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

Daily skincare in 3 easy steps

A widely advertised facial moisturizer claims to be the most effective available on the market – and sells for $225 per bottle. Should you purchase it? Another brand offers a whole skincare regimen — but is available in 10 different bottles of lotion and potion that should be applied every day. Is it price 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, essentially the most effective and reliable regimens are also quick and cheap.

For every day skincare, you'll be able to limit your routine to 3 easy steps: cleansing your skin, protecting it from the sun, and treating any specific skin problems similar to dry skin, pimples, or positive 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 will have dry or oily skin. If you will have dry skin, select a gentle cleansing agent (similar to Dove, Cetaphil, or Aveeno soap or cleanser) and avoid products similar to toners, which contain alcohol. For oily skin, select a soap that removes oil and cleanse your skin more often 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 day-after-day. Higher SPFs are useful should you plan to spend hours outdoors, but should you spend most of your time indoors, SPF 30 is generally sufficient. If you will 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