Hydrate with home remedies

When the heat is on and your skin feels slick as an oil well, it may seem counterintuitive to add more moisture. But heat and sweat lead to dehydration, which can trigger skin to overproduce oil. “Without added moisture, your pores produce more sebum to compensate for drying, which causes a frustrating cycle of breakouts and irritation,” dermatologist Amy Weschler, M.D., tells WebMD. With proper hydration, you can achieve balanced skin in even the hottest conditions, without breaking your budget.

• Cool down with a DIY face mask. For easy skin treatments, you needn’t go further than your own refrigerator. Aloe and cucumber are soothing and restorative, with natural astringents and hydrating properties. Here’s a simple recipe for creating your own aloe and cucumber mask from Planet Green: Puree 1 cup aloe plant leaf or aloe juice and 1 cup chopped cucumber, and leave on the face for 30 minutes.

• Switch to a lighter moisturizer. You want dewy, not greasy, when it comes to warm-weather skin. Choose an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. To cut costs on foundation and sunscreen, spring for a tinted moisturizer with SPF, like Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer. For oily skin, look for a product that contains silica, which produces a matte-like finish, such as Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15.

• Ditch dryness. Chlorine and air conditioning are two of the worst warm-weather culprits when it comes to dry skin. Everyday Health recommends avoiding chlorine, a harsh chemical that strips moisture from the skin, as much as possible. If you can’t sacrifice the swimming pool, take short, warm showers or baths to rinse off afterward. (Stay out of hot water, which deprives the skin of natural oils.) As for air conditioner, which pulls moisture-rich humidity from the air, resist the urge to run it full-blast. Not only will you save money, you’ll save your skin as well.

Use smart sun protection

The only surefire way to prevent sun damage and premature aging is to properly shield your skin from UV rays. If sunscreen isn’t already part of your daily routine, make it as habitual as brushing your teeth. And if you’re going to be in the sun for any extended length of time, wear a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.

• Splurge on sunscreen. This is one area where it’s worth it to spend a little extra. According to Howard Murad, M.D., founder of Murad skincare, an ideal sunscreen isn’t just about SPF, it’s about antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and hydrating agents. Try Murad Oil Free Sunblock SPF 30, and be sure to reapply frequently. Or save on moisturizer and powder by using a mineral-based sunscreen with oil-absorbing micronized zinc or titanium oxide, like Nia 24 Sun Damage Prevention Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.

Get a natural glow

Turned off by pricy self-tanners, foundations and bronzers? Achieve natural radiance with these cheap and easy alternatives.

• Exercise. There’s no substitute for that post-workout glow. Exercise increases circulation and can prep you for a good night’s sleep, which gives the skin a chance to replenish nutrients. Particularly when it’s hot out, be sure to drink more water and cleanse immediately after exercising to prevent sweat-induced breakouts.

• Cleanse. Even the clearest skin can get temperamental in hot weather. To fight blemishes, choose a cleanser with 2 percent salicylic acid, which reduces swelling, redness and excess oil. Inexpensive options include Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleansing Bar and Olay Total Effects Revitalizing Foam Cleanser. It’s important to note, however, that salicylic acid can increase sensitivity to the sun, so use it only at night, or once a week if you have dry or sensitive skin. (On the plus side, less frequent use means your cleanser will last longer.)

• Exfoliate.Banish dead skin cells that make the skin appear dull and lifeless through regular exfoliation. Plain old household baking soda is an effective natural exfoliant — and cheap, to boot. Its fine yet abrasive powder removes dead skin cells without irritating the skin. The Beauty Brains advises mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with your regular facial cleanser; then massage the mixture into skin. Repeat two to three times a week, or as often as you normally exfoliate. If you experience redness or irritation, experiment with using less baking soda and shift your routine to night-time so your face has a chance to recover. An added money-saver: Exfoliating skin before applying self-tanner will create a smoother, streak-free glow and extend the life of your tan.

Learn everything you need to know about budget skincare in our Beauty on a Budget Handbook.