Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It is also the one most exposed to outside elements and wear and tear that will take its toll eventually. You have to take proper care of it or you will look older, more tired, and duller than you would like. The good news is that you have almost unlimited options for skincare products that can solve almost any problem you may have.

Whether you need anti-aging treatments or something to even out a complexion, you have many different options. Of course, with so many skincare products available, you may be a little overwhelmed with the choices. It can be difficult to sort through the different options and choose the actual products right for you.

Evaluating Skin Condition

The first step you need to take in choosing skincare products is understanding your skin. If you have oily skin and you choose products made for dryness, this can actually result in breakouts. Vice versa, choosing products for oily skin when you have problems with dryness, then your skin may not get the moisture it needs. Before doing anything else, learn what you need to about your skin:

• What is your skin type? Usually, it will be dry, oily, or combination.

• Do you have red blotches or other unevenness that you need to smooth out?

• Is aging a problem for you?

• Do you have sensitive skin?

• Are you trying to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles or do you have dark circles under your eyes?

• Does your skin feel puffy and uncomfortable in the mornings?

You need to know just what issues you are trying to address before you choose skin care products so that you can ensure they are doing their job.

Types of Products

Skincare doesn't begin and end with one simple product. You cannot simply say "I have oily skin" and choose a single bottle that will do everything it needs. Instead, you need to consider a whole regime of products that will keep your skin clean, smooth, hydrated, and properly managed. There are essentially four different types of products that you will need to consider for your skincare regime: cleansers, exfoliates, moisturizers, and specialty creams.

Cleansers

It is extremely important to keep your skin clean. Throughout the day, dirt, oil, and makeup will build up on your face and if you don't remove it properly, this can result in irritation and breakouts. At the same time, you don't want to choose a cleanser that is too harsh or this may actually dry out your skin.
If you have dry skin, consider cleansers that are cream based so that they will help restore moisture. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, look for oil-free types of cleanser, and you may even wish to choose one that contains salicylic acid, which will fight acne.

Exfoliates

Over time, dead skin cells will build up, which will take away your healthy glow. A good exfoliating scrub will slough away that dead skin and should be used once or twice a week along with a cleanser. Micro bead products are the best especially for sensitive skin since they will not be as harsh or abrasive.

Moisturizer

Even if you have oily skin, you need a good moisturizer that will protect and hydrate. Dry skin should be hydrated with a thick, heavy cream moisturizer while oily skin will be best suited by lightweight oil-free varieties. You can choose moisturizers that include SPF protection for sun-blocking power and some that include anti-aging products if this is a concern.

Specialty Creams

Finally, you should consider specialty creams that will target certain concerns you may have. These creams will be the most expensive of any skincare product and will contain very unique ingredients to handle specific skincare issues.
Be sure to address your concerns through these creams, which can take care of: blemishes, age spots, wrinkles, sagging skin, circles under the eyes, bags under the eyes, and uneven complexion.
Anti-aging specialty creams will include ingredients like retinol, peptides, and acids that will target fine lines and wrinkles as well as age spots to give you a more even complexion.

Pricing

Depending on the type of skincare product and the brand, the price can vary immensely from less than $20 all the way to over $100. You have to consider quality and target of the products in conjunction with top brands like Trilogy, Murad, Clinique, and La Mer to determine how much you need to pay in order to take the proper care of your skin on a day-to-day basis.