(BPT) – With all the changes that have occurred this year, it’s not surprising that women everywhere have been reassessing their skincare routines. Spending more time at home has spurred a focus on overall skin health and rituals to smooth out lines and wrinkles — and they want convenient solutions that get the job done but don’t cost a fortune.
A new poll from RoC Skincare and Poshly surveyed 1,000 beauty shoppers to understand if women have shifted skincare habits since the pandemic. Results showed that while 71% had to make changes to their budget, they still want to maintain an effective routine.
Whether they are rethinking high-end anti-aging treatments, skipping in-office visits or simply being more conservative with spending, women are turning to options found right in the drugstore aisle: 1 in 4 reported they have stopped getting injectables or professional skincare treatments and started using retinol and drugstore products.
Fortunately, there are inexpensive practices and products out there like OTC retinol (a vitamin A derivative) that are effective at keeping skin looking bright, smooth and youthful, according to board-certified celebrity dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche. “While some of my best advice to my patients may seem simple,” Guanche says, “it’s also all too easy to neglect the basics that really make a difference to protect and improve your skin.”
Here Guanche shares her top anti-aging tips that involve either no cost or affordable items found online and at your local store.
1. Go easy on the hot water
Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and the appearance of premature aging. Keep the water temperature from getting too hot (you can even set your water heater to a lower default temp).
Pro tip: Apply moisturizer right out of the bath or shower, and immediately after washing your face.
2. Look to retinol at night
Retinol is an anti-aging mainstay, and choosing one has never been easier because of the new Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules from RoC — the brand that discovered how to stabilize this superpower ingredient. This treatment in particular rivals prescription skincare options and it works — clinical testing showed 97% had visibly reduced lines and wrinkles after one night.
“What I love about these Capsules is the instant gratification you get with overnight line smoothing benefits and how the results keep getting better overtime if you make them a regular part of your nighttime routine,” says Dr. Guanche. “And even better, they are perfectly dosed, don’t irritate skin and a steal for the price.”
Find RoC at your local drugstores or Target.com.
3. Prioritize sleep
While you’re letting your skin absorb a retinol like RoC, make sure you’re sleeping a good eight hours per night if possible. Keeping your room cooler and darker at night will help ensure you’ll not only fall asleep more easily, but stay asleep longer, for the rest your body and face need.
Pro tip: Launder your bedding regularly, especially your pillowcases! That way you know you’re helping to keep your skin clean while you’re getting your beauty rest.
4. Stock up on vitamins
“Keeping your skin looking and feeling its best is also a question of feeding it from within,” says Dr. Guanche. Taking daily supplements containing vitamins such as C, E, D and K will help nourish your skin from the inside out.
Eating foods rich in vitamins, like colorful vegetables and fruits, is also a vital — and delicious — way to “feed” your skin well.
5. Limit sun exposure
While getting a little vitamin D from sunshine is a good thing, too much time under UV rays can prematurely age your skin — and put your skin at risk. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a facial moisturizer or sunscreen containing at least 30 SPF for the best protection against sunburn and skin cancer.
Pro tip: Keep sunscreen near the door or in your bag so you’ll remember to apply before going out.
Sticking to these tips daily will make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels. Try a couple until they become habit, then try more. Your skin will thank you!