Can you get great skin without spending a fortune?

Do we really need to moisturise?

There’s no shortage of skincare products claiming to do it all - from reducing the signs of ageing to leaving your complexion looking healthy, radiant, and glowing.

What many of us do have, however, is a shortage of money, making those miracle creams and serums feel out of reach.

According to Dr Susan Mayou, Consultant Dermatologist at Cadogan Clinic, moisturising becomes increasingly important as we age because our skin naturally produces less oil and loses its ability to retain moisture.

“Well-hydrated skin appears smoother, can make fine lines less noticeable, and is more resilient,” she explains. “But you don't need an expensive cream to achieve this.”

Dr Susan Mayou

Why sunscreen matters for healthy skin

Daily sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect against premature skin ageing and reduce your chance of sunburn and certain skin cancers.

When choosing a budget-friendly sunscreen, don't assume that a higher price tag means better protection. The most important thing is to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate sun protection factor (SPF) that you'll use consistently.

Mayou notes that daily sunscreen is the single most effective anti-ageing skin product you can buy.

“Important factors are choosing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, and applying enough every day,” she says. “Expensive sunscreens are not necessarily better at sun protection or preventing premature ageing.

“Higher-priced products may offer a more elegant texture or additional skincare ingredients, but sunscreen only works if you apply it thickly enough and wear it consistently. Finding one that feels comfortable enough to use every day is far more important than the brand or price.”

Which ingredients are actually worth paying for?

Alongside eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods, certain serums and creams can help improve the appearance of your skin - and they don't have to come with a premium price tag.

“A healthy diet provides antioxidants from within,” says Mayou. “However, topical antioxidants offer an additional layer of protection by helping to neutralise free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution, both of which accelerate skin ageing.

“Effectiveness depends more on the formulation and stability of the ingredients than on the price tag,” she adds. “So affordable options can deliver excellent results.”

Do anti-ageing creams and collagen supplements really work?

If you’re wondering whether products such as collagen supplements actually work, research suggests they may help improve skin hydration and elasticity. However, as Mayou notes, the evidence is still developing, and any benefits are likely to be subtle rather than dramatic.

“Anti-ageing creams vary enormously, and many rely on marketing rather than proven ingredients,” she says. “If you're spending on skincare, prioritise products with strong scientific evidence - daily sunscreen, a retinol, a moisturiser containing ceramides or glycerine, and, if your budget allows, a vitamin C serum.

“These will deliver far greater long-lasting benefits than most luxury creams.”

Do skincare devices make a difference?

It’s not just creams, oils, and serums that brands claim can help slow the visible signs of skin ageing. We’re also told that skincare tools - from facial rollers and LED masks to microcurrent devices - are worth the investment for tackling concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.

Mayou explains that while some at-home skincare devices are supported by scientific evidence, it's important to keep your expectations realistic. While certain technologies can deliver modest improvements with consistent use, they are unlikely to replicate the results of professional in-clinic treatments.

“If you're on a budget, I would invest in evidence-based skincare and daily sunscreen before purchasing any device,” she suggests. “Consistent topical skincare delivers the greatest return over time.”

Why good sleep matters for your skin

Mayou adds that quality sleep also plays an important role in skin repair and recovery. Anything that helps you sleep well may indirectly benefit your skin.

“Blackout curtains or a comfortable sleep mask can help if they improve your sleep quality,” she says. “Silk pillowcases may reduce friction on your skin and hair, but the evidence that they significantly reduce wrinkles is limited.

“Rather than investing heavily in accessories, I would prioritise maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, keeping hydrated, and following a simple skincare routine before bed.”

Healthy-looking skin doesn't have to come at a premium. Consistent use of evidence-based skincare, daily sunscreen, and healthy lifestyle habits will usually deliver better long-term results than chasing luxury products or the latest beauty trends.