Skin type Rx. For starters, buy skin care products that you need and will use on a daily basis. It sounds simple enough, but many of us shell out money for the latest it product only to never use it again. Instead of splurging on needless items, go simple and focus on the bare essentials. The building blocks for any skin care routine include cleanser, toner (this one is optional) and moisturizer. Your skin type will dictate the type of products you need and which ones will provide the most benefit.

For a great start to identifying and understanding your skin type, pick up a copy of Dr. Leslie Baumann’s The Skin Type Solution. You can also schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or skin care specialist to find out the exact essentials for your particular complexion.

Squeaky clean. If you don’t want to be bothered with multiple steps in your routine, simply cleanse your face, morning and night. Whether or not you wear makeup, you still need to cleanse regularly, because pollutants and oils build up during the day and at night while you sleep. For an easy, no-frills approach, Philosophy Purity Made Simple serves as your cleanser, makeup remover and toner all in one.

To scrub or not to scrub? Definitely scrub! Exfoliating is vital in sloughing off dead cells that build up on skin’s top layer. This speeds up cellular turnover, which in turn helps newer and healthier skin cells break through, resulting in a more vibrant, clearer complexion.

If your skin is dull and lackluster, or has flakey patches, give it a little boost by incorporating a gentle scrub into your routine about two to three times a week. But, don’t overdo it. Using a harsh scrub — or exfoliating too often — can cause irritation.

Instead, use a smooth scrub with rounded particles rather than grainy ones, which can cause tiny abrasions in the surface of the skin. To eliminate dead skin cells without granules, try Sothys Gommage Exfoliant.

Time to tone. The verdict on using a toner: Love it or leave it, it’s really up to you. Some swear by their toner, while others with beautiful skin have never used one. The basic purpose of a toner is to remove residue and excess makeup left over after cleansing. Nowadays, however, with improved formulas on the market, a toner is often unnecessary.

If you do decide to use a toner, just make sure to choose a soothing, alcohol-free formula. For a toner that’s packed with alpha hydroxy acids and antioxidants, try SkinMedica Rejuvenative Toner.

Moisture mania. We all know that dry skin types need a moisturizer, but what about the rest of us? How often do we need to use cream or lotion? At least once to twice a day is helpful for all skin types. Just be sure to choose the proper formula for your skin type. Dry skin types will benefit from richer creams like M.D. Forte Replenish Hydrating Cream, while oily skin types should opt for a lighter facial lotion like Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion.

Day and night. Wondering whether you need a separate day and night-time skin care regimen? In most cases, you don’t. Some people like to apply a day cream with SPF in the morning and a richer moisturizer at night. But, you can also use one cream for both day and night and purchase a separate facial sunscreen to use in the morning. Also, if you’re using any special serums or treatment lotions, such as those designed to combat acne or wrinkles, it’s best to apply these more intense treatments once a day. But the appropriate time is up to you; simply monitor your skin to see what works.

The scoop on anti-aging. Worried that your face is starting to show signs of premature aging? When choosing an anti-aging product, consider which areas you’re concerned about, such as the eyes, lips or the entire face. And don’t forget about the neck and chest! The dècolletage is just as prone to the effects of premature aging as your face.

For effective anti-aging products, try Dr. Michelle Copeland AHA Face Cream. To protect your skin and fight free radicals, try a serum loaded with antioxidants like Juice Beauty Green Apple Antioxidant Serum.

See also:

Foundations of Youthful Skin: Collagen and Elastin

Tips for a Beautiful Neck & Dècolletè

Make Skin Typing Work for You