Budget Friendly Skin Care Products for Oily Acne Prone Skin

First off let’s make this clear, I’m no skincare expert nor beauty guru so kindly lower your expectations. I’m only sharing Budget Friendly Skin Care Products for Oily Acne Prone Skin that I’ve been using for the past 3 months.

UPDATE: After careful research, I have made changes to my skincare routine and some parts of this article no longer apply. Click here for an updated post.

All products listed here are under 3000 naira. Skincare on a Budget yeah? Let’s get started.

Here’s some background information for you.

As stated earlier, I’m no skincare expert. I began my skincare routine in December 2017. I have oily skin and I get acne occasionally like when it’s that time of the month.

 Find out your skin type here .

I haven’t worn proper makeup in more than a year, the last time I had a proper face beat was probably in this post so I never really cared for a skincare routine. Why then did I decide to start now?

Well, I’m planning to get back on the makeup train so I’ve decided to pay more attention to the Canvas for the Face Art. My primary reason for starting this routine is to control my skin oil production and get rid of hyperpigmentation; clearing of acne spots is secondary.

Now that we’ve got the basics, let’s get into the details. Since I’m a beginner at this, the Internet was pretty helpful. There was so much information but I chose the most common and convenient.

So here are my Skin Care Steps;

1. Cleanse (Day and Night)
2. Tone (Day and Night)
3. Moisturize (Day and Night)
4. Exfoliate (Night)
5. Mask (Night)

Some people do extra stuff like using serums, sunscreen and eye creams but I haven’t found affordable products in these categories so gotta stick with the budget.

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• CLEANSE – Here’s the very first step in every skincare routine and it is pretty self-explanatory. My cleansing is usually in two steps. I also use different products in each step.

First I take off my makeup (read as powder, lipstick and eyeliner) and other dirt with face wipes. I’ve been using the Tea Tree Facial wipes which I got at a local superstore for N850.  I love the cool and minty after effect it leaves on my skin.

When starting my routine I was aiming for budget-friendly and chemical free products and I believe this one passes the mark. Albeit, it would contain preservatives but I still feel it’s safe.

I also got these 3 in 1 facial wipes by Osiris Avisé at the same store for N1000. Each wipe has its own special purpose but I use them all the same way.

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Next stage of Cleansing, I use Dudu Osun (African Black Soap) to wash my face and take off the remaining dirt the wipes didn’t take off. This brand of black soap costs me N200 and it’s readily available everywhere.

How do I use it? I rub some soap on my fingers (make sure your hands are clean) and proceed to rub it on my face in circular motions. It is not advisable to rub the bar soap directly on your face as it can burn you. Liquefy the soap if possible.I also use the Tea Tree Facial Scrub when I don’t feel like using the Black Soap. I got this at the store with the wipes and it cost me N850.This product actually contains a few chemicals but based on my findings they are low hazards so no fear. It also has a light consistency and contains tiny grains; the type you find in exfoliating scrubs. I believe it actually cleanses and exfoliates my skin. The scent is mild and minty because of the tea tree leaf extract so if you have sensitive skin no fear.

Peep the Ingredients and Directions.

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  EXFOLIATE – After cleansing you either Tone and Moisturize or chill and Exfoliate. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin on your face. Experts advise you do this twice a week mostly before you go to bed.

To exfoliate I use two organic products – Baking Soda and Coconut Oil. You can practically get this anywhere.

The Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda, not Baking Powder) cost me N200 and the Coconut Oil (pictured) costs me N440. I get my coconut oil from different places so the price varies.

How do I use it? –  Mix both products together till it becomes a paste. Rub it on the face and neck in circular motions. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes then rinse off with warm water. Dry your face with a face towel (not the towel for your body) and move to the next step.

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  TONING – After exfoliating, the next step is to Tone. This is a step many people skip but experts say it is super important. Why? How? Toning helps to balance the pH level of your skin after all that cleaning and stripping off dead skin. It also helps to take off leftover dirt and replenishes your skin’s moisture.

For this step, I’ve been experimenting with 3 different products.

Glycerin and Rose Water – During my research Glycerin and Rose Water was top on the list of toners and when I found this one by Vaseline at N750 at my local superstore I just had to try it out.

This product has a liquid consistency and mild scent. The downside is that it contains Isopropyl Alchohol and MethylParaben. These are chemicals that are harmful to the skin so I’m definitely not repurchasing this product. My skin tone has changed though, my complexion is brighter than before, but I use 2 other products so I can’t tell which is actually doing the work.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) was also top on the list of products to use as a toner. Fortunately, I had some at home so this cost me nothing but I checked for the price and it retails for as low as N1,500 to N4,000  depending on the size and brand you are purchasing.

This is not the actual bottle but you get the idea.

I have the one from Braggs, the most popular ACV brand, and I use it mostly when I have period acne because it works really fast. ACV should be diluted (1 part water, 1 part ACV) with clean water because it is quite acidic. It also has a pungent smell so if you can’t stand strong scents this isn’t for you, some people add essential oils to cover the smell so you can try that too.The third product I recently started using is the Miniso Hyaluronic Acid Essence Toner which I got from the Miniso Store at Ikeja City Mall, Nigeria for N2490. It’s a 400ml bottle so it’s definitely worth it.

