"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Daily skincare in 3 easy steps

A widely advertised facial moisturizer claims to be one of the best in the marketplace – and sells for $225 per bottle. Should you purchase it? Another brand offers an entire skincare regimen — but is available in 10 different bottles of lotion and potion that have to be applied every day. Is it value your time?

Despite manufacturers' claims, many cosmetic products will take extra money out of your wallet than dirt and oil out of your skin. You don't need an expensive or lengthy skincare routine – and the excellent news is, probably the most effective and reliable regimens are also quick and cheap.

For every day skincare, you may limit your routine to a few easy steps: cleansing your skin, protecting it from the sun, and treating any specific skin problems corresponding to dry skin, pimples, or nice lines. Wrinkles All three step products can be found at your local drugstore at very low price.

1. Cleanse your skin. Choose your skin cleanser based on whether you may have dry or oily skin. If you may have dry skin, select a light cleansing agent (corresponding to Dove, Cetaphil, or Aveeno soap or cleanser) and avoid products corresponding to toners, which contain alcohol. For oily skin, select a soap that removes oil and cleanse your skin more regularly throughout the day.

2. Protect your skin from the sun. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wear it on daily basis. Higher SPFs are useful in case you plan to spend hours outdoors, but in case you spend most of your time indoors, SPF 30 will likely be sufficient. If you may have sensitive skin, select a sunscreen product designed for sensitive skin.

3. Treat your skin's specific needs. There are many effective and cheap moisturizers for dry skin. There are also many inexpensive products available over-the-counter that may reduce lines and wrinkles, fade brown spots, or fight pimples.

Photo: © Felix Mizioznikov | Getty Images