Beauty On A Budget: 7 Tips To Get Healthier Looking Skin Without Breaking The Bank

One of my new year's resolutions was to up my self care game, which includes maintaining a solid skin care routine. I have slacked a few times but I think I've been doing a pretty good job. Despite my skin not being perfect (a few blemishes here and there, enlarged pores and sporadic break outs), I've been getting many questions regarding my skin care routine. The Petty La'Balle in me has been fighting the urge to say: "Drink more water, darling" in Bonang's voice before actually giving my skin care routine. So, instead of having to repeat myself over and over, I've decided to publish a skin care post. This won't only save me time but it will force people to read my blog as well. Yay! Since this is a Beauty On A Budget post, all the products mentioned in this post are under R50. Before I get into the tips, I want you to know that you don't have to work overtime clearing your skin. Acne, blemishes and any other imperfections that make you insecure about your skin DO NOT define you. If you want to clear your skin, great. However, if you're struggling to get it right even after seeking medical help, let it go. Your life is way too precious for you to waste it following a new skin care routine every week.

Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist, scientist or a professor with a degree in Skinolgy from the Glow Up Institute Of  Instagram. The contents of this blog post are based solely on my opinions, experiences, as well as the experiences of my loved ones.

1. Drink sufficient water

Mick Jenkins has been telling you to drink more water for the longest time and you still haven't done it. I know that the "Drink more water" narrative is starting to sound cliché but believe me when I say it's a great start. Before I could afford to buy the skin care products I wanted, the only part of my skin care routine that  yielded results was drinking sufficient water. Studies show that the human body requires at least 2 litres or 8 glasses of water daily. Drinking a full glass of water in one go can be very difficult. That is why taking sips throughout the day is a better option. I drink at least two 750ml bottles of water daily by taking regular sips throughout the day. This method is convenient because I'm able to carry the bottle around as well as monitor my daily water intake. I also add a few slices of fruit to add some flavour to the water. My favourite is lemon. It's not only good for your skin but it smells good too.

The benefits of water on your skin are:

• Reduces winkles - water helps your skin maintain and absorb moisture, increasing your skin's elasticity.

•Brighter skin - water flushes out toxins from your body through the digestive system, brightening your skin complexion.

•Clearing Acne - water shrinks your pores, making them less prone to clogging which could result in acne.

•Firmer skin - water helps improve skin elasticity making it firmer and preventing sagging.

•Balanced pH - water flushes out toxins which may cause an imbalance in your hormones, resulting in acne and other skin problems.

2. Drink green tea

Green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves which undergo a process of oxidation which is why it contains antioxidants. The antioxidants in green tea play a big role in enhancing skin health. They delay skin aging as well as the development of wrinkles.

Some uses of green tea for skin are:

•Treating acne - using green tea as a toner can reduce acne. Freeze fresh green tea and rub the frozen ice cube gently on your skin. Rub in circular motion to promote blood circulation and over time, you'll see good rclean
s.

• Getting rid of puffy eyes and dark under eye circles - green tea contains tannatis which treats puffy eyes and dark circles. The caffeine in green tea reduces puffiness by shrinking the blood vessels in the area. On dark circles, it decreases the dilation of blood vessels and the eyes.

• Protects skin against sunburn - green tea helps in preventing rashes and other unwanted toxins from forming in between skin cells.

Boil a cup of green tea, store it in a suitable container and use a cotton ball to apply the solution.

3. Use face masks

Face masks are a crucial part of maintaining a skin care routine. I face mask twice a week, on Sundays, as well as on Wednesdays. It hasn't only benefited my skin, but my mental health too. One of my self love languages acts of service. Therefore, doing something that I KNOW is beneficial for my well-being is a way of showing love to myself.

Here are some benefits of using face masks:

•Increasing skin hydration - this is especially beneficial for dry skin. The moisture from the face mask penetrates deep into the skin epidermis to soften and hydrate skin, enhancing elasticity.

•Reducing the appearance of wrinkles - face masks reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles and brown spots, giving your skin a more plump and youthful appearance.

•Firmer skin - regular face masks promote skin elasticity which results in firmer skin.

•Even skin tone - face masks diminish hyper pigmentation and promote even skin tone.

•Relaxation - you can use your face mask time to relax and mediate. It might only be for 15 - 20 minutes but it's better than nothing.

