There’s never been more easily accessible information about skincare. You’re always a quick Google or TikTok away from another recommendation of a product or brand, promising to give you the glow you’ve always wanted. But how do you sift through the hype and the newest “holy grails” to find what will actually work best for you and your particular skin?  

Whether you’re trying to build a routine from scratch, adapting to skin changes, or looking to optimize what you’re using, these expert tips will help you meet your skincare goals.  

Nail the Basics 

It can be so tempting to try all the buzzy products, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve switched things up. “For those new to a skincare routine, I always encourage starting with the basics: cleanse, tone, moisturize, and sunscreen,” says Schyler Jones, a certified advanced esthetician and co-owner of Skyris Advanced Aesthetics in Oregon City. “These steps alone can improve your skin dramatically, and when you get in a good rhythm with your basic routine, you can slowly start to add products that cater to your specific skin concerns and goals.” 

Just because these products are basic, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be specialized, since your needs will vary based on your skin type. Take cleanser, for instance. “If you’re oily, maybe you choose a light foam for daily use, and if you’re dry, you may choose an oil based cleanser to soothe and hydrate,” says Adrianne Mitchell of Ayge Skin in Portland. You’ll want to choose a toner for your needs–whether that’s an exfoliating toner, a creamier one made for dry skin, or something calming if you’re prone to redness, breakouts and irritation. If your moisturizer isn’t cutting it, don’t be afraid to look for a thicker one (usually made for dry skin), and it’s okay to change what products you use depending on the season, as well. Your routine is for your benefit, not the other way around.  

Both experts recommend doing your skincare routine both morning and night, with SPF only in the morning. Jones notes that double cleansing (washing your face twice, just like it sounds) is beneficial in removing SPF and makeup. You can use the same cleanser or more than one type (she notes that a balm can be especially helpful for removing makeup). Though it isn’t necessary to switch up your moisturizer at night versus morning, you certainly can if you like.  

Add Your Extras 

Though there’s nothing wrong with keeping your regimen minimalist, you can always incorporate more steps, especially if you’re noticing new skin concerns, or you just want to add to the ritual. Mitchell notes that you want to apply products from thinnest to thickest, generally, so after cleansing and toning, add essences before serums with moisturizers and oils last. Fun fact: If you’re choosing the right oil, it won’t add to oily skin, but will help nourish it.  

Essences usually focus on hydration, broadly speaking, and serums often contain active ingredients to target a specific skin concern–think Vitamin C serum for brightening and Retinol to target wrinkles. You can add an eye cream alongside your moisturizer to care for that extra delicate skin. If you don’t know where to add a product, it never hurts to check with the brand.  

Though it’s certainly tempting to try all sorts of things, Jones recommends a slower approach. “Make sure you pay attention to active ingredients in products. Using too high of a concentration or having multiple products with active ingredients can dry out your skin, cause irritation, skin sensitivity, and strip your skin of its natural oils–which can lead to other skin issues. It’s best to start with gentle products and slowly add in your active ingredients through your toner, serum, or retinol treatment.” Starting slow can also help you figure out if a certain product is causing irritation.  

Beyond daily skincare, you may want to choose a mask to do regularly based on your specific concerns, and go for a seasonal facial. Finding an esthetician you trust can also be a huge benefit as you try to figure out what’s best for your skin, especially if you’re feeling confused or stuck. Nothing beats personalized recommendations from someone with firsthand experience.