The real deal on skincare products

We all need to take care of our skin, but as you know, those creams and lotions can get pretty expensive. So what about all of those fancy anti aging, hydrating and firming ingredients? Are they really worth paying extra for? -- Lets peel back the layers and take a look.

First, never judge a lotion by its price tag. A higher price doesn't always mean higher quality. What's most important are the active ingredients in the product, which can generally be found equally in both fancy and inexpensive creams.

Some of the key ingredients you should look for are, Alpha- hydroxyl acids like; Lactic, Glycolic and Citric acids. Retinol is another, and is most commonly known as Vitamin A. Some people are sensitive to Retinol, so if you fall into that category, look for other antioxidants, like Vitamin C, Tea and Grape seed extracts.

Next, watch out for the exaggerated claims you'll often see advertised. Companies can promise a lot of things, but the truth is, the FDA doesn't require them to prove the safety or effectiveness of their products. What that really means is that there are no industry standards for phrases like, clinically tested and proven. So be sure to take those claims with a grain of salt.

Lastly, don't be fooled by trendy ingredients. Some companies will add various scents and oils only to make the product more appealing so they can boost up the price. Sure, ingredients like rose oil, lavender or even yogurt can make you're skin look and smell nice, but do they really make the lotion more effective? – Not really.

So before you start your next beauty regimen, keep these tips in mind. With a little extra knowledge, you can find some savings that are a little more than skin deep.

Click through the pictures below to see the 10 beauty products all women should own.

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