When it comes to Skin Care – Drugstore products have come a long way. These days you can have a really effective skin care routine without having to break the bank. With the right products and staying consistent with a routine, you can get stunning, glowing skin at a great price!
I’ve made it a priority to spend intentional time to take care of myself- a big part of that is my skin care routine… BUT as I’m sure you can relate, being a mom doesn’t leave me with a whole lot of time to spend in the bathroom. I need, and love a really simple skin care routine. There are so many product options out there, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. I want you to remember the acronym CTTP. I wish I could come up with something a little cooler, but for now it’s the best I’ve got. CTTP is going to be your baseline for any skincare routine, that you can incorporate with your favorite skin care products. It stands for CLEANSE, TONE, TREAT and PROTECT. As you get more familiar with having a simple skin care routine, you can incorporate more in each step- but we’ll get there…for now, we’re going to focus on simple & affordable. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, acne-prone skin, or sensitivity, the CTTP system will work. it’s simple and effective. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step of the CTTP system and recommend affordable drugstore products and ingredients to look for, for different skin concerns.
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This post is all about Drug Store Skin Care
STEP 1- (C)LEANSE
Cleansing is first, and obviously the most important step in any skincare routine. However, a lot of people don’t realize the importance of DOUBLE CLEANSING. If you wear any makeup at all, you need to be double cleansing. I like to start off with an oil based cleanser first to remove all of my makeup. (please don’t use makeup wipes!) For eye makeup, I am OBSESSED with this one from Neutrogena. I put it on a cotton round with a little water and my mascara just comes right off. Now that all of the makeup is removed you can move on to your cleanser. By removing all the makeup first, we can actually get in there and have our cleanser actually do some cleansing! For dry skin, look for gentle, or foaming cleansers that won’t strip away moisture. Acne-prone skin benefits from cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help unclog pores and prevent breakouts. If you have sensitive skin should look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers that soothe and calm irritation.
Best Cleanser for Dry Skin:
Best Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin:
Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin:
STEP 2- (T)ONE
Toners help to balance your skin’s pH levels and tighten pores. This gives your skin a better ability to absorb the products in the next steps. For dry skin, you want to look for alcohol-free toners that are gentle and hydrating. Acne-prone skin you want toners with ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil to help control oil production and minimize breakouts. For sensitive skin, you will want to look for alcohol-free, fragrance-free toners that calm and soothe irritation without causing further sensitivity.
Best Toner for Dry Skin:
Best Toner for Acne Prone Skin:
Best Toner for Sensitive Skin:
STEP 3- (T)REAT
This step is where you are going target specific skin concerns with products like serums or spot treatments. For dry skin, look for hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E to replenish moisture and improve elasticity. For acne-prone skin you will want treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. For sensitive skin, you will want to look for gentle, fragrance-free serums that strengthen the skin barrier and reduce redness.
Best Serum for Dry Skin:
Best Treatment for Acne Prone Skin:
Best Serum for Sensitive Skin:
STEP 4 (P)ROTECT
If you are using this routine during the day:
It’s so important to use a broad-spectrum SPF every day, Regardless of your skin type. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog your pores or leave a greasy residue. If you have dry skin, you will want to look for moisturizing sunscreens with added hydration. Acne-prone skin benefits from oil-free, mattifying sunscreens that won’t exacerbate breakouts. Sensitive skin should use mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these are less likely to cause irritation.
Best SPF for Dry Skin:
Best SPF for Acne Prone Skin:
Best SPF for Sensitive Skin:
If you are using this routine at night: Even though you’ll be sleeping- it’s still important to protect the skin. For all skin types, especially dry, acne-prone, and sensitive, a rich moisturizer is going to be your best friend to seal in moisture and prevent overnight dehydration. Look for moisturizers containing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or ceramides for intense hydration without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Best Over Night Cream for Dry Skin:
Best Over Night Cream for Acne Prone Skin:
Best Over Night Cream for Sensitive Skin:
Incorporating these affordable drugstore products into your daily/night time skincare routine will help you get, healthy, glowing skin without breaking the bank. Remember to be consistent with your routine and listen to your skin’s needs. Using the CTTP system and the right products for your skin type, you can achieve the complexion you’ve always dreamed of.