Skin care is one of the most essential parts of teenage self care, but at what cost? When you think of skin care, the word cheap does not tend come to mind. Everyone has had their fair share of acne and can understand the struggle of trying to keep nice skin on a budget, but with these products, you can have your face looking and feeling as smooth as a peach while still keeping cash in your pocket.
All of the products on this list are ones that I have personally used with successful results. Although the prices of these products may vary depending on where you buy them and the quantity purchased, the links attached are the best deals I could find.
1. Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask
Price: $10
Use: Blackhead removal, exfoliating, closing pores
Recommended skin type: any
Review: This face mask is an experience that words cannot describe. When the description states that it is a foaming mask, it REALLY means it. The experience I have gotten from using this mask is one that every person needs to have, and on top of its hilarious bubbling it leaves your face feeling as fresh as can be. Although this product does a great job taking care of my skin, this is my favorite one to use solely for the experience provides.
2. Acne Spot Treatment - Benzoyl Peroxide
Price: $4
Use: Acne treatment
Recommended skin type: Any
Review: This product works wonders for big zits and upcoming acne in a very timely manner. Often times I put this on acne before I go to bed and it helps to clear up my face overnight.
3. Oxy Maximum Action 3-In-1 Treatment Pads (90 Count)
Price: $6
Use: Pore cleansing, oil control, acne treatment
Recommended skin type: Normal, Dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature
Review: This is the first skincare product that I came across that actually helped clear up my acne. I use this product every night and sometimes in the morning, and have found that it does the best job of cleaning dirt out of my pores sometimes even after I've already washed my face.
The product comes with a 28-day guarantee, and even has an app to help you track your progress and find which of their products work best for your face. The one drawback of this product is that it can dry out your skin, but with the use of moisturizer that is not a concern.
4. Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera: Toner and Astringent
Price: $7
Use: Cleanses, tones, moisturizes, healing, fading skin discoloration, reducing redness/swelling
Recommended skin type for toner: Normal, dry, sensitive, combination
Recommended skin type for astringent: Normal, oily, acne prone
Review: This product is as refreshing as it is helpful. Not only does it smell nice, but the witch hazel and aloe vera in these products help to calm and soothe your skin. Typically I use this product as the last step of my morning routine by either using a cotton pad to dab it onto my face or putting it in a spray bottle for a refreshing mist before I walk out of my door to start the day.
5. Vitamin E
Price: $6
Use: Nourishes skin, eliminates bags, anti-aging properties
Recommended skin type: oily
Review: This oil is thick so using too much can clog your pores, however, if used properly this oil is a good substitute for moisturizer and can help with oil control, therefore reducing acne. Typically, I like to put this on after my night time skin routine before I go to sleep to give it time to soak in overnight. This is great for people with oily skin because it allows you to regulate your facial oil production.
6. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Price: $8 for 1, $13 for 2
Use: Pore cleansing, fading scars/skin discoloration, eliminating blackheads and whiteheads, controlling skin sebum production
Recommended skin type: any
Review: This mask comes in powder form and you mix it with water to apply it. The mask takes about ten minutes to dry, and while it can start to itch as it gets time to take it off, it leaves your face feeling so clean an refreshed. Every time I am starting to break out I use this mask and it instantly calms the problem areas of my face.
When you wear the mask for too long it can leave your face a little red after washing it off, but overall makes your face unbelievably smooth and helps to reduce/control acne very well.
7. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml
Price: $13
Use: Solution for dryness, dullness, uneven texture (acne scars)
Recommended skin type: Normal, oily, combination, dry, sensitive
Review: This is really good for helping acne scars and the best part is it is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without alcohol, silicone, nuts, gluten, and fragrance.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Price: $6
Use: acne remedy
Recommended skin type: oily, acne prone
Review: Tea tree oil is a great natural option for clearing up acne. One drawback is that is can dry up your skin if you use it excessively, but you should be moisturizing your face anyways which will fix that. Also, the smell of it is very strong but it is a nice in my opinion so I don't mind it.
9. Garnier Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask
Price: $6
Use: Cleanser, pore purification
Recommended skin type: oily
Review: This product is the best of both worlds as either a face wash or mask. This product does not have acne fighting medicine in it, but works to cleanse and purify your skin leaving it clean and softer than any other product I've used.
10. Ice
Price: FREE
Use: Closing pores
Recommended skin type: Any
Review: As weird as it sounds, rubbing ice cubes on your face is the best way to close up your pores and eliminate dirt and acne causing bacterias from entering your face. The best part about this is that you can get ice for free by getting an ice tray and making your own. DIY face products can often be some of the best and at cheap prices, this is the cheapest one I can think of.
