provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
HomeHealth TopicDermatology

Skin Care Basics: How to Choose a Regimen for Your Skin Type

Maryann Mikhail, MDMaria Robinson, MD, MBA
Published on March 29, 2022

Key takeaways:

  • Your skin care product regimen should be specific to your skin type.

  • Cleansers and moisturizers make up the basics of skin care.

  • Acne-prone skin benefits from non-comedogenic ingredients, while rosacea-prone skin needs nonirritating ingredients. 

01:01
Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD | November 29, 2023

Your skin care regimen — the products you use to cleanse, condition, hydrate, and protect — is an important part of keeping your skin healthy. And what works for you may not work for someone else, and vice versa. When building your skin care regimen, understanding your skin type and specific concerns is key. 

Here’s what you need to know to create an effective regimen of products that is perfect for your skin type.

Choosing the basics

The foundation of any skin care regimen is cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin with sunscreen. From there, you can add active ingredients based on your skin type and specific concerns. 

SPECIAL OFFER

Pay less for Retin-A

Save an average of over 40% off retail prices for Retin-A (tretinoin) when you use GoodRx, whether you have insurance or not.

A man is looking at his beard in the mirror at home.
katleho Seisa/E+ via Getty Images

Cleanser and moisturizer

The goal of a cleanser is to wash away dirt, impurities, products, and makeup. Out of all the products in your regimen, this is the one you can save on. There are plenty of affordable, effective cleansers that you can buy at the pharmacy and elsewhere.

Moisturizers hydrate, smooth, and improve skin’s barrier function. Since moisturizer is a leave-on product, it’s important to find one that works for your skin. 

The most important thing to consider when picking both your cleanser and moisturizer is how dry your skin is. And keep in mind that your skin’s dryness can change with your climate, age, hormone levels, and the other products you use. So you might have to make adjustments.

Skin type Cleanser Moisturizer
Dry Cream cleanser Cream-based moisturizer
Combination Foaming cleanser Lotion-based moisturizer
Oily Gel cleanser Light lotion or gel-based moisturizer

Sunscreen

Everyone needs to wear sunscreen, regardless of their skin color. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. You need about a tablespoon of sunscreen for your face and about a shot glass’ worth for your body.

If you have hyperpigmentation or spend a lot of time on your electronics, a tinted mineral sunscreen can protect you from damaging, high-energy visible light from screens.

Match your skin care regimen to your skin type

To choose the right products, you’ll need to know what your skin type is, including any concerns you might have or conditions you might be prone to. And, if you’re unsure, it’s best to see a dermatologist. 

Below you’ll find examples of regimens that are tailored to specific conditions. The recommended products are only suggestions. There is an element of trial and error with any regimen. If a product burns, stings, or itches, that’s a sign that it might not be right for you. In that case, you can find an alternative product within the same category.

Always listen to your skin and make adjustments when necessary. 

Acne-prone skin

What it looks like: 

Combination to oily skin type, prone to clogged pores and pimples 

What you should know: 

Stick to products that are non-comedogenic, meaning that they don’t clog pores. Ingredients that can help breakouts include: niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol. 

Be gentle with your skin: Avoid products that can add to irritation, like toners, astringents, and harsh scrubs. And, if your acne is cystic or scarring, it’s best to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. You’ll likely need oral medication to improve your breakouts.

Sample regimen:

  • Morning:  

    • Benzoyl peroxide cleanser: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

    • Moisturizer with niacinamide: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer

    • Sunscreen with niacinamide: EltaMD UV Clear

  • Evening:

    • Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 

    • Retinoid: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%

    • Moisturizer with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help with retinoid-caused dryness: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or EltaMD PM Therapy Face Moisturizer

Rosacea-prone skin

What it looks like

Redness, irritation, broken blood vessels

What you should know

If your skin flushes, blushes and/or is easily irritated, you might have rosacea. Stick to a simple regimen with mild products. Cleanse gently. Don’t rub, scrub, or use tools to clean. And be strict with sun protection. 

Avoid irritating ingredients like alcohol, camphor, fragrance, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, sodium lauryl sulfate, and urea. Never apply astringents or toners. See a dermatologist if your rosacea is bumpy (papulopustular rosacea), you’re bothered by broken blood vessels, or you can’t find a regimen that works for your skin.

