Skincare solutions and spending

I had an appointment with my dermatologist today, and I would like to say that I have immense respect and curiosity for dermatologists. The fact that she prescribes me medication to treat acne scarring while simultaneously injecting Botox into the forehead of the middle-aged peroxide blonde next door is mind baffling -- simply because these are all intimate matters of appearance that a dermatologist must address.
One thing I ended purchasing from my dermatologist today (and oh, 'tis frightening how many facials and creams and lotions a dermatologist may recommend for you) is the Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Skin Bleaching and Corrector Cream. It sounds like one of those whitening creams heavily marketed in Asian countries, but apparently it can be used for any "unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation." This tiny two-ounce bottle cost me $91 -- and I haven't even started talking about the topical gel that I've been prescribed or the blackhead facial that she insists I get before I head off to college.
One of the most popular skincare trends in Asia right now (and Asian countries, obsessed as they are with pale skin, have excellent skincare products) is B. B. cream (Blemish Balm). It is part foundation and part (supposedly) healing cream, and it actually originated in Germany (although Korean brands have picked up on this trend). I picked up a bottle of Missha M Vita SPF 20 B. B. Cream at a department store in China, and the ingredients include everything from caviar cream to vitamin complexes. It actually works extremely well applied, smoothing out the skin without any extra oil -- my Korean-American friend adores it and I can understand why.

I bring these all up because skincare can be ridiculously expensive and complex, making me envy those who were born with blessed blemish-free complexions.

So, tell me -- do you think you're getting your money's worth on the skincare products that you use? And are you willing to splurge for your skin?

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Miss Couturable