In the last three months alone, 1.35 million Americans spent $500 or more on skincare products. As we age, we tend to spend even more on products that promise to keep our skin looking vibrant and youthful. Those trying to cut back on costs or budget for an early retirement know the importance of considering every angle to increase savings, but being frugal with skincare products doesn’t have to mean sacrificing overall skin health. For those looking to enjoy an early retirement, here are some cost-effective strategies to maximize your skin’s appearance while keeping your wallet happy.

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Apple cider vinegar for internal and external benefits

When you think of apple cider vinegar, chances are a salad pops into your mind. While apple cider vinegar is commonly used as part of a dressing for some leafy greens, it also boasts many internal health benefits, such as aiding the digestive process. If you already have a bottle of this vinegar in your home, you can easily incorporate it into your skincare routine as a topical treatment for skin health. Simply dilute the apple cider vinegar with equal parts water and use it as a cost-effective toner. Once it dries, just rinse, pat your face dry and enjoy your glowing skin!

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Coconut oil in cooking and as a moisturizer

While coconut oil can be more expensive than sunflower or canola oil, its multi-purpose qualities make it a better bargain in the long run. As a medium-chain saturated fat, coconut oil is actually the ideal type of oil for cooking in high heat as it does not oxidize, making it healthier overall. It is also an ingredient in many delicious dessert recipes, making it a 2-for-1 in terms of use. However, the benefits of coconut oil don’t end there. It can be used as an effective face and body moisturizer and also offers a modest SPF of 4. One container of coconut oil can be efficiently used in delicious savory and sweet recipes, and as a replacement for unnecessary and expensive moisturizers with its natural skin benefits.

Enjoy coffee and exfoliate with the grounds

Many skincare products include caffeine for its numerous benefits on the skin, especially as a result of its anti-aging properties. But you can simply reuse your coffee grounds once your coffee is made to energize and exfoliate your skin–from head to toe! Once you’ve made your morning coffee, simply let the grounds cool off and put them aside in a container. Mix in some coconut oil and apply generously to your body and face after a shower, letting it sit for a few minutes. Rinse it off and enjoy skin that is not only smooth and free of dead skin cells, but also soft and moisturized. An added bonus is that caffeine also combats cellulite, making this scrub all the more useful.

As we plan for our future and the not-so-distant prospect of retirement, it is important to take a hard look at our spending habits if we truly want to save money. As skincare alone accounts for so much of our hard-earned income, using natural products that are multi-purpose not only prioritizes our savings but also our skin.

This article is a contribution to Leisure Freak from freelance writer Jackie Edwards. Thanks Jackie for these money-saving natural skincare tips!

Now working as a full-time freelance writer, Jackie Edwards is also a busy mum of two small children. In any free time she has (which isn’t much) she likes to volunteer and do charity work and take the family greyhound Bertie for long walks.