How to Stretch Your Beauty Dollars

When times are tough, it's more important than ever to be careful what you use on your skin. Here are some tips I give my patients to make sure they’ve got the basics covered and are spending their dollars wisely.

1. Simplify your routine: Look for products that do double-duty. For example, use a moisturizer that contains SPF, or a cleanser that contains acne-fighting ingredients. This way you don't have to buy as many products, you save time, and you have less clutter on your bathroom counter.

2. Where to skimp: you can find many effective cleansers and toners at the drugstore. For normal to oily skin, try Clean & Clear Oil-Free Foaming Facial Cleanser ($5.49, www.drugstore.com) and Burt’s Bees Garden Tomato Toner for Oily and Troubled Skin ($12.99, www.drugstore.com). If you have dry or sensitive skin, try Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser ($7.49, www.drugstore.com) and L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Alcohol-Free HydraFresh Toner ($6.29, www.drugstore.com).

3. When to splurge: Invest in the best sun protection you can afford.Be sure your sunscreen protects against UVA (Ultraviolet A) rays, which have been linked to brown spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Look for ingredients such as Mexoryl (found in Anthelios SX Sunscreen SPF 15, $29, www.drugstore.com), zinc oxide (such as Blue Lizard Australian Suncream, $8.99-14.99) or titanium dioxide. These ingredients often cost a little more, but you will help prevent future signs of sun damage and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

4. To get the most out  of your anti-aging efforts, look for a moisturizer or eye cream containing retinol, which has been proven to help re-build collagen and fight fine lines (a good one is Roc Actif Pur Anti-Wrinkle Treatment, $21.99, www.drugstore.com). For the best results, use it every night