Skincare on a Shoestring: The Best Student-Friendly Products

We know it can be difficult to start and keep going with a skincare routine as a busy student. We’re here to share how we keep skincare fun and affordable.

I don’t know about you, but I went through a period of being obsessed with skincare YouTubers such a Hyram and Mixed Makeup. This lockdown-induced period has left me with a lot of random knowledge, and a lot skincare products that I absolutely love. The key message that I learned is that skincare is for everyone, regardless of gender, and that bad skin doesn’t have to come hand in hand with exam stress and too many late night Effys’!

Cleanser:
Marti: On days when I’m wearing makeup, I use the Garnier micellar water or the Banilla Clean It Zero cleansing balm to begin my skincare routine. Honestly, this depends on how lazy I’m feeling. I usually use the cleansing balm when I’ve worn a lot of makeup during the day. Due to the fact that this is a product you scoop and work into your skin, I find it a lot easier to use in the shower. If I’m crawling into bed after a night out, or haven’t worn much makeup, I usually use micellar water and cotton wool (or reusable cotton pads) to remove the dregs of my mascara and eyeliner.

Will: The Body Shop seems to have an unnatural grip over young students, particularly men. Thankfully I’m living proof you can wean yourself off their Tea Tree Face Wash and find other products that suit your skin better. There’s a lot more out there and if it says ‘for men’ it’s just marketing. I’d start by taking a look in your local Boots in York. Especially if you’re starting out, it’s good to be able to see a lot of products in one place. Their Botanics range is cruelty-free, vegan, and reasonably priced. In particular, their All Bright Gentle Cleansing Cream is refreshing and foamy in a good way. However, it is lightly scented which may prove too much if you have sensitive skin.

One of the issues I always found with trying new products is the inevitable lag between trying it and seeing the results. It can make getting started in the world of skincare rather daunting. What if this one doesn’t work? Is that a wasted month? It isn’t, it’s all part of learning about your own body and that’s a great thing. Keep it simple and build your routine up. A cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturiser are three simple building blocks to start out with.

There are also a few things you can look out for before waiting weeks to see a result. Give it a sniff, are you alright with a fragranced product? Both in terms of the sensitivity of your skin and whether you like the smell? I found fragranced cleansers irritated my skin so I’ve stuck to more neutral cleansers since.

Exfoliator:
Marti: Twice a week, I use a chemical exfoliant, such as a BHA or AHA. The difference between the two (alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids) is quite longwinded and complicated, but I will leave a link in case you’re interested. The reason I only use these products every few days or so is due to how stripping they can be. The few that I alternate are the Inkey List Lactic Acid, and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (I use this one max once a week because it low key terrifies me).

Will: I use a chemical exfoliant once a day before bed which seems to work for my skin. Glossier’s exfoliating skin protector is on the pricey side but lasts me about 3 months. It just works which is why I’ll happily pay the £2 a week. As the product suggests, I’d recommend starting slowly, particularly if you have sensitive skin. You’ll then be able to work up to more regular use if you want to.

Moisturiser and SPF:
Marti: I use SPF (as much as I remember) between March and October. The one that I used last Summer is the Bioderma Photoderm Dry touch Mat Finish Sunscreen SPF50+. And yes, people have laughed at me for wearing factor 50 in April, but as I always reply, 90% of premature ageing is a result of UV-B rays. The moisturiser that I use the most is the CeraVe Moisturising Lotion. I have repurchased this product over and over again because it really is a cult classic.

Will: After exfoliating at night, I use Botanics Organic Overnight Facial Oil. It has a gentle scent and helps restore your skin overnight after a busy day — I find the routine of skincare also helps with sleep as part of a bedtime routine, an added bonus! It’s important to note that skincare doesn’t end at the face. Get yourself a good moisturiser for your full body and you’ll soon find it does wonders for your skin all over. Aveeno’s Daily Moisturising lotion is a staple. It’s cheap, easy to get a hold of, and keeps your skin soft. I use the app UVLens to track UV exposure and try my best to wear sunscreen when I’m out and about when the level is above three. Currently it’s a case of what’s available at the supermarket so try Marti’s suggestion!

So, whether you’re just beginning your skincare journey or are already well-versed in the world of BHAs and AHAs, hopefully this post has reinforced that skincare is for everyone- and it doesn’t have to break the bank either!