I first read about this product in Ifeoma Amadi’s affordable skincare post here. I went on to read about the benefits of Hyaluronic acid in this post by Beauty Editor and after satisfying myself I decided to get it and give it a go.

AFFORDABLE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR OILY ACNE PRONE SKIN

This product contains so many ingredients but I took time out to check most of them and they are considered safe for the skin. Hence, it is a win-win!

The Hyaluronic acid toner has a liquid-gel like consistency. I like the way it glides on my skin plus a little goes a long way. I haven’t found out if it’s working as I only started using it but I’ll be sticking to it for a while to study the results.

I forgot to add, all the toners listed are applied using a cotton ball or pad and rubbed in a circular motion so it can penetrate skin effectively.

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  MASK – If you ask me Masking is pretty much an extra step but I do it anyways. Face masks help to hydrate skin, remove excess oils and help improve the appearance of your pores. They’re also an excellent way to help pull out impurities.

Masks should be used once or twice in a week. The internet suggested a lot of options but I settled for two products I can afford.

Beauty Formulas Clay Mask – After reading about the effectiveness of Bentonite Clay and Charcoal masks I decided to try the one from Beauty Formulas because it had so many nice reviews and it was the most affordable option.

I got mine for N1,150 at a store in Ikeja City Mall but others have gotten theirs for as low as N950. If you do not reside in Nigeria you can always get this mask from Amazon or any Beauty store available.

This product is pretty easy to use, peep the directions below. The downside is that it contains so many parabens (a preservative used in cosmetics which has been linked to Breast Cancer) and other chemicals so I’ll not be repurchasing but imma risk it to the end of the tube.The second mask I use is more natural and I’ll definitely be sticking to it. I read about the benefits of Tumeric and Honey online and after seeing this easy-peasy DIY on Cassie Dave’s blog here I decided to give it a go.

Upside;

• It is natural stuff,
• You can easily find it at the food market,
• It is affordable
• It is easy to use and
• It is effective when used consistently.

The Tumeric cost me N360 and I already had the pure honey at home. How to use? – Mix both products together in a bowl, apply on face and neck for 10-15minutes, rinse off with warm water.

Downside – Tumeric is a food spice (FUN FACT – It is used to give Curry powder that yellow hue) and the yellow colour leaves permanent stains so be careful so you don’t stain your clothes or towel.  The mixture of honey and turmeric is also sticky so you gotta be patient after application. But the results are great so it’s worth it.

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  MOISTURIZE – Here’s to the final step, MOISTURIZING.  Why should you moisturize? After all the cleansing, toning, exfoliating and masking your skin needs to stay hydrated. Moisturizing also helps to seal in the previous steps in your routine.

For this step, I use the Oriflame Pure Skin Mattifying Face Lotion. I purchased this moisturizer from an Oriflame distributor at N2800 but you can also get it here on their site.  This product contains Salicylic acid which is great for oily acne prone skin. It also claims to reduce shine which I’m all for because that’s the sole aim of this regimen.

READ ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SALICYLIC ACID IN THIS ARTICLE BY ALLURE

For a 50ml tube, this product might seem pricey yet a little goes a long way. I’ve been using this tube for the past 3 months and it’s not yet exhausted. The Oriflame Moisturizer was recommended to me by Niella of TheBudgetBellaBlog after I tried Shea Butter and Coconut oil on my face and it just wasn’t working.

I’ve never been a fan of using oils on my face plus I recently learned that coconut oil actually clogs skin pores so why bother especially if you have oily skin. The downside to this product is that it contains Alcohol Denat which is one of the alcohols that dries out your skin but because of the other safer ingredients, Imma risk it till I get a better option.

READ MORE ABOUT ALCOHOL DENAT IN THIS POST Is my regimen working though? Are these products effective?

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My Skin Care Routine Verdict after 3 solid months…

• My skin tone is different
• My face is less shiny at the end of each day
• I still have acne scars and whiteheads
• My hyperpigmentation hasn’t fully disappeared
• My skin feels softer and smoother.
  

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EDITOR’s EXTRA NOTES

Take note that an effective skin care routine requires consistency and dedication. This is not a binding list as there are so many other effective and affordable products out there.

Personally, I’m looking to try Thayers Witch Hazel Toner,  Deciem’s The Ordinary Products,  Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisturizer  and some organic Nigerian Brands when my pocket can accommodate them. Till then the above is my holy grail products.

Also, what’s the point of an affordable skin care regimen if you don’t eat healthy, drink enough water and keep your hands away from your face?

I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed typing it (2000+ words yo! You gotta enjoy it.)

If you made it this far you are the real MVP! Now, It’s my turn to read from you.

Do you have a skincare routine? What’s your skin type and your routine steps?

Which products do you swear by?

Do you have any products to recommend for me, please feel free.

Until next time,

WanShyGirl.

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