultraviolet rays and pollution. It also helps the skin absorb collagen, which contributes to your skin’s firmness.

9 thoughts on “Simple and inexpensive skincare”

  1. I am using neither, but I dont have your skin care issues. I simply have dry, dry, dry , dry to the point that yes, it matters whether I use Ponds or clinique. So dry it needs to be moisturized multiple times a day no matter how well hydrated I am (extra dry skin, welcome to Colorado). I use a brand name (Lancome) cream washable cleanser, moisturizing skip wipes most evenings and a day cream with spf and a night cream. These cost me around a hundred dollars a quarter and like my 150.00 SAS sandals, are worth it. But I recognize most people dont need what I need. My daughter swears by good ole CeraV

    1. It’s always complicated to find the right products for our unique situations. Glad you found yours. I used to travel to Littleton on business, and after just a few days, my skin was like sandpaper. Horrible chapped lips every time.

  2. I am going to try the vitamin C one and the Cera Ve. I need to pay more attention to my skin care routine. This inspired me. I will say that the different products really do make a difference, for example if I get a good foot cream, I look for the ones that have some acid in them to help slough off the dead skin. My favorite is Burt’s Bees Foot Cream.

    1. I’ll have to check out the foot cream. Other than my toenails, I never paid much attention to my feet. So many body parts to take care of.

  3. I have rosacea so I have to be careful. I do see a dermatologist and she prescribed a cream and a cleanser. Been using about 6 months and I can tell a difference. I used to use the Neutrogena cleanser you do and really liked it. I use an eye makeup remover and moisturizer from Paula’s Choice. Both are worth the extra price.

    1. I was probably too hard on the derms! Glad you got the products you need. I do like that Neutrogena cleanser. I had tried Cetaphil and others, which were too drying for me.

  4. You have inspired me also to pay better attention to my skin care needs. Always too busy to really experiment and see what will work. Would normally just go to a department store and try a brand. I have yet to find things that I think are worth the time and money and make any difference that I can see. Now getting to the age where I need to be a bit more proactive. I have just purchased some of your products recommended. Wish me luck! BTW I started using Burt’s Bees leg and foot cream this winter for calloused and dried feet. Made a world of difference! Love it!

    1. That’s two votes for the Burt’s Bee cream. I’m getting it today. I hope the products work for you — I truly have been pleased and surprised. Like you, I didn’t find anything worth the time and money.

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