How toto treattreat commoncommon skinskin issuesissues onon aa budgetbudget

It’s safe to say skincare is generally a marathon, not a sprint. In order to achieve the skin of your dreams, you have to put in the time. But once in a while, you need an emergency fix for common skin issues. When struck with a particular skin issue, being able to calm the situation at high speeds is hugely helpful. And if you can do it for a bargain price, all the better.

Common Skin Issues: 1

Acne

If you feel a deep and painful zit coming on, there’s nothing more helpful than a pimple patch. A great way to enjoy the effects on a budget is to buy bigger hydrocolloid dressings and cut them to size. The Duoderm Extra Thin Hydrocolloid Dressings are ideal – a pack of five costs under a tenner, and they can be trimmed down to treat zillions of painful pimples.

If it’s a pimple you’ve already messed about with – and honestly, it happens to the best of us – I’d instead recommend the COSRX Centella Blemish Cream. This is simultaneously acne-fighting and hydrating – and though it’s not the cheapest cream on the market, the amount you need vs the size of the tub makes it one of skincare’s biggest bargains.

Common Skin Issues: 2

Dark Circles

Undereye bags can never really be sent packing – unfortunately, they’re genetic and can only be removed through surgical intervention. But if you want to minimise their appearance quickly, opt for an eye patch. The Petitfee Collagen & CoQ10 Hydrogel Eye Patches instantly soothe and hydrate delicate skin.

If puffiness is a more significant concern, The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is pretty incredible. After application, you’ll notice an immediate (albeit temporary) tightening effect. This is incredible under makeup for a big event.

Finally, go for the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Eye Roll-On to fake brightened under eyes while rocking a “no makeup” look. It’s incredibly lightweight and never looks cakey or obvious – but the light pigment will gently blur any excess baggage.

Common Skin Issues: 3

Dryness

Dry skin takes a pretty dedicated regimen to treat. If you’re shot with some Sahara Desert skin out of the blue, you can get it feeling better pretty quickly. Start with the Queen Helene Oatmeal ’n Honey Scrub to lightly buff away flakes and get the blood flowing.

Next, go for a hydrating serum. The Rohto Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion is an incredibly affordable way to introduce some hyaluronic acid to your skin, helping it retain water better. If you want to up the ante, the Inkey List Collagen Serum hydrates while offering visible anti-ageing benefits – all for around a fiver!

Common Skin Issues: 4

Congestion

If you live in a city, chances are your skin will start to feel less than clear once in a while. Getting gunk out of pores is satisfying – but it can be difficult without irritating the rest of your skin.

Going for a clay mask is always a good move – and some of the best on the market are among the most inexpensive. The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Mask is probably the most powerful clay mask I’ve tried. Mix with apple cider vinegar, and you will, quite literally, “feel your face pulsate.” If that sounds too intense, the Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask also successfully decongests pores without a hat-tight, vacuum-sealed feeling.

Feature image credit: Marcus Vinícius A. Ribeiro.