The beauty industry offers a vast armamentarium of skin products that clean, moisturize, soothe and strengthen the complexion. But how do you choose the right ones for your face? Whether you’re super skin-care savvy or building your routine from the ground up, it can take time to find the formulas that are just right.

For many people, the first step is selecting a cleanser. Look for formulas that are non-comedogenic, as these won’t clog pores (which is especially important for acne-prone skin). Then, consider adding a toner to your routine to shrink pores and remove any remaining residue from the skin. Finally, a serum can help address specific issues. For example, peptides and other skin-stimulating ingredients are great for boosting collagen production, a must for aging skin.

Next, if you have oily skin, try a light gel cleanser that is packed with exfoliants and natural moisturizers to nourish and protect. Dry skin, meanwhile, can benefit from rich creams with emollients and humectants that quench moisture. Finally, those who have sensitive skin should seek out hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options to avoid irritants.

Moisturizers are a must for everyone, and they should be applied while the skin is still slightly damp to seal in moisture. If you have oily or combination skin, look for lightweight formulas that will not clog pores. For those with sensitive skin, choose a moisturizing product that contains soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as shea butter, jojoba oil or aloe vera.

Sunscreen should be used every day, even on cloudy days, to prevent skin aging and other health problems caused by the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Using a high-SPF sunscreen with broad spectrum protection is best. Finally, if you have wrinkles or fine lines, look for a serum with collagen-boosting ingredients. For example, copper peptide has been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just two weeks by stimulating your skin’s own natural tissue-building processes.

For daily nourishment, look for skin care products that contain plant-based ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, marula oil and jojoba oil. Avoid synthetic chemicals and fragrances, which can irritate the skin and cause other health issues like allergies and a weakened immune system.