I’m a dermatologist – here’s the cheapest day and night skin routines you need to know

Starting a proper skincare routine is no easy task—especially when you’re supposed to have one for the morning and a separate one for the night.

Pharmacy aisles are overwhelming, TikTok tips are conflicting, and skin care product reviews are endless.

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To make matters worse, skin care is expensive.

And as the cost of living continues to fall, affordable products are more important than ever.

But according to one dermatologist, there’s no need to break the bank to get clear skin.

It’s just about “maintaining your routine,” said Dr. Skin + Me medical director Jason Thomson told The Sun.

“Results don’t come overnight and it usually takes at least six months before you really start to see improvements.

“A stripped down routine: cleanse, treat, hydrate, protect is all you really need to get the best results,” he explained.

Both evening and morning skin routines are just as important as each other.

Your daily skincare routine focuses on protecting your skin from sun damage and pore-clogging agents like dirt and pollution.

Your nightly routine should be about moisturizing your skin, treating acne-prone skin, and addressing skin concerns

Evening routine

Cerave Moisturizing Cleanser

Available on Amazon for €9.99

Cerave is a dermatologist-recognized favorite in the skincare world.

The Moisturizing Cleanser is a no-nonsense, affordable must-have for a hydrating cleanse with three essential ceramics and Hyaluronic Acid.

“I recommend this as it’s a great cleanser at a reasonable price,” said Dr. jason

“It’s gentle on the skin barrier (outer layer of the skin) but also effectively removes dirt, oil, makeup and sunscreen of the day,” he added.

Superdrugs Optimal Retinol Serum Extra Strength 0.3%

details at £15.99 in Superdrug

Treatments that you can buy from your local pharmacy are usually your best bet to save on costs.

And instead of buying multiple items, opt for a multipurpose product like retinol — which contains multiple ingredients, including vitamin C.

The expert said: “Superdrug’s retinol serum is well priced and a great option for those new to retinoids.

“Retinoids should be part of your evening routine as they are unstable and most are inactivated in the presence of sunlight.”

Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel Moisturizer

Retailing at £8.66 in boots

Moisturizer is the building block of any good skin care routine.

And according to the dermatologist, Neutrogena’s cream is a great option for all skin types.

“This is a lightweight yet deeply hydrating product that contains Hyaluronic Acid (a chemical that retains moisture better than water).”

“It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores,” he adds

morning routine

Cerave Moisturizing Cleanser

This cleanser can also double as an effective morning face wash, the expert explained.

Vitamin C complex serum from Naturium

Retails at £22 from Space NK

This product is more expensive, but according to Dr. Jason is worth using in your bathroom cabinet in the morning.

“I recommend vitamin C in the morning because it has strong scientific evidence for skin aging issues, and it’s also a powerful antioxidant, meaning it protects the skin from environmental stressors like pollution,” he explains.

Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel Moisturizer

“If your skin is feeling a little dry or tight from the retinoid, try this moisturizing cream again,” said Dr. jason

Altruistic facial fluid SPF 50

Available from Amazon for £9.90

Experts have hammered about the benefits of SPF for quite some time.

You should wear sunscreen every day according to dermatologists – even if it’s cloudy or overcast outside.

Aside from protecting our face from the sun’s harmful UV rays, the product can also act as a barrier against the blue light on our screens.

“Any dermatologist will recommend sunscreen as an essential step in an anti-aging skincare routine.

“The biggest single factor in skin aging is the sun’s ultraviolet rays (and they’re the leading cause of skin cancer).

“And this product is an inexpensive and cosmetically elegant lightweight sunscreen fluid.”