No matter what kind of skin you have, and frankly, no matter what condition your skin is in, there are three things you really want to do with your skin: improve it, maintain it, and prevent further damage. While high-end skincare often comes in fancy packaging and has exotic ingredients and plenty of high tech formulas, these wallet-friendly skincare products also contain the technology and ingredients you need to help make your skin better, maybe even fabulous!
improvement for acne and dark spots:
I hoped that my acne would leave with my braces and being awkward around boys near my locker, but that wasn’t the case. I don’t have the braces anymore, but I still get acne flare-ups every once in a while. The new line of products from AcneFree is perfect for those. The line has an Energizing Acne Wash and Scrub and an Energizing Acne Cleanser that are perfect for when I’m feeling like I really need to get into the blackheads. They both have little scrubbing beads and benzoyl peroxide that work to quickly clear up any blemishes. And did I mention they smell like iced orange and mint? The mint is refreshing and the orange citrus brightens up the morning. I love the cleanser for the shower because it has an easy pump top. The Wash & Scrub comes in a clear tube. My favorite of the three are the Energizing 3-in-1 Acne Wipes. I love them because sometimes at night I’m tired and lazy and the last thing I want to do is splash cold water on my face. The wipes (also orange and mint scented!) are an easy-peasy way to wash my face. Just wipe and go. The wipes have salicylic acid in them so they’re effective while being easy. For more information click here. (AcneFree Energizing Wash & Scrub, $7.99 for 4.8oz, AcneFree Energizing Acne Cleanser, $7.99 for 6oz, Energizing 3-in-1 Acne Wipes, $6.99 for 30 wipes). 
The other new line of acne-clearing skin care to mention is Ambi. Ambi also has a collection of cleansing cloths called theI love these because they are easy and safe to remove all makeup. Now I have two ways to be lazy—sensing a theme? They’re even safe for mascara removal. Have you fallen in love like I did yet? While the wipes won’t treat acne, Ambi has a great, effective spot treatment cream. Just apply a small dot of the cream at night and let it work its magic. It’s a benzoyl peroxide based treatment that works wonders. For more information click here. (Even and Clear Makeup Removing Cleansing Cloths, $5.99 for 30 cloths, Acne Spot Treatment, $5.99 for 1 oz.) 
If acne isn’t the issue, but dark or bruised skin is, you need to check out DerMend. It’s the first type of cream that I’ve ever tried and it promises to rejuvenate skin’s firmness and help improve discoloration and bruising. The cream uses ceramides and retinols, which have been proven to boost collagen and skin firmness. While the moisturizing bruise formula claims a lot of benefits, it did have a significant effect. For more information click here. (DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula, $28.00 for 4.5oz bottle)
beauty booty for face and body please and maintenance:
I love the new Desert Essence collection of lotions, body washes and soaps. If you’re happy with your skin and want 
to keep it supple, I would recommend the Desert Essence collection. The bottles are stylish with big images of fruits on them and the scents are to die for. The lemon body lotion and exfoliating soap bar make your shower feel like a lemon grove. I also tried the Desert Essence shampoo and condition in Coconut. It really smells fabulous! I like the flip top tubes that are bathroom and travel-friendly, but more importantly, my hair was shiny after the shower. The lotion was moisturizing but not greasy, and the exfoliating soap bar is really good — spa quality. Treat yourself to this collection. (Coconut Shampoo, $8.99 for 8 fl oz, Coconut Conditioner, $8.99 for 8 fl oz, Italian Lemon Hand and Body Lotion, $8.99 for 8 fl oz, Italian Lemon Exfoliating Soap Bar, $4.99 for 5oz). Get More information here. 
If you have sensitive skin, then the CeraVe lotions are for you. It’s a known fact that The Advice Sisters are big fans of CeraVe because the formulas are kind to everyone’s skin, with products that are effective, and with prices that are affordable. CeraVe products have those with sensitive skin in mind—they don’t have any scents, colors, shimmers, and were developed by dermatologists—these work wonders. *Editor’s Note: use our “search” box on the top, right hand side of the page to search for all our CeraVe reviews, or anything we have reviewed in the past. Just type in the name.
The Therapeutic Hand Cream is just the thing to throw in your bag come winter time. It’s not greasy or thick but it contains dimethicone, a skin protectant that provides an extra barrier to lock in moisture. It comes in a medium size tube with an easy flap top. Their moisturizing cream comes in a large tub and is perfect to slather on in the morning or after a shower at night. I loved these because they weren’t disruptive to my skin and didn’t feel heavy at all. More importantly, they really do the job. Who needs fancy packaging when the product is really good?! (Therapeutic Hand Cream, $10.99 for 3 oz, Moisturizing Cream, $14.99 for 16oz). More information here. It’s time to curate your skin-care routine, and add some of these products and freshen up your medicine cabinet for Fall!
*thanks to writer Katie Rice for this article.
