The cheapest skin-care routine for mature skin

I have been using this method now for several years. It is based around 5 key products. This has not only left me with better skin, it has left me with more money in my pocket.

When you stop and think how much a small pot of moisturizer costs, you are not paying for flawless skin, you are paying their advertising costs.

If you are a slave to fashion and follow trends that come and go, perhaps this isn't advice for you. But if you are a savvy consumer who isn't swayed by top models whose skin has been air-brushed then I believe you will find this very useful information.

Ponds cold cream is the only make-up remover you will need. This not only works on eye make-up but also foundation and blusher as well.

To use, I just apply using my fingers and gently in an upward stroke on my lashes as well. Then using a cotton ball, I remove the cold cream and the makeup.

What could be easier than that?

Just because a product has been around for a long time doesn't mean it is old fashioned. This just means IT WORKS! Because this soap has cold cream in it, your skin is left feeling fantastic.

I am not going to teach you how to suck eggs here but I want to tell you how to wash your face.

Firstly wash your hands. You can't clean a face with dirty hands.

I personally don't fill the sink, I use free flowing warm (not hot) water and splash this over my face and neck. Then I work the Dove soap into a lather and begin washing my face and neck. Not just a cursory wash but a gentle thorough job. Don't forget up into the hairline as well. Take your time and do a good job, your face will thank you for it.

Then I rinse, again with warm water. Now here some people would splash their face with cool water to use as an astringent to close the pores. I prefer to do this only in the morning. In the evening I splash with water water.

It must be going on 35 years since I first started using this in my nightly routine. I was always a fan of using it on my lips at bedtime. It never dawned on me to use it on the rest of my face until I met a woman who used this religiously. She looked 15 years younger than her actual age.

In an era of plastic surgery and expensive cosmetics, it is comforting to know that the answer has always been there and it doesn't cost the earth.

At bedtime, I apply this lightly to the area around my eyes and any other lines that I may have noticed during the day. I also have started applying this to the neck area at night as well. Nothing tells a woman's age like her neck.

If my hands or feet are looking a bit dry, I apply a coating of Vaseline and sleep with socks on. Yes, even on my hands. Try it, when you wake in the morning, you won't believe the difference.

Now I know you are probably thinking "No way". Well yes, I use pan scourers. Why pay an exorbitant price for exfoliantes and abrasives when you probably have a new sponge in your kitchen drawer. If you think about loofahs, nets, even wash cloths, they are all meant to be slightly abrasive to lift the dead skin off as you wash.

We have seen products that have oatmeal, ground apricot seeds and other various abrasive ingredients but why use those when the idea is to remove the dead skin cells. What could be easier than using a pan scourer?

There are basically two types of sponge pan scourers, the type that will clean everything and one to use on Teflon products. This is more gentle and if you are a beginner with exfoliating, perhaps it is best to start with this more gentle one.

The last product I whole heartedly recommend is Johnson's baby oil. I use this every morning after my shower. If, for whatever reason  I forget, I itch all day long with dry skin.

When I stayed with my sister once on vacation, I left the bottle in her shower and my brother-in-law asked why I used it. He suffered from dermatitis and I suggested he try it. He now is an avid daily user as well.

Immediately after showering, even before drying off, pour a small amount in your hand and gently rub over your legs, arms and torso. I even put it on my face and neck as well. The extra water on your body spreads it thinly and the warmth from the shower helps it absorb. You are using a small amount but it goes a long way on a wet body!

Then gently pat yourself dry. Contrary to what you may be thinking, it doesn't leave you oily just soft.

There are other ways to make a difference in the health of your skin including enough sleep, drinking ample water, using sun protection, and of course, not smoking.

I hope I have given you a few things to think about and I hope you will try some if not all of them.

I would love to hear about your favorite low-cost beauty treatments.

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