Don’t Have A Skincare Routine Yet? Here’s Your Guide To Beginner’s Affordable Skincare 

If you think good skin can only come with good genes, it’s time to think again. Only a small fraction of how good your skin looks will depend on your DNA, the rest relies on your lifestyle, your food habits, and your skincare routine. It’s time to start a beginner’s affordable skincare routine. Skincare is a game changer. No matter what your skin situation is, following a good skincare routine consistently is sure to give you results. Though skincare will help, if you really care about how your skin looks and feels, then it’s important to start skincare early & get clear skin. Prevention is better and easier on the pocket!

With so much noise in the beauty market on how to protect your skin and the best way to hydrate or the best way to glow – everyone has an opinion, and everyone has a hack or a must-have. Trying to keep up can leave you feeling woozy. Skincare is a very personal choice, you can either follow or skip. If you are unsure about what to add to your skincare routine or are looking out for a routine that’s affordable and gets the job done, or just wants to brush up on the basics of skincare, keep reading.

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare: How To Start?

If this is your thought, contrary to common notion, skincare need not be expensive to be effective. The primary goal of a skincare routine is to bring out the best version of your skin and keep it as young as possible. A good skincare routine will help you brighten and address skin issues like acne, marks, and signs of aging. Even though skincare will give you healthy skin, one needs to beware of being delusional. Skincare is not an anti-aging elixir. While it’s not going to make you look like a teen in your 70s or make you look immortal, skincare is going to make sure even in your 70s your skin looks its best self.

Skincare when picked and used right consistently, will definitely make you look and feel better. I personally consider skincare to be therapeutic. Following a simple and effective skincare routine for your skin type and age will bring noticeable changes in yourself and gradually you start loving yourself more, which is very important these days. So, let’s get started! 

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare Routine Based On Your Age And Skin Type

In every skincare routine, there are four basic steps that anyone can follow CTMP- Cleansing, Toning, Moisturising, and Protecting. If you get this right, then the basics are done. Before starting any skincare routine it’s important to understand that skincare doesn’t work as an instant fix. Rather, skincare needs time to work and show results. While trying out products one should generally use it for over six weeks every day to notice any significant difference. Another important point to keep in mind is the order of applying skincare products.

Always ensure that you apply skin products from the order of thinnest to thickest for proper penetration and absorption of the products into your skin. Everybody’s skin is different. Therefore skin care needs to be different depending on your skin’s concerns and goals. But certain basics can apply the same for everyone. We call it the basic beginner’s skincare routine. Here we have an affordable skincare version that anyone can easily follow.

Basic Beginner’s Affordable Skincare Routine

Let’s dive into the affordable skincare routine for every beginner out there!

Facial Cleanser

The recommended number of times to wash your face with a facial cleanser is twice a day- morning and night. This can help in combating dullness, acne, getting rid of excess oil, dirt, etc.  Using the right type of facial cleanser will clean your face without leaving it dry and dehydrated.

How To Choose The Right Type Of Cleanser According To Your Skin Type?

Normal Skin/ All Skin Types

Micellar water: When it comes to beginner’s affordable skincare there is none other than the cheapest yet the best product is this one. Micellar water is a great option for all skin types. If you have no idea which type of cleanser will suit you, starting with micellar water is a great option.

Originating in the French lands micellar water is a magic potion that can effectively absorb dirt and oil from the skin. All you need to do is swipe it across your face using a cotton pad. All your makeup and dirt will come off instantly. Micellar water is soap-free, hence the chance of causing irritation and dryness is very low.

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare Product Recommendation – Normal Skin

1. Cetaphil Face Wash Gentle Skin Cleanser
2. Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash
3. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
4. Garnier skin Natural micellar water Bi-Phase
5. Bioderma – Sensibio H2O
6. Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water
7. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Purifying Micellar Water With Oil-Free Technology
8. Mamaearth Rice Face Wash With Rice Water & Niacinamide For Glass Skin
9. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
10. Mamaearth Ubtan Face Wash With Turmeric & Saffron For Tan Removal
11. Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser
12. Biotique Face Wash Papaya Deep Cleanse
13. Dot & Key Barrier Repair Gentle Hydrating Face Wash
14. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam

Oily Acne-Prone Skin

Foaming cleansers work best for oily and acne-prone skin. These cleansers come as a foaming liquid that can help in effectively cleaning the skin and removing excess oil. For acne-prone skin, a foaming cleanser with salicylic acid works well in reducing inflammation as well as in controlling blackheads and whiteheads.

