Low-cost steps to tighter skin

Whenever I’m discussing the latest skincare innovations and technologies I’m aware a lot of them can be costly.

But the good news is there are plenty of ways to achieve stronger, healthier, ‘tighter’ skin without having to spend a lot of money.

So below I’m going to set out my top 10.

1. Face massage and exercise

Many of the at-home skincare devices on the market are designed to boost blood flow to the skin, increasing the supply of oxygen which in turn supports cell productivity.

And there is a totally free way we can boost circulation to the skin on our faces and necks, as well as helping tone our muscles and that’s through massage and exercise.

Just as I work out in the gym, every other day I spend a few minutes doing exercises to strengthen and tone my jawline using some of the moves I learned from face massage specialist Clare Maclean.

Using an inexpensive gua sha massage stone has also been found to be particularly helpful with blood flow.

A small study by the University Hospital of Essen in Germany, found a single treatment of gua sha massage caused a four-fold increase in microcirculation at the treated area.

2. Embrace antioxidants

We’re always warned in skincare marketing about free radicals – those incomplete atoms that roam around looking for electrons to complete them.

A build-up of free radicals begins the process known as oxidative stress which can damage the body’s cells so as it ages it loses its ability to fight the effects of free radicals as effectively as it once did.

That’s why we hear nutritionists encouraging us to eat a diet which is high in antioxidants.

They are chemicals that interact with free radicals and neutralise them by donating some of their own electrons.

And it’s also why eating a variety of different plant foods, which are full of antioxidants and fibre, is one of the most evidenced things we can do to preserve our health and our skin and slow down the aging process.

Skincare companies have also been fast to pick up on the anti-aging benefits of antioxidants by creating topical treatments.

The question is how effective are antioxidants when applied in a skin cream or serum? Well, vitamin A derived retinoids are certainly well evidenced.

But while we don’t have the same amount of evidence for other topical antioxidants, a 2017 review from researchers in New Zealand summarizes several human studies showing a beneficial effect from topical vitamin C for UV protection, particularly when combined with vitamin E.

Another human study showed the use of vitamin C topically for at least 3 months improved the appearance of both fine and course wrinkles on the face and neck.

It’s also been linked in clinical trials with a reduction in dark spots and improvement in acne too.

3. Omega fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for their health benefits, including helping to lower inflammation.

But there are benefits for your skin health too. A 2018 review from researchers in Taiwan concluded that omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil can improve skin barrier function, inhibit UV-induced inflammation and hyperpigmentation, improve skin dryness and accelerate wound healing.

Omega-3 fatty acids could also reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that contribute to the aging process.

Taking a supplement is a cost-effective way of harnessing the benefits if you don’t eat a lot of fish.

I also look to include omega fatty acids in my skincare routine.

A 2005 study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics reported that topical omega-3 reduced UV sensitivity in skin cells in a lab setting.

Other studies have found similar links between topical omega fatty acids and a reduction in the signs of photoaging.

So, again although we’re short on larger human trials for using omega fatty acids topically, there is evidence they are beneficial for skin.

I tend to mix both inexpensive skincare with a couple of what I would describe as hero products which I try to use sparingly.

In the mix, I include an oil that is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. My current favorite is made by UK skincare maker Maysama which is gentle, deeply hydrating yet non-greasy and represents great value when compared to the likes of Augustinus Bader and True Botanicals – both excellent but expensive brands.

4. Hydrolyzed collagen

Next on my list is collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies (particularly in our youth!) and used to make connective tissue which is why it’s so important to the strength of our bones, skin, muscles and cartilage.

But our bodies gradually make less of it as we age.

Now it appears through recent studies that hydrolyzed collagen, extracted peptides of a lower molecular weight, can be better absorbed by our bodies and therefore has greater potential to replace some of what we lose.

A Korean study found that after 12 weeks of supplementation with collagen peptides of lower molecular weight, with half of participants told to take just one gram of collagen peptides daily alongside a placebo group, those taking the supplements had markedly reduced wrinkling.

A review paper evaluating the results of 19 eligible randomized, double-blind, and controlled trials exploring oral supplementation with hydrolysed collagen showed overall favourable results compared with placebo in terms of skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles.

The sources of the collagen differed between marine and animal collagen and with doses between around two to five grams over eight to 12 weeks.

So you don’t need to take large amounts of it and you don’t need to splash out on those expensive, flavoured daily sachets.

5. Hyaluronic acid

You’ll often find hyaluronic acid added to collagen powders too and it can be sourced naturally in things like bone broth, and through root vegetables which support the production of hyaluronic acid.

