Recession-Proof Your Beauty Cabinet

Consumers are watching every penny now. The current recession is forcing people to examine how they spend their money and determine where they can cut back. Families are clipping coupons, planning "staycations," embracing (and even bragging about!) a new frugal way of life.

As a dermatologist, I am seeing an increase in questions from my patients on how they can save money on basic skincare items without compromising healthy skin. Many patients need to cut back on skincare spending but have expressed concern that switching to less expensive drugstore items may affect their complexion.

I tell my patients regularly that they don't have to pay a fortune at the mall to have beautiful skin. In fact, by making a change in just a basic moisturizer and cleanser, many of my patients can save hundreds of dollars a year, and still have beautiful skin.

Start by simply comparing packaging. Many high-priced department store products and reasonably priced drugstore products have similar benefits. Look for products that:
o are non-drying and safe for sensitive skin
o offer SPF protection
o are non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog pores, and
o are dermatologist-tested or recommended

Next, compare price tags. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Milk, for example, is dermatologist formulated and safe for all skin types. It sells for about $3.58 an ounce at department stores. Bobbi Brown Rich Cream Cleanser is also dermatologist tested and sells for about $5.71 an ounce, also at department stores.

Compare those to drugstore products with similar benefits. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser sells for about 50 cents an ounce. Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser sells for about 70 cents an ounce. Both the Cetaphil and Neutrogena cleansers are dermatologist tested or formulated, fragrance free and non-comedogenic.

The same goes for moisturizers. If a patient is currently using Elizabeth Arden Daily Moisture Lotion with SPF 15, which sells for an approximate $22 an ounce, or MAC Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15, which sells for approximately $16 an ounce, she can save an enormous amount of money switching to an SPF 15 moisturizer from her drugstore. Both Olay Original Face Lotion and Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer, both with SPF 15, sell for about $2 an ounce! Both of the drug store products are dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic and offer equal sun protection.

I remind my patients that often the biggest difference in basic skincare products is price, and for many shoppers, that is now the most important difference. Choosing one of the more reasonably priced products instead of the higher priced items doesn't mean you will sacrifice great skin. And by making informed choices, you can have great skin AND save money! If you have additional questions, please consult your dermatologist.