Sample regimen:

  • Morning:  

    • Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 

    • Moisturizer with niacinamide: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer

    • Sunscreen with niacinamide: EltaMD UV Clear

  • Evening:

    • Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 

    • Moisturizer with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help with dryness: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or EltaMD PM Therapy Face Moisturizer

Eczema-prone skin

What it looks like:

Itchy red bumps, weeping skin, and/or dry, flaky patches

What you should know:

Eczema is a common skin condition that you can be predisposed to or, in some cases, that can be caused by products you use on your skin. If you have eczema, stick to hypoallergenic products that are fragrance-free and dye-free. 

If you have eczema, your skin can flare when it dries out, so it’s best to keep your skin hydrated with a cream-based moisturizer. Sometimes, taking prescription medication is necessary to manage eczema. 

Sample regimen:

  • Morning:  

    • Gentle hypoallergenic cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or Dove Beauty Bar

    • Cream-based moisturizer: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer or Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream

    • Mineral sunscreen: Vanicream Sport Sunscreen or Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face

  • Evening:

    • Gentle hypoallergenic cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or Dove Beauty Bar

    • Cream-based moisturizer: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer or Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream

Hyperpigmentation-prone skin

What it looks like:

Dark spots or patches, uneven skin tone

What you should know:

Dark marks on the skin happen because of inflammation, sun damage, or melasma. If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acids, and sunscreen are key. Blue light generated by electronic devices can worsen hyperpigmentation. Using a tinted mineral sunscreen that contains iron oxides protects your skin. 

When hyperpigmentation is severe or doesn’t respond to an over-the-counter regimen, prescription skin-lightening agents, lasers, and chemical peels can help.

Sample regimen:

  • Morning:  

    • Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 

    • Antioxidant: SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum (for a splurge) or Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Serum (a more affordable option)

    • Moisturizer: Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion

    • Tinted mineral sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen

  • Evening:

    • Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) cleanser: NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash (for a splurge) or La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Deep Cleanser (for a more affordable option)

    • Moisturizer with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to soothe dryness caused by AHA wash: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Photoaging

What it looks like:

Fine lines, uneven skin tone, laxity 

What you should know:

The single best thing you can do to protect your skin from premature aging is sun protection. When outside, seek shade when possible and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours. 

Antioxidants like vitamin C can help protect from and reverse sun damage. Hyaluronic acid increases skin’s moisture making it appear more supple. Peptides, which are the building blocks of collagen, and retinol, which boosts collagen production and improves fine lines, help with the appearance of photoaging.

Sample regimen:

  • Morning:  

    • Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 

    • Antioxidant: SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum or Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair

    • Mild moisturizer: EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer

    • Tinted mineral sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted

  • Evening:

    • Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser  

    • Hyaluronic acid serum: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

    • Retinol: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream (for a splurge) or RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules (for a more affordable option)

    • Moisturizer with peptides: AlumierMD HydraDew (for a splurge) or Olay Collagen Peptide (for a more affordable option)

The bottom line

An ideal skin care routine is made up of healthy lifestyle habits and the right products for your skin type. When coming up with your ideal skin care routine, consider convenience and what types of products your skin responds best to. If you’re having a hard time establishing a good regimen, your dermatologist can help.

why trust our exports reliability shield

Why trust our experts?

Maryann Mikhail, MD
Maryann Mikhail, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and medical writer based in South Florida. She is the founder of Waverly DermSpa in Fort Lauderdale and holds a voluntary faculty position at the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami MIller School of Medicine.
Kelsey Abkin
Edited by:
Kelsey Abkin
Kelsey Abkin has been working as a journalist since 2016. She has held many titles throughout her career, including editor, content strategist, digital strategist, and writer.
Maria Robinson, MD, MBA
Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

References

American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). 6 rosacea skin care tips dermatologists give their patients.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Acne: Diagnosis and treatment.

View All References (12)

American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Acne: Tips for managing.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Sunscreen FAQs.

Campiche, R., et al. (2020). Pigmentation effects of blue light irradiation on skin and how to protect against them. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

Farris, P. K. (2005). Topical vitamin C: A useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatologic Surgery.

Geisler, A. N., et al. (2021). Visible light part II. Photoprotection against visible and ultraviolet light. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Goberdhan, L., et al. (2016). Immediate and long-term effects of a topical serum with five forms of hyaluronic acid on facial wrinkles and intrinsic skin moisture content. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Hughes, M. C. B., et al. (2013). Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: A randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine.

Jeong, S., et al. (2019). Anti-wrinkle benefits of peptides complex stimulating skin basement membrane proteins expression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Kafi, R., et al. (2007). Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). JAMA Dermatology.

Ludmann, P. (2021). 9 things to try when acne won't clear. American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Ludmann