These two steps are key. Knowing your skin type (which isn't too hard to figure out) and what concerns you want to focus on will make it easier to find products suitable for you. [Different products & treatments are typically made specific for target concerns and particular skin types, so buy them appropriately.]
Sephora is a great resource for narrowing down what products you should consider and maybe give a go. Everything is well organized, and they even offer a little Skin IQ quiz that will assist you in making choices.
BUT you are not confined to only high end skincare! The drug store is filled with great products as well. Use the guide from Sephora to find out the active ingredients in items you think might work for you, and then hunt similar products down in the drug store! (I did this for acne spot treatments that contain salicylic acid.)
For a standard skincare regime, I would recommend these steps for morning & night, regardless of skin type:
1: Cleanse2: Exfoliate (3 x weekly)*3. Tone/ Treatments4: Mask (at night 2 x weekly)5: Moisturize (with SPF in the morning)
*Clarisonics can be used daily and don't have to fall under "exfoliate". If you use a Clairsonic daily, you can use a different scrub 3 x weekly following cleansing.--Extra Info--
Just because a product works great for your friend or your favorite beauty guru, doesn't mean it will work for you. However, just because you don't see immediate results doesn't mean the product doesn't work. Give the products a couples weeks before discontinuing use.
Be kind to your skin! First and foremost, wash your face before bed every night. Even if you are feeling lazy or you get home late and want to go right to bed, at least gently use a makeup remover wipe or a hot wash cloth. It takes 30 seconds of effort and is better than sleeping on a full face of makeup. Secondly, let your skin breathe! Don't be afraid to have at least one no-makeup day each week. And third, drink lots of H2O. Hydration nation, ladies! ;)
I hope this was helpful! Look for more skincare posts soon!
via Sephora