Everyday Cheapskate: Frugal Fixes for Aging Skin and Hair

Mary Hunt on Jun 2, 2025

Let's face it -- slowing the aging process can be a full-time job (without benefits). Skin loses its bounce, hair forgets how to shine, and suddenly your eyebrows need a motivational speaker. But here's the good news: You don't need a trust fund or a drawer full of fancy potions to look and feel great. You just need a little humor, a few kitchen staples and the willingness to smear odd substances on your face from time to time.

1. COCONUT OIL MAGIC

Cheap, multitasking and smells like vacation. Rub a bit between your palms and pat on your face before bed for soft, glowing skin. It also makes a great hair mask -- just massage into your ends, wrap in a shower cap and rinse out in the morning. Warning: Your dog may think you're a snack.

2. YOGURT AND HONEY MASK

Mix a spoonful of plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey. Smear it on your face, sit back for 15 minutes, then rinse. Yogurt gently exfoliates; honey hydrates. Your skin will feel so refreshed.

3. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HAIR RINSE

Tired of dull, limp hair? Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water, pour over your hair after shampooing, then rinse. It removes product buildup and makes hair shiny. Hint: You may want to light a candle so your bathroom doesn't smell like vinaigrette.

4. GREEN TEA EYE CUBES

Green tea naturally contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. So do this: Steep green tea, pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. In the morning, wrap the green tea ice cube in a soft cloth or paper towel. Gently glide the ice cube along the under-eye area in a circular motion. Avoid pressing too hard or holding it in one spot for too long to prevent skin irritation. Direct application is fine for short periods but may be too cold for sensitive skin. This depuffs, tightens and convinces your face you got a full eight hours -- even if you didn't.

5. BROWN SUGAR SCRUB

Mix brown sugar and olive oil (2:1 ratio) to make an easy body scrub. Use it in the shower for smooth elbows, knees and feet. You'll be so soft you'll want to hug yourself.

6. EGG WHITE FIRMING MASK

Crack an egg, separate the white and beat it until frothy. Apply to clean skin and leave for 10 minutes. It tightens like Spanx for your face -- minus the discomfort.

7. CASTOR OIL FOR LASHES & BROWS

Overplucked in the '90s? (Haven't we all.) Apply castor oil to your lashes and brows at night with a clean mascara wand. Be patient -- it's slow magic, but it works.

8. ALOE VERA FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING

Hydrate, soothe, reduce dark spots -- aloe does it all. Use the gel from a plant or store-bought kind. Bonus points if you keep it in the fridge for a cool-down treat.

9. DRINK YOUR WAY TO DEWY

Hydrated skin starts from the inside. Keep a water bottle handy like it's your new best friend. You'll glow. You'll feel better. And you'll walk extra steps heading to the bathroom. Win-win.

10. DON'T SKIP THE DOLLAR STORE

Grab satin pillowcases (less hair breakage), plastic shower caps (perfect for DIY hair masks) and those microfiber towels that don't weigh 12 pounds. Big results. Small price.

Aging is inevitable, but looking and feeling great on a budget? That's your superpower. These frugal fixes won't erase your laugh lines (and really, why would you want to?), but they will have you glowing, inside and out -- and all without a single overpriced serum.

========

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."