How to Actually Choose the Right Skincare Products (Without Wasting Hundreds of Dollars)

Most people choose their skincare products incorrectly.

You’re scrolling TikTok, an influencer is going on about a “miracle” serum, and you spend $60 on it— and two weeks later? Breakout sessions. Reddishness. Or simply… nothing.

Does that sound familiar?

Here’s the harsh reality: your skin is not broken. The product just wasn’t for you.

But that isn’t your fault.

That’s because the skincare market is a booming global industry of over $200 billion overrun with “clean,” “clinical,” “K-beauty,” “dermatologist-approved” products , none of which can seem to tell you if they’ll work for your unique skin.

But imagine being able to walk into a store or click “add to cart” and know with certainty what your skin needs. No more hoping for an answer. Stop wasting money. Just clearer, healthier looking skin.

Keep reading!

Your Skin Type Isn’t Just “Dry or Oily”

Forget also sensitive, combination, or any other vague terminology. There are five main skin types according to dermatology, and choosing products without that foundation is akin to a house built upon the sand.

Here’s the skin type you must understand:

1. Normal: Rare, found in only ~13% of adults according to a 2023 Journal of Dermatological Science Study. Balanced – not oily, dry, or sensitive.
2. Dry: Tight, flaky, or rough. Frequently does not have natural oils. “More than 25% of people are affected by”
3. Oily: Shiny T-zone, larger pores, acne. More prevalent in teens/young adults (~37%).
4. Combination: Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dry or normal in the rest. The majority type: nearly half of the people.
5. Sensitive: Prone to redness, stinging, rashes. Not a real “type” but a condition that can co-occur with other ones (~70% of women self-report sensitive skin according to International Journal of Cosmetic Science).

So, your mission is to find yours first.

Here’s an experiment you can try: wash your face with a mild cleanser, gently pat to dry and don’t apply anything else for 30 minutes.

How does your skin feel?

• Tight or flaky? → Dry
• Shiny all over? → Oily
• Shiny T-zone but cheeks feel normal? → Combination
• Stinging or red? → Sensitive
• None of the above? → Normal (lucky you!)

This straightforward test is better than any quiz or influencer recommendation.

Forget the Hype, Here’s What Actually Works

Rather than fall into same traps (such as following the urgency of what is viral), let’s get back to what dermatologists have encouraged all along: simplicity, consistency and clarity over myths.

For starters, you don’t need a 10-step routine. In fact, overcomplicating your regimen is one of the fastest ways to irritate your skin. A truly effective routine often has just three to five core steps: cleanse, treat (if needed), moisturize, and—non-negotiable—protect with SPF.

Oh, and while we are at it, let’s pop a few myths:

• “Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer.” False. Omitting moisturizer will actually cause you to over oil because your skin will compensate for being dry.
• “Natural or organic means safer.” Not necessarily. Many natural ingredients such as essential oils are also common irritants – particularly for sensitive skin .
• “You need sunscreen only when it is sunny.” Wrong. Cloudy days and windows do not shield against UV exposure, and 90% of signs of aging occur from daily exposure .

“More expensive = better.” No. Most of the drugstore brands have the same gold-standard ingredients as the luxury brands (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides).

Build a Routine That Grows With You

Good skincare is not about possessing a myriad of bottles; it is about creating a sustainable and flexible system. Let’s begin with the foundation:

1. Cleanse gently, twice daily.
2. Moisturize using a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type.
3. Protect every morning with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+.

After that, only if necessary, slowly incorporate one specialized treatment at a time, such as vitamin C for brightening or niacinamide for oil control.

Takeaway

Wearing an SPF 30+ on a daily basis is not up for debate, no matter your skin type. In fact, studies show that UV exposure is responsible for 90% of the skin’s visible aging (Journal of Investigative Dermatology). And yes – your phone screen, windows, and LED lights give off some blue light that causes oxidative stress.

Choose a mineral (zinc/titanium) sunscreen if you are sensitive. If you have oily skin, you should opt for fluid or matte. But wear it. Every. Single. Day.

The future glow is not in that $100 serum – it’s in you, knowing your skin and being careful.