Affordable Skincare Product Recommendation – Oily/Acne-Prone Skin Type

Here are some of the best beginner’s affordable skincare cleansers for oily or acne-prone skin.

1. Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Cleanser With LHA & Zinc for Oily Acne Prone Skin 
2. The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Gel Face Wash with Salicylic Acid & Witch Hazel for Active Acne
3. Mamaearth Tea Tree Face Wash Acne & Pimples
4. COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
6. Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash
7. Dr. Sheth’s Face Wash with Neem & Salicylic Acid
8. Lotus Herbals Tea Tree & Cinnamon Anti-Acne Oil Control Face Wash
9. Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam
10. Re’equil Oil Control & Anti Acne Face Wash

Sensitive Skin/ Problematic Skin

Best beginner’s affordable skincare for sensitive skin? We recommend sensitive skin beauties try oil-based cleansers, not only are they gentle on the skin but can also effectively cleanse it without drying out the skin. Oil has the ability to absorb oil hence if you are worried about putting oil on your face don’t be. While choosing oil-based cleansers, do check out the ingredient list and avoid brands that have harsh chemicals or fragrances on the list.

Skin with issues like redness, dry patches, eczema, etc. can opt for facial cleansers with glycerin. Glycerin is one of the best ingredients in skincare that can clean as well as add hydration to the skin.

Affordable Skincare Product Recommendation – Sensitive/ Problematic Skin Type

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
2. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
3. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

Mature/ Aging Skin

Opt for cleansing balms. Cleansing balms are formulated with shea butter and various plant-based non-comedogenic oils that can effectively clean as well as hydrate the skin.

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare Product Recommendation –  Aging/ Mature Skin Type

1. Deconstruct Soothing Cleansing Balm – 0.1% Bisabolol And 1% Avena Sativa Oil (Oats Oil)
2. Plum E-Luminance Simply Supple Cleansing Balm 
3. HK Vitals Collagen Face Cleanser by HealthKart
4. Arata Natural Anti-Aging Kit for Men & Women
5. DermDoc anti-aging Foaming Face Wash with Retinol Acid
6. TAC Vitamin C Foaming Face Wash for Anti-Aging
7. Good Vibes Wine Anti-Aging Face Wash
8. Lotus Herbals YOUTHRx Active anti-aging Foaming Gel
9. Olay Total Effects Age Defying Face Wash

Toner

Toners are supplements, unlike what they used to be in the late 80s, toners are no longer stinging or harsh, or alcohol-based. The product has evolved over the years. Today toners are all about rebalancing the skin. But not everybody needs a toner.

For example, if your facial cleanser is very hydrating and pH balanced, you might be able to do without a toner. On the other hand, if you use a face wash with actives, that might dry out or leave your skin stretchy. Then a toner will instantly add the lost hydration back into your skin. The best way to apply toner is with clean hands. Just add a few drops in your palms and dab it on your face.

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare: Toners For Normal/Sensitive/ Dry Skin Type

1. Alps goodness toner- cucumber
2. Dot and key hydra essentials tonic skin soothing tone water
3. Plum E luminance nourishing tone water

Can choose toners with Rose water, green tea, or hyaluronic acid(1) in them for that extra boost of hydration and glow.

Affordable Skincare Routine: Toners For Pigmented Or Acne-Prone Skin

1. Plum Bulgarian Valley Rose Water Toner
2. Good Vibes Green Tea Glow Toner 
3. Love Earth Hyaluronic Acid Toner

These people Can choose toners with Alpha and beta hydroxy acids or tea tree. These ingredients are great for controlling sebum production, unclogging pores, minimizing sun damage, and brightening the skin.

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare: Toners For Mature Skin

1. Pilgrim Tea Tree Purifying Toner
2. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 
3. Pore Refining Face Toner
4. Minimalist PHA 3% Alcohol-Free Toner For Pore Tightening, Mild Exfoliation & Hydration With Biotics

It’s best to use toners with Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E. These ingredients are great in fighting free radicals helping in preventing aging to an extent.

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare Routine: Moisturizer

Since we are talking about beginner’s affordable skincare moisturizing is the key! Yes! even if it’s oily skin! Moisturizers are formulations that help in smoothening the skin as well as adding moisture. There are three types of moisturizers that you can choose from based on your skin concerns, Humectants, Occlusives, and Emollients. Humectants help in drawing moisture from the atmosphere into the skin, keeping it hydrated throughout the day.

Emollients(2) are more oil-based and hence helps in adding natural oils into the skin, making them a perfect choice for dry skin type lastly occlusives are thick moisturizers that help in sealing in the moisture into the skin hence preventing moisture loss, these type of moisturizers works best for aging skin as with age the skin tends to lose its moisture.

How To Pick A Moisturizer For Your Skin Type?

Selecting moisturizers in your beginner’s affordable skincare need not have to be confused or expensive. Moisturizer is mandatory no matter what your skin type is. The key to finding the right moisturizer for your skin is picking the right consistency for your skin type. Here is how you can choose the perfect moisturizer

1. Normal/Combination Skin:

One of the best choices for combination and normal skin is to stick to something that’s lightweight but very hydrating, i.e. lotion. Lotions don’t feel heavy on the skin but at the same time leave your skin soft and supple.

Affordable skincare Routine: Moisturizers Product Recommendation For Normal Skin

1. Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser
2. Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion
3. Emolene Cream by Fulford India Ltd
4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Moisturiser SPF 15
5. NIVEA Soft Aloe Hydration Cream

2. Oily/Acne Prone: 

Lightweight gel-based moisturizers are great for oily and acne-prone skin types as they do not clog your pores or irritate active acne. They are also easily absorbed into the skin making you feel less oily and matt.

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare Routine: Moisturizers Product Recommendation For Oily Skin

1. Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel
2. Cipla Excela Moisturiser
3. Ponds Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E
4. Simple Daily Skin Detox Ultra Light Liquid Moisturiser
5. Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Visibly Flawless Skin Moisturizer

3. Dry skin: 

Cream-based moisturizers are great for dry skin as they are of thick consistency. Cream-based moisturizers are oil-based and hence give you that extra bit of hydration and smoothness compared to other kinds of moisturizers. If you have extremely dry and sensitive skin it’s best to stick to occlusives which can seal in your skin’s hydration. But do keep in mind that if you have acne-prone dry skin then occlusives clog your pores and aggravate your breakouts

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare: Moisturizers Product Recommendation For Dry Skin

1. Cetaphil DAM Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion 
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
3. The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion
4. The Derma Co 3% Vitamin E Face Moisturizer With Vitamin E & Lactic Acid For Dry & Flaky Skin
5. Bioderma Atoderm Cream
6. Minimalist Sepicalm 3% + Oat Moisturizer

Sunscreen The Protector!

Sunscreens are a must-have for everyone’s vanity. Even if you skip any of the above-said skincare products, make sure you are consistently using sunscreen. You can either use a physical or chemical sunscreen depending on the place your life is in, your skin type, and your daily sun exposure levels. sunscreens work for every skintype but make sure to select according to your skintype.

Beginner’s Affordable Skincare Routine Must-Haves Based On Age

• Affordable skincare routine 20s: Skincare in your 20s need not be complicated at all. If you have issues like acne, then following a simple CTMP routine is more than enough. You can start with actives like vitamin C, salicylic acid, or niacinamide.
• Affordable skincare routine 30s: Depending on your skin concerns, you can add actives like peptides and retinol to your skincare routine.
• Affordable skincare routine 40s and 50s: Add more hydrating products like hyaluronic acids, retinol, etc.

Conclusion

Hope you got an idea about a beginner’s affordable skincare routine and are ready to give little pampering to that skin. Living in a world full of uncertainties, the best we can do for ourselves is to love ourselves and try to be our best versions. Skincare should not be considered a luxury anymore or something only for the privileged. Therefore spending time and taking care of yourself in any way need not be done with guilt. Hope you found this article helpful. Let us know your skincare routine and your favorite skincare products that you think are worth the money.

A little goes a long way and it’s never too late to start a skincare routine!