From investing in costly eye creams to splurging on facials, it’s almost too simple to exhaust your budget attempting to appear youthful in this era. Nonetheless, dermatologists and nutritionists suggest numerous economical ways to achieve radiant skin as you age—and most of their suggestions require little more than a visit to your medicine cabinet. To discover how to attain the skin you desire without spending excessively, continue reading for their top advice that won’t strain your finances.
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6 Budget-Friendly Ways to Get Glowing Skin
1. Experiment with a lymphatic drainage self-massage.
If you haven’t yet caught wind of the trend, lymphatic drainage stands as the latest wellness craze, and for valid reasons: It can reduce puffiness in your face.
“The stagnation of lymphatic fluids, which often occurs after a night’s sleep, adds weight to the skin and leads to stretching and sagging,” explains Valerie Aparovich, a certified cosmetologist-aesthetician, biochemist, and science team lead at OnSkin. “When performed regularly and properly, lymphatic drainage massage aids in achieving more defined facial features and a rejuvenated, rested appearance. Along with a smoother skin texture, such massages accelerate metabolic processes within cells, promote a brighter complexion, and fortify capillary vessels.”
You can utilize your fingers or a gua sha tool for a lymphatic drainage self-massage, but ensure to apply a skin-friendly oil first to your whole face and neck. Additionally, consult your doctor or esthetician regarding the specific massage techniques to employ, as there might be potential side effects from these massages.
2. Utilize medical tape and castor oil.
“Two items you likely already possess at home can significantly soften fine lines on your face: medical tape and castor oil,” states Christy Calafati, a beauty expert and makeup artist.
According to Calafati, castor oil acts as an exceptionally effective moisturizer—especially around the eyes—aiding in reducing the visibility of crow’s feet.
“Another thing to pair with castor oil is medical tape,” Calafati adds. “Medical tape, a far less costly alternative to Japanese face tape, works just as effectively, if not better. And many individuals already keep this in their medicine cabinet.”
Medical tape helps maintain the skin’s position, creating a Botox-like effect by keeping your facial muscles relaxed, thereby preventing the formation of expression lines. When using medical tape on deeper forehead lines, Calafati recommends pulling the skin taut and applying a piece of tape approximately two or three inches long. Doing this nightly will certainly lead to noticeable improvements in your skin, she suggests.
“It’s advisable to stick the tape on your hand and pull it a few times to reduce its initial stickiness, and exercise caution around the eyes,” she adds. Once again, consult your healthcare provider before adopting this routine.
3. Simplify your makeup routine.
“Wearing heavy foundations may accentuate wrinkles as the product tends to settle into the lines,” remarks Valerie Aparovich, a certified cosmetologist-aesthetician and biochemist at OnSkin.
“Concealing under-eye bags with a thick concealer can exacerbate fluid accumulation and puffiness, giving the appearance of fatigue,” she clarifies. “Applying excessive setting powder to even out the skin or fade hyperpigmented spots can result in a cakey appearance, emphasizing signs of aging.”
The takeaway? Less is more when it comes to makeup as you age. Aparovich also advises choosing cream, gel, and liquid formulas when possible—these are less dehydrating and can contribute to a more plump and supple complexion.
“Opting for lighter, watery foundations or tinted moisturizers can impart a more youthful and revitalized appearance to the skin, fostering a healthier radiance,” Aparovich suggests. “Matte lipsticks tend to absorb water and dry out the lips, causing them to feel tight and wrinkled, whereas moisturizing lip glosses can render your lips plumper and fuller.”
4. Pursue foods rich in antioxidants.
Free radicals—molecules known for damaging cells—accelerate the aging process. Luckily, many of nature’s delicious offerings are brimming with antioxidants, which can counteract and prevent their detrimental effects. Some particularly antioxidant-rich foods encompass berries, cherries, nuts, brightly colored vegetables, and dark leafy greens.
“Eating papaya can contribute to a younger appearance as you age because it contains a wide array of antioxidants that combat free radical damage and enhance skin elasticity, thereby minimizing wrinkles,” adds Megan Darlington, a registered dietitian at Test Prep Insight.
“Increasing your intake of broccoli can also enhance your skin’s appearance since it boasts high levels of vitamin C and K, arguably the two most essential anti-wrinkle antioxidants. These antioxidants play a vital role in collagen synthesis, which maintains skin firmness,” Darlington emphasizes.
5. Maintain adequate hydration.
How much water do you consume daily? If it’s less than 11.5 to 15.5 cups, you might be dehydrated—a condition that can significantly impact your appearance.
“Maintaining hydration significantly influences the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails,” states registered dietitian Madelyn Larouche. “Given that our bodies are composed of 60 percent water, it’s crucial. Hydrated skin appears luminous and radiant, whereas dehydrated skin looks lackluster, flaky, and dry.”
Larouche suggests enhancing hydration by incorporating electrolytes into your water, such as adding two tablespoons of lemon juice, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and two teaspoons of honey to two cups of water.
Aparovich strongly recommends starting your day with a full glass of water—when your body is most dehydrated after a prolonged night’s rest.
“Water plays a vital role in activating the lymphatic system, responsible for regulating the body’s fluid levels, detoxification, and combating inflammation and infection,” she elucidates. “Consistently drinking water in the morning can contribute to a clearer, fresher, and smoother skin appearance.”
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6. Safeguard your skin from sunlight.
According to Beth Goldstein, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon at Central Dermatology Center, one of the most effective measures for maintaining youthful skin as you age is shielding it from the sun. In fact, Goldstein asserts that 90 percent of skin aging is attributed to UV ray damage.
Goldstein recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen—minimum SPF 30—every morning and reapplying it every few hours when outdoors. Additionally, she advises wearing a hat when spending extended periods outside—whether gardening, reading on the porch, or relaxing at the beach.