Human studies have shown significant improvements in skin health and the signs of aging in people taking hyaluronic acid supplements.

There are several studies showing hyaluronic acid does make it past the digestive system to our skin and they report significant decreases in wrinkles compared to placebo groups. 

And we want to take hyaluronic acid of high molecular weight which has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects so you’re getting more than just aesthetic benefits and it should be inexpensive.

6. Weight training strengthens skin

Weight lifting has been shown to have enormous whole-body benefits, with muscle strength being a major contributor to health, lifespan and skin-span.

Researchers in Japan reported that while both aerobic and resistance exercise have a positive impact on skin elasticity – resistance training in particular increases dermal thickness.

Having thicker skin means fewer wrinkles and less sagging, improved skin texture and moisture and it makes the skin less susceptible to external pollutants and UV radiation.

The researchers found resistance exercise caused the skin to behave more youthfully at a cellular level, including increased collagen production.

And the most pronounced effects were seen in people who lifted weights.

The theory is that weight training alters the circulating levels of cell signalling molecules and hormones delivering the anti-aging benefits. 

7. Sunscreen not only protects but enhances

Now before you roll your eyes and say I’ve heard this 1000 times, what I’m about to share may be new information.

Because while pretty much everyone knows sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and decreases the risk of skin cancer, it’s not always regarded as the most effective over-the-counter product to both protect and enhance the appearance and health of our skin.

A 2016 study published in the Dermatologic Surgery journal found with just a daily application of moisturizer with SPF 30, all of the 32 participants saw improvements of 52 percent in mottled pigmentation (or sun spots), 40 percent in skin texture, and 41 percent in skin clarity after a year of use.

Why? Well the dermatologists involved in the study suggested that by preventing the continual accumulation of photo damage we give the skin a chance to heal and strengthen on its own.

The Skin Cancer Foundation claims around 90 per cent of all visible damage to our skin is caused by photoaging – that’s damage caused by unprotected exposure to UV light and there is such a great range of lower cost sunscreens out there that it’s a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned.

8. Retinoids

Retinoids are still considered to be the front-line of anti-aging skincare and as vitamin A derivatives also act as antioxidants.

There has been a movement towards encouraging consumers to build up their retinoid use to the strongest concentrations your skin can tolerate at a daily frequency which can be pricey and may actually be at the expense of your skin health too if you don’t find the right balance.

So if you’re looking for a lower cost, gentle alternative I’ve mentioned a few times on the channel that I switched last year from retinoic acid to a retinaldehyde serum.

Retinals are the next conversion step down from retinoic acid so they’re a little gentler on the skin while still being effective at smoothing fine lines and clearing your skin.

And the good news is it’s also cheaply available. I use one from Geek & Gorgeous every other night which also helps with cost.

It’s £18 or $20 for 30mls of highest strength A-Game 10 which the makers compare to a high-strength retinol of around 1%.

9. Sleep

We’ve heard people say they need to catch their beauty sleep and it turns out they’re actually right.

A good night’s sleep for adults is generally considered to be at least 7 hours.

A lack of sleep has been linked in studies with reduced skin hydration and elasticity.

And, because we know sleep is when the body has the most opportunity to renew and repair itself, cutting sleep short gives it less of a chance to do that – including our skin cells.

10. Scale back

My final tip is to scale back on products so you’re sticking to a capsule skincare routine that prioritizes quality over quantity.

We don’t have to use actives every single day to get the benefits, so you can stretch things out a little longer by using slightly smaller amounts or less often. Monitor your skin closely and think about minimums rather than maximums.

We don’t need harsh face washes and cleansers. I use a very small amount of face balm to wash the make-up off my face at night and then just rinse my face with water in the mornings for instance.

There’s a saving right there.

I use a couple of drops of oil under my sunscreen in the morning and so I don’t need a moisturizer in addition to that so there’s another saving.

Spend strategically and try to consider how much of a product you can use to deliver the benefits without tipping into excessive use and cost.

Final thoughts

I’ve not mentioned hormones deliberately because it’s more of a health issue to be discussed with your doctor, but it’s obviously a major factor too for skin aging alongside diet and lifestyle.

Needless to say smoking ages skin as does drinking too much alcohol but I think these things are widely known and cutting back on both will save a significant amount of money.

While the long-term effects of vaping are still being studied, dermatologists have warned the chemicals produced by e-cigarettes can contribute to premature aging of the skin.

My budget-friendly skincare products

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