"My love of skincare started early. Despite being a millennial who came of age pre-TikTok (and thus access to many, many beauty rituals), my teenage self was obsessed with the idea of concocting the perfect skincare potion for clear, glowing skin. At the time, I saw it as somewhat of a science experiment to find what worked best for me. That meant I would hound my local Lush and drugstores, hoping to pick out the best face mask or the perfect moisturizer.
Of course, at the time, I didn’t realize that my complexion at the time was about as good as it was ever going to get. But still, I look back at that time glad that I started my skincare rituals early, but I also cringe at how much unnecessary money I put toward the “next best thing” at any given point.
Since then, through trial and error, I’ve learned that not every product being sold on the market is necessary for a great skincare routine. The truth of it is that there are certain skincare products, routines, and treatments that can be worth investing the time and money in. You just need to know where to look.
To save you both the hard-earned cash and trial and error, I turned to two experts in the field who founded their own skincare companies. I asked them for guidance on exactly what constitutes a great skincare routine, focusing on what investment skincare products are actually worth splurging on to save you money in the long term.
Allison McNamara, Founder of MARA Beauty
Allison McNamara founded MARA, an award-winning line of algae-infused skincare and wellness products, in 2018.
Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, Founder of Dr. Loretta
Dr. Loretta Ciraldo is a board-certified dermatologist of 40+ years, the founder and namesake of Dr. Loretta, and a true pioneer in skincare research and formulation.
Why you should make the investment in your skincare
With so many products out there, it can be hard to know where to start with your skincare routine. But starting a simple routine early can be well worth the investment, especially according to experts. Allison McNamara, founder of award-winning skincare brand MARA Beauty, shared that she began using a low-strength retinol in her mid-teens. “I think [using retinol was] incredible for long-term skin health and also helps with hormonal acne many of us go through during puberty and beyond. I was prescribed Retin-A Micro at 15 but began a cosmetic retinol by Neutrogena a few years prior—this is one of the best choices I made for my skin!”
But the products you begin with in your teens don’t need to be overly complicated either. Dr. Loretta Ciraldo is a dermatologist and founder of the Dr. Loretta skincare line. She recommends starting with a cleanser and sunscreen in your teens and adding in a Vitamin C serum by your late teens or early 20s. “Serums are a great investment since serums have actives that will penetrate deeper and generally cause more visible improvement than other types of skincare products,” Dr. Loretta explained. McNamara shared a love of Vitamin C, saying it’s an ingredient she uses “religiously in the morning.”
Choosing the right investment skincare products
What was clear from both experts is that skincare is important, and a routine doesn’t have to be overly complicated. A cleanser, serum, and sunscreen are going to be key, with options available for every budget. If you are not breastfeeding or pregnant, adding Retinol a few times a week can help with everything from acne to wrinkles.
Each of these products may not deliver results right away but can be worth the investment in the long term. For example, sunscreen will help to prevent sun damage and cancer risk over time, especially when used consistently throughout the day when exposed to the sun. Retinol is another great product to start earlier than later, speeding up skin cell turnover and improving uneven skin tone that will save you from more intense treatments later down the line.
Beauty routines are expensive, and the amount of product options (and prices!) can be overwhelming. Knowing what is actually worth the financial investment versus what can be bought at the drugstore is essential to not only your skin’s health but the health of your wallet long-term as well!
Budget versus investment skincare products
Cleanser
A gentle cleanser can be key to keeping your skin clear from dirt, grime, and makeup residue. For removing makeup, an oil cleanser will be your best bet for clearing up every last bit. But going in with a second, gentle cleanser will help make sure your skin is clean without stripping it of necessary moisture. A cleanser doesn’t have to break the bank—there are lots of great options at every budget for getting the job done.
Sunscreen
There is perhaps no skincare product more important for your skin (and general) health than sunscreen. Investing in the right sunscreen with a suitable SPF is key, and ensure you apply the necessary amount throughout the day. And don’t forget to apply your sunscreen down your neck (and use a body sunscreen all over as well).
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serums have grown in popularity, with the ingredient’s ability to help smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is a serum you’ll want to do your research into in order to find the right fit. It’s important to find a stable vitamin C serum to get the desired effects. Many Vitamin C serums will come with complementary ingredients, which also provide their own benefits. Brands like True Botanicals also offer a Vitamin C powder, which can be mixed into your favorite serum to add the powerful ingredient.
Exfoliating Serum or Peel
Since Retinol causes cell turnover, it’s important to alternate it with an exfoliating serum or peel to take away dead skin cells. While I know I’m not alone in having loved my good ol’ St. Ives Scrub growing up, nowadays, it is recommended to use serums with exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid, which is less abrasive to the skin.
Retinol
If you have ever looked up anti-aging skincare ingredients, Retinol is looked at time and time again as the gold standard. The ingredient helps with everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars and hyperpigmentation. You’ll find Retinol in various different strengths, as it can be irritating to some complexions. It’s recommended to start slow, using it once or twice a week and gradually building up as your skin gets used to its effects.
Investment in-office skincare treatments
Along with a skincare routine at home, going to see professionals in-office is going to be an investment you want to make. First and foremost, you want to make sure you are seeing a dermatologist for basic check-ups and health. But, there are also aesthetic treatments that can be done in-office that will give you more dramatic results than anything you can achieve at home.
McNamara swears by microneedling, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles on your skin to create microinjuries. These help treat minor problems like acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks, with better results from multiple treatments.
For those suffering from acne or pigmentation (both of which can be brought on or worsened with pregnancy), Dr. Loretta recommends a series of glycolic peels in-office. Your provider will be able to work with you on your specific needs to find the correct strength to work for the results you’re looking for.
All of these treatments are expensive, so are certainly an investment. However, when done correctly by professionals and combined with essentials like sunscreen, these treatments can often give you results that skincare alone cannot.
Investment at-home skincare tools
While not a must, at-home treatments can also be helpful in keeping your skin clear (as well as giving you a relaxing winddown routine each night). As far as what devices to use, McNamara recommended LED masks, as well as a microcurrent device for tightening the skin.
The other at-home treatment she recommended? A facial massage with your hands! Whether using your hands or a Gua Sha facial tool, this can be a great way to massage in your serum each night and give you the added benefit of helping to loosen tightened muscles around your face (where you can carry a lot of tension).
While not always necessary, at-home beauty tools can provide a convenient way to expand your beauty routine at home. However, this is one category in which it can certainly be worth spending a little more money upfront instead of buying the cheaper option. Tools like LED masks and microcurrent devices can certainly be pricey, but it’s usually the ones with the higher price tag that are built to last versus the cheaper option.
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Morgan Flaherty, Contributing Writer
Morgan is full-time writer, editor, and mom. Along with her work as a contributing writer for The Everymom on all things Disney World, beauty products, and the latest fashion trends, her writing has appeared in Well + Good, InStyle, Scary Mommy, Byrdie, and Baby Chick.