Skin Care Products - Thinking of Changing to Less Expensive Brands

[Anonymous]

I am thinking of switching to new skin care products for my face and would appreciate any advice. For many years I have used Dermalogica. I have nothing against it but recently have been looking at ways to reduce spending. It hit me when I noticed the price of Burt Bee's - I am spending a lot on facial skin care products but not sure if getting more for the cost. What are people's thoughts: Is it worth spending more $s for the higher cost brands, like Dermalogica? Or are there better options out there? Open to suggestions/recommendations on other products. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Check out Boots No. 7 at Target. The Protect & Perfect range is very good & has received loads of publicity in the UK. I've been using it for a year & am very happy with it.

[Anonymous]

OP, understand the need to cut costs however, it is your face and a visible part of you. As you get older, taking great care of your skin can be an asset personally, socially and professionally.

Quite frankly, your skin behavior and age will really determine which path you take.

Personally, I'd cut some other things - the Starbucks coffee, etc. first before cutting skincare.

I made the switch from spa/department store brands years ago to medical grade stuff which is much more effective and much less expensive. You can always buy the cleanser and eye makeup remove from the drugstore. And with medical grade products, you usually no longer need toners, exfoliating products or masques.

[Anonymous]

I use Dermologica, too. I've never found a cheaper product that I like as much. Let me know if you do, though. I wouldn't mind saving some money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, understand the need to cut costs however, it is your face and a visible part of you. As you get older, taking great care of your skin can be an asset personally, socially and professionally.

Quite frankly, your skin behavior and age will really determine which path you take.

Personally, I'd cut some other things - the Starbucks coffee, etc. first before cutting skincare.

I made the switch from spa/department store brands years ago to medical grade stuff which is much more effective and much less expensive. You can always buy the cleanser and eye makeup remove from the drugstore. And with medical grade products, you usually no longer need toners, exfoliating products or masques.

can you give some examples of "medical grade" brands? where do you buy these products?

[Anonymous]

I used La Mer and other expensive products for year. Then I switched to Neutrogena with some Kiehl's eye product about 3 years ago. Drugstore exfoliant as well. I'm 41 and get more compliments on my skin than I have in years. Go figure. Maybe it's because my skin is well-preserved from years of expensive products, but I'm not going back until I see a real need to

[Anonymous]

I don't think you can go wrong with Neutrogena skin care, of course paired with a good sunscreen. I'm almost 40 and have been using them for years - and still regularly get carded!

[Anonymous]

Medical grade skincare has much higher concentrations of active ingredients than found in drugstore and department store brands. They do not need a prescription and are permanent in their work while you use them. No fancy packaging and no nice fragrances. Some examples are Glytone, MD Formulations, Avene, etc.

You need a professional evaluation by a derm doc (often free) to determine your needs and then you can replenish via the web. I no longer buy at the store and have the best skin ever. I am buying products for $50 - $60 instead of over $150 per item. People think I am wearing foundation, but I actually do just a little powder. My skin appear relatively flawless (a few wrinkles around the eyes when I smile) and I'm over 50.

[Anonymous]

I used to spend lots of money on Dermologica, La Mer - you name it. I thought that if it cost a lot, it must be better.

And then I went to a dermatologist, who switched me to Purpose cleanser, Cetaphil lotion (as my facial moisturizer), and Neutrogena Health Defense. That was two years ago. I wouldn't say my skin is better than before, but it is clearly no worse - and for much less money.

[Anonymous]

I love Purpose, Cetaphil (also recommended by my Dr.) and Neutrogena. I can spend more but don't. I love Olay regenerist products and Roc, as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think you can go wrong with Neutrogena skin care, of course paired with a good sunscreen. I'm almost 40 and have been using them for years - and still regularly get carded!

I posted at 22:02, and completely agree with this. I am almost 44, and still get carded regularly.

[Anonymous]

For cleansing, my dermatologist (who looks fabulous, by the way) recommends good old Dove soap. If your skin is sensitive, you can use Dove for Sensitive Skin or Cetaphil.

For moisturizing, she recommends Aveeno Positively Radiant SP40.

I've found them very cost effective, especially with coupons. I used to use the expensive stuff and am just as happy with the above products.

[Anonymous]

I went to a talk with a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial cosmetic surgery/skincare like laser resurfacing, etc. She said the over-the-counter stuff is terrific and recommended anything with Vitamin C and Retin A in it. The line she suggested is European and only sold at CVS. It is called Vichy. Not cheap, but certainly cheaper than some of those high-end brands.

[Anonymous]

OTC products have significantly less Vitamin C and Retin A in them.

Everyone's skin is different and it is important to find a system that works for you. As skin ages, it needs more. No reason you can't combine a mixture of OTC and medical grade products. As mentioned above, spend on the more important stuff and save money with the less-important products.

[Anonymous]

I don't know enough about medical-grade products, but comparing only drugstore brands to department store brands, absolutely you can find as good or better products at cheaper price points. Its important to note that EVERY line has good AND bad products (okay, some have only bad products, but I don't know of any that have only good products). Check out cosmeticscop.com (free advice) and its sister site beautypedia.com ($25/year subscription--absolutely worth it) for scientific/research-based evaluations of products and ingredients, and advice on skin care for a variety of different types/conditions/situations. (They also carry a reasonable skin care line for sale there but I find drugstore products easier to get than ordering online!)

I have oily/combination skin with occasional breakouts. I use Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser, Neutrogena Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Treatment (BHA exfoliant), Stridex Power Pads (benzoyl peroxide treatment), and Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect Foundation. I haven't started in on the antioxidants and retinols seriously, but probably will look into them in the next few years.