A skincare routine sounds like an indulgent beauty ritual, but it’s the foundation of a healthy complexion. It’s how your skin gets refueled each morning and night, and it’s how you help it defend against environmental stressors (like pollution or sun damage) and internal aggressors like acne. Plus, it’s your chance to slow down in a busy world and take care of yourself.

Whether you have a few products or a whole arsenal, establishing a skin-care routine will make all the difference in the health and appearance of your face—and ultimately, how you feel about yourself. A consistent routine refuels your skin, boosting its self-healing abilities. Like a plant that’s watered consistently, it’s only able to thrive and bloom with the right amount of nourishment.

If you’re looking to get started, it’s important to know your primary skin type and concerns. Those factors will inform the kind of ingredients and formulas that will best suit you. More is not always better, and going with a brand that focuses on clinical testing and is backed by dermatologists and estheticians is wise.

For example, if you have fine lines and wrinkles, a serum with peptides and hyaluronic acid will help plump them out. If you’re battling clogged pores, look for one with salicylic acid or niacinamide. And if you struggle with dark circles under your eyes, seek out eye creams that contain caffeine or kojic acid.

Then, add in a few face masks to keep your complexion on point. “Masks deliver highly concentrated treatments that are more effective because they’re applied under occlusion, where the ingredients can penetrate more deeply,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner. And while some can be a little gimmicky with bubbles and bright colors, they’re not completely unnecessary.

In the early 1900s, women like Elizabeth Arden and Madam C.J. Walker founded cosmetic companies that sold multi-product “systems” that claimed to cleanse, tone and protect skin. And while some of these brands still exist today, many have taken a more holistic approach to skin care.

Today, you’ll find that there are more options than ever when it comes to buying the right products for your skin. The Luxe packaging and sleek aesthetic might have you believe that these high-end brands are worth the price tag, but it’s what’s on the inside that matters most. The best-performing products offer innovative new ingredients, a wide range of textures and formulations, and, of course, real results. From caviar retinol to anti-aging probiotics, here are the best products on the market that will transform your complexion—and your confidence.

Acne is a common skin condition that affects nearly everyone at some point. It usually begins in the teen years, especially during hormonal changes associated with puberty, but can also occur during adulthood and cause permanent scarring if not properly treated.

The most important step in treating acne is to see your doctor or dermatologist, as early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of scarring. During the appointment, your doctor will ask about your family history with acne, as well as when your symptoms started. They will perform a physical exam and look at the affected area of skin. They may also ask about your medications and any skin products you use, which might clog hair follicles. They will also examine your face for red marks and signs of inflammation. If necessary, they will take blood to check hormone levels, which can help diagnose and determine the severity of your acne.

There are many treatments available to treat mild to moderate acne, both over the counter and by prescription. Cleansers that contain a gentle exfoliant, such as benzoyl peroxide, are often effective for people with mild acne. These cleaners remove excess oil and prevent clogged pores, which are the main causes of acne. They can be bought at most pharmacies and supermarkets. Over-the-counter skin products that contain salicylic acid and glycolic acid can also be effective. These treatments should be used no more than twice a day. Aggressive scrubbing can injure the skin and make acne worse.

For acne that is more severe, your doctor can prescribe a topical retinoid or a retinoic-acid-like medication such as tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), or tazarotene (Tazorac). These medications come in creams, gels, and facial washes, and they can be used daily. They help the skin shed dead cells faster, which can prevent clogging of hair follicles. They can also be combined with benzoyl peroxide for better results.

Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin control surface bacteria that irritate and contribute to acne. Dapsone, a low-dose oral medication, controls inflammation and bacteria growth in the skin. Oral isotretinoin (Accutane, Acutane) can be effective in treating cystic and nodular acne and other severe cases of acne that do not respond to other therapies. Hormonal therapy, which can decrease the amount of androgens in women who have acne or who are prone to developing it, is also sometimes useful.

Acne scarring can be treated with dermabrasion, laser therapy, chemical peels, and other techniques. Some patients with nodular and cystic acne may benefit from steroid injections to reduce inflammation.