Melanie Lampro

Save Your Money and Try These 7 Free Skincare Habits Instead!

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or flicked through a magazine, you’ll know how seductive those ‘before and after’ skincare ads can be. The promise of looking 15 years younger in just 15 minutes? It sounds like magic. But let me be brutally honest: there is no product on the market that can do this. And I’m willing to bet my boots that every single one of those ads is a scam. Heck, I even faked one myself just to prove the point.

Anyway, it was the last straw for me recently when the very first thing I saw online was yet another over-the-top anti-ageing ad, closely followed by at least half a dozen more. They promise the impossible, and it frustrates me how many people apparently fall for them (for many reasons, but that’s a discussion for another day).

So, as a follow-up to my mini-rant over on X, here’s a longer post diving into it.

I’m sharing straightforward, practical healthy skin tips that don’t rely on gimmicks or miracle products. While all the tips below are completely free skincare tips, I’ll also mention a few products I personally buy (and sometimes sell) that support these habits. Together, they form a simple and effective natural skincare routine anyone can follow, no expensive products required. But let me be clear: you don’t need any of them to actually put this advice into practice and see real benefits.

This post is all about skincare without expensive products, focusing on simple habits that really make a difference.

These anti-ageing skincare tips are based on science and real-life experience, no hype, just honest advice.

I’m not here to sell you another cream or serum (at least not in this post). Instead, I want to share my 7 free, simple daily skincare habits that genuinely help your skin stay healthy and glowing over time. No filters. No unicorn sparkles. Just real advice that works.

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1. Sunscreen. Every. Single. Day.

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but it’s worth repeating: wear sunscreen every day. Rain or shine. Indoors too.

So even when you’re indoors or driving, you’re still getting UVA exposure. That’s why wearing sunscreen every day matters; rain or shine, inside or out.

• Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays penetrate windows and clouds, and cause damage even if you don’t feel the heat. These rays penetrate deep into your skin and contribute to premature ageing and even some skin cancers.
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays mostly get stopped by standard glass and don’t reach as far, but UVB is the main cause of sunburn.

Sunscreen is the most powerful anti-ageing skincare tool you have and it works by preventing damage, not fixing it after the fact. No expensive cream can undo years of sun exposure.

💡 Bonus Tip: Find a sunscreen you actually like, whether that’s a matte finish, mineral-based, or tinted. Make sure it’s the right Sun Protection Factor (SPF) for your skin, lifestyle and/or activity. Apply generously and reapply regularly.

I’ve tried a few and although not the cheapest, I do prefer TEMPLESPA’s LIFE DEFENCE High Protection SPF Moisturiser (partly because the smell reminds me of seaside holidays) but also because it ‘does what it says on the tube’ plus, isn’t sticky, and doesn’t leave a shine, or cast. It also protects against blue light (high-energy visible light or, HEV), free radicals, city pollution, smoky environments, and air conditioning. All of these can contribute to environmental skin damage. I’m also a die-hard fan of their LIP DEFENCE SPF30 Protecting Lip Balm.

Discover the TEMPLESPA SPF family here!

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2. Stay Hydrated

Your skin is a reflection of your overall hydration levels. Drinking water consistently helps your skin cells stay plump and healthy, preventing that dry, tight, flaky feeling.

You don’t need to drink gallons; just aim to sip regularly throughout the day. If plain water bores you, add fresh fruit slices, cucumber slices or mint leaves for a refreshing twist. If you can, use a glass or metal water bottle; plastic (as you see in the image) is not always avoidable, but it’s not the best either.

💡 Bonus Tip: Mint is really easy to grow on your windowsill at home. You don’t even need to buy it. If you have a friend with some mint, ask them for a cutting, pop it in a jar of water and wait for the little rootlets to show, then you can plant it.

Failing that, most large supermarkets stock growing herbs and mint is a very common one to find; they’re usually no more than a couple of pounds and I have a MASSIVE mint plant outside my front door that I grew from one of those. Now the neighbours come to take cuttings and a ‘try this variety’ mint trade-off has begun!

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3. Prioritise Sleep

During sleep, your skin goes into repair mode, producing collagen, renewing cells, and flushing out toxins. Without enough quality sleep, you might notice dullness, inflammation, or more breakouts.

Aim for 7–9 hours a night, and try to keep a consistent bedtime routine. Your skin (and your mood) will thank you.

One of my all-time favourite TEMPLESPA products is their REPOSE Relaxing Night Cream. It’s one of the first ones I tried and I was amazed at how it helps me get a really good night’s sleep and nourishes my skin at the same time.

💡 Bonus Tip: It’s not a ‘magic fix’, but clean bedding is a simple, no-cost step that helps your skin breathe easier while you sleep. Keep your bedding clean for better skin, because your pillowcases and sheets collect oils, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria; all of which can clog pores and cause breakouts or irritation.

Choose gentle, fragrance-free detergents to avoid irritating sensitive skin, and wash your bedding regularly (about once a week) to help keep these skin offenders away and support clearer, healthier skin. I currently favour Fabulosa laundry and other household products.

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4. Eat Real Food

Healthy skin comes from the inside out. Load your plate with colourful vegetables, healthy fats like avocados and nuts, and lean proteins (plant-based proteins are my preference in this category). These provide vitamins and antioxidants that support skin repair and glow.

Avoid ultra-processed foods that can cause inflammation and disrupt your skin barrier.

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5. Don’t Smoke. Cut Back on Booze.

Both smoking and excessive alcohol break down collagen and elasticity; the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth. The result? Dry, dull, wrinkled skin that no cream can fix.

💡 Bonus Tip: I was a smoker once, and quitting changed everything for my skin. If I can do it, anyone can. For support, check out the NHS Stop Smoking Service.

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6. Lower Your Stress

Chronic stress triggers inflammation and hormonal imbalances that can wreak havoc on your skin. Incorporate activities that help you decompress, like walking, meditation, journaling, or simply laughing with friends.

Remember, lower stress doesn’t mean being calm all the time; it means managing it in ways that work for you.

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7. Try A–E–I–O–U Facial Exercises

Yes, facial muscles need love too! Try saying each vowel slowly and exaggerating the movement to work your face muscles. It may feel silly, but consistency can help tone your face and improve circulation.

See my A–E–I–O–U Facial Exercises guide.

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You and your skin will age

There’s nothing wrong with wanting your skin to look its best. But it’s important to remember that healthy skin is about care and consistency, not miracle jars or quick fixes.

Treat your skin kindly, but more importantly, treat yourself kindly. Accept the natural process of ageing as a part of life and focus on habits that support your health and confidence.

If this helped you rethink your skincare routine, please share it with someone still chasing unicorn sparkles…

Discover more about the TEMPLESPA products featured in this blog post. Visit my Personal TEMPLESPA Website or use the links below.

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FEATURED TEMPLESPA PRODUCTS

This list is provided for reference. Your ideal routine may include only a small selection of these products, depending on your skin, lifestyle, and tolerance.