Sure, taking care of your skin often requires handing over a bit of cash in exchange for products such as sunscreen, cleansers, and moisturizers. But there are other ways you can improve the health and quality of your dermis... without having to spend a single cent. We asked dermatologists and aestheticians to share some of their best tips.

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The best piece of skin care advice anyone can follow is to protect your skin from the sun. Obviously, SPF is one of the key ways to do so, as is hanging out in the shade. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing is also helpful, but it can be expensive. Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist in Solana, Calif., has a hack for that!

"If you don't have the disposable income to invest in UPF clothing, consider taking a long-sleeve t-shirt that is (preferably) dark and wash it a few times. This will shrink the t-shirt fibers and create a tighter weave, which can double the UPF rating and provide additional sun protection while outdoors," she says.

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One of the hazy upsides of the pandemic is the fact that we're all a bit more aware about the germs, bacteria, and viruses that surround us and linger on surfaces. Not only are we cleaning our hands more regularly, but our masks (and knowledge!) has curbed excessive face-touching throughout the day. That's a good habit to maintain even after the pandemic curve has been adequately flattened. "When we touch our face with our dirty hands, we are inviting those germs into the skin barrier which can cause acne," notes Dr. Marina Peredo, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

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Did you know you ought to wash your bedding once a week? Seems like a monumental task, but it's really no biggie and having a clean pillowcase will keep your skin clearer! Not to mention, it can make all the difference in your ability so sleep through the night.

"Bacteria and skin debris that naturally turns over from our facial skin can build up on your pillowcase. Washing your pillowcase regularly will keep pores clean and remove the opportunity for dirt, oil, and old skin cells to clog pores and cause acne breakouts," explains Dr. Palm.

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Speaking of sleep, Dr. Palm also recommends avoiding sleeping on your sides if possible. Doing so promotes creasing of your skin on both your face and chest. "Putting a pillow under your knees helps to prevent you from rolling to your side during your sleep and also helps relieve low back pressure," she says. "If you are a side sleeper, hug a pillow in between your breasts to prevent chest wrinkles."

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