If you're serious about skincare and maintaining your youthful appearance, you probably already know that your products can take a sizeable bite out of your budget. There are times when paying more will not yield any better results. But there are times when you get what you pay for, and the higher price tag is well worth the investment. Knowing when to splurge and when you don't have to can help you get the best, most cost-effective results.
When to Splurge
Most skincare ingredients are relatively inexpensive to get. However, getting some ingredients to remain shelf-stable and potent is the challenge. Ingredients that are highly sensitive to temperature and light require careful processing and formulation so that by the time they get into the bottle, they are still chemically intact and protected from degradation yet unlockable when applied to your skin. Ingredients that require specialized processing include:
- Antioxidants vitamins A, C and E. These compounds need cold processing and dark storage to prevent them from neutralizing free radicals introduced in the production phase.
- These amino acid chains can be degraded by heat and light, and compromising the molecular integrity diminishes their effectiveness.
Cold processing requires specialized equipment and skill, and that will drive up the product cost. However, when vitamin-infused serums and moisturizers are formulated and processed correctly, you actually get what you pay for products that work. Cheaper products are likely to be a waste of money because you are simply paying more for the filler ingredients because the active ingredients are likely inactive by the time they reach your skin.
When You Can Save
You can make your skincare routine more budget-friendly by opting for less expensive product selections that do not jeopardize results. Types of products you may be able to save on include:
- The biggest concern with a cleanser is to find a formula that does not strip away natural moisture and works with/for your skin type. However, because cleansers are applied and rinsed away so quickly, there's little they can actually do besides remove dirt and oil. So, save yourself on the expensive cleansers that claim to deliver nutrients or other anti-aging ingredients because they simply are not on your skin long enough to effectively deliver anything.
- Sun protection. Broad-spectrum sunscreens use the same few compounds to block UV penetration oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Sun blocks use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Since SPF factors are regulated by the FDA, one SPF 15 sunblock will provide the same protection as another SPF 15 sunblock. Finding the right sunscreen is really a matter of selecting adequate SPF (the American Dermatological Association recommends 30 or higher) and a formulation free of ingredients that irritate skin or cause hormone disruption, like parabens and PABA.
No matter how much you spend on any skincare product, one factor to always keep in mind to get the best value is whether or not the product is formulated for your skin type. To find the Hale Cosmeceuticals products ideally suited for you, take our personal skin assessment and contact us to request samples or place your order."