Here are some of my favourite DIY face masks:

•Clear skin
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

•Even skin tone
- 1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of tumeric powder

•Shrinking enlarged pores
- 1 tablespoon of egg white
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

•Glowing skin
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tablespoon of baking soda

Before putting on a face mask, do a patch test first. We all have different skin types. What works for me might not work for you. I patch test on the side of my neck. Patch test on an area you're most comfortable with. Also, use the mask on the day you make it. Exposing it to air and bacteria might affect it's effectiveness.

4. Try out different products and stick to what works for you

It is very important to try out different products in order to figure out what's best for you. The first step to doing this is figuring out whether you have dry, combination or oily skin. Most skin care brands make products containing different elements to cater for these three skin types. For example, POND'S  vanishing cream for dry, normal, normal - oily and oily skin. This makes it a lot easier to select the most suitable vanishing cream for your skin type. 

Some affordable skin care products you can try out are:

•Sunlight green bar - this is a plug I got back in highschool and have been using ever since. It rids acne and evens out skin tone. It doesn't work for everyone though. I've heard a few people complaining about it burning their skin so be careful. Stop using it if you see any negative results. It retails for for under R15 at most retailers. If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.

•Honey - honey clears skin and rids acne. It also promotes even skin tone and glowing skin. You can also use honey as a face mask on it's own. This will rid any blemishes or scars on your skin over time.

•Apple cider vinegar - you can use apple cider vinegar as a toner. I suggest that you mix it with water since it's very acidic.

•Activated Charcoal - if you have black heads, this is your lifeline. You can also use it to whiten your tooth. You'll see results in less than a week.

•Rosewater - rosewater can be used as a toner. You can also use it as a setting spray.

•Coconut oil - coconut oil can be used as a moisturiser. It's organic which is great for your skin. However, I've heard a few people complain about coconut oil clogging their pores so be careful. You can also use it on your hair and to whiten your teeth.

You can get all these products from Dischem for under R50!

https://www.dischem.co.za/shop-bydepartment/beauty-and-skincare/face-care

5. Cleanse, tone and moisturise...in that order!

Cleanse, tone and moisturise at least twice daily. This is so you can get rid of dead skin cells, blackheads, pollution particles and control your pH levels.

•Cleansing - cleansing sweeps away dead cells that make skin look dull, rough and flaky. It also helps skin renew itself faster for better absorption of moisture.

•Moisturising - using the correct moisturiser for your skin type can help maintain it's pH level. Some moisturisers have some tint or self tanner that can work for any skin tone.

•Toning - toning is an effective way of firming your skin. It also reduces oiliness on oily and combination skin.

DIY toner:
-half a cup of green tea
-1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
-1 teaspoon of lemon juice

6. Eat clean

Diet can affect your skin's health. Food that raises your blood sugar levels causes an excess release of the hormone insulin. Excess insulin in your blood can cause your oil glands to produce more oil, increasing the risk of acne.

Foods that increase blood sugar levels are:

-pasta
-white rice
-white bread
-sugar
-chocolate
-saturated fats

This however, doesn't mean that you can't have any of these foods (thank goodness). It just means you should have as little as possible of them.

Eating healthier and nutritious foods can help flush out toxins and maintain a a good pH balance. Studies show that food rich in zinc is good for your skin.

Foods rich in zinc are:

-beef
-turkey
-lentils
-seafood
-nuts
-brown rice

Also limit your sugar intake. Soda, candy and all the rest have got to go.

7. Be consistent

Everything requires consistency and skin care routines are not any different. Let's be real, chances of you achieving youthful and healthy looking skin overnight are slim to none. Your skin will need time and a consistent routine to give it the nourishment it needs to look it's best. This is why a daily skin care routine is vital. Take time each day to show your skin some love by implementing your skin care routine and you will be well on the way to achieving radiant and gorgeous skin.

It's also important to keep in mind that we all have different skin. You might know someone who doesn't even put in half the work you do but still has skin clearer than yours. We all have different genes and unfortunately, most of us aren't the skin gods' faves. Focus on YOUR skin and all will be well. Remember, own race, own lane, own pace babe.

I hope these tips will be of some help to you. This is NOT guaranteed to work. Again, we all have different skin types and what works for me might not work for you. Also remember not to be too hard on yourself. You're doing the best you can.

p.s: Minding your own business and drinking water can beat any skin care routine, any day. Getting involved in drama will cause acne and breakouts. AKA was right. Take your business, mind it and your skin shall glow.
All the best.

Sources used:

www.linkedin.com
www.healthline.com
www.burkewilliamsspa.com