4 Easy and Affordable TikTok Skincare Routines That Can Transform Your Skin

TikTok has rapidly become a hub for discovering lifestyle trends and practical tips, especially when it comes to skincare.

From viral hacks to professional advice, the platform offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone seeking to improve their skin health.

Many experts, including dermatologists, estheticians, and brand founders, use TikTok to debunk common skincare myths. For instance, they clarify that glycolic acid should never be used as a deodorant alternative.

These professionals also share tips like how to effectively layer sunscreen to maximize protection.

Additionally, TikTok creators recommend popular skincare brands, making it easier to shop for effective products.

The app is particularly valuable for those battling skin concerns such as acne or eczema or for individuals wanting a straightforward skincare routine.

Scrolling through TikTok, you’re bound to come across numerous “game-changing” routines that promise amazing results.

While some methods might be best avoided, many of these routines include genuinely useful techniques and affordable product recommendations.

If your current skincare approach feels ineffective or you’re simply ready for a refresh, we’ve gathered four of the smartest skincare routines shared by TikTok experts.

Each routine targets different skin types and concerns, offering easy-to-follow steps and budget-friendly products.

Skincare Routine for Oily and Combination Skin

Nicolle Finn, a certified dermatology assistant, shares a simple morning skincare routine that is perfect for oily or combination skin types.

This routine can also be adapted for evening use with a few minor changes.

The first step involves using a foaming cleanser to remove excess oil without stripping your skin. Nicolle recommends La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel, which costs about £15.

It foams upon contact with water and efficiently dissolves oil and impurities.

Next, apply a serum containing 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc, like The Ordinary’s product priced at only £5. Niacinamide helps regulate oil production, reducing the chance of breakouts.

It also minimizes the appearance of pores and calms inflammation or redness.

The final morning step is a high-SPF moisturizer or sunscreen.

Although Nicolle’s favorite Biossance sunscreen isn’t available in the UK, R29 recommends Polaar’s Very High Protection SPF50+ Sunscreen Lotion for £22.

It absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast.

For your nighttime routine, switch out the niacinamide serum for a gentle retinol serum.

A good option is the Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum, priced at £20. Follow this with a light moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated overnight.

Eye cream is optional but can be added if you want extra care.

Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Dr. Adel, a practicing dermatologist, shares her favorite routine for those with dry or sensitive skin. Her routine focuses on gentle products that hydrate and protect the skin barrier.

Start with a mild cleanser, such as La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Syndet AP+ Shower Gel, which costs about £19. This cleanser cleans without stripping moisture, making it ideal for dry skin.

After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum with multiple types of hyaluronic acid. Naturium’s 5% Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum, priced at £18, is recommended for maximum hydration when applied to damp skin.

For a budget-friendly alternative, The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum costs just £7.75.

If you want to incorporate gentle exfoliation into your evening routine, lactic acid is an excellent choice.

The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA serum (£6.75) is a mild exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells without irritation.

Follow with a rich balm that soothes and repairs, such as La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Soothing Face and Body Balm, which costs around £18.

This product contains skin-repairing ingredients perfect for sensitive skin.

In the morning, skip the lactic acid step and finish with a moisturizer and a high-SPF sunscreen. Vichy’s Idéal Soleil Anti-Aging Sunscreen Lotion at £18.95 is a good option to protect and hydrate dry skin.

Skincare Routine That’s Balanced — Neither Too Oily Nor Too Dry

Dr. Jenny Liu, another dermatologist, offers a balanced skincare regimen suitable for skin that tends to neither dry out nor get too oily. This routine ensures healthy skin without excess shine or flakiness.

Begin by cleansing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip natural oils. Honest Beauty’s Gentle Cleansing Gel (£13.50) is a great choice, leaving the skin feeling clean but comfortable.

In the morning, after cleansing, apply a vitamin C serum to brighten the skin and shield it from environmental pollutants like pollution.

R29 suggests Lumene Nordic C [Valo] Glow Boost Serum, which costs around £32.90.

Follow this with a moisturizer and then a high-SPF sunscreen or a hydrating sunscreen, ensuring even the eye area gets moisture and protection.

At night, replace the vitamin C serum and sunscreen with a retinol serum to promote cell turnover and skin renewal.

Olay Retinol 24 Unscented Night Serum (£19) and Liz Earle Skin Repair Light (£25) are affordable and effective options. Finish with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Daily Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Dr. Howard, known as @dermbeautydoc on TikTok, simplifies skincare for acne-prone skin with a straightforward routine.

His video demonstrates key steps that help manage breakouts without overwhelming the skin.

Start your evening with a double cleanse to thoroughly remove makeup, oil, and dirt. CeraVe’s Foaming Cleanser (£11.50) is gentle but effective and great for acne-prone skin.

Next, use an exfoliating toner containing 2% salicylic acid, such as Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, priced at £28.90. This helps unclog pores and smooth skin texture.

You can apply it with a cotton pad or your fingers if you prefer a more eco-friendly approach.

Follow with a light moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Dr. Howard recommends SkinCeuticals Cream (£140), but a more affordable alternative is SVR SEBIACLEAR Hydra Moisturizer at just £15.

Many dermatologists suggest alternating salicylic acid and a gentle retinoid serum at night to keep pores clear, but this depends on your skin’s tolerance and preference.

In the morning, a simple cleanse is sufficient. You can also apply Paula’s Choice Salicylic Acid Toner in the morning but remember to follow up with a high-SPF sunscreen.

For sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Liquid SPF50+ (£19.50) is highly recommended. Sunscreens are especially important when using acids, as they increase sun sensitivity.

TikTok continues to be an excellent resource for discovering skincare tips, routines, and products that suit different skin types and budgets.

Remember that consistency is key in skincare, and trying new products should be done gradually to monitor how your skin reacts.

By following these expert-backed routines, you can simplify your skincare regimen and achieve healthier, clearer skin without breaking the bank.

Have you tried any TikTok skincare tips that worked well for you?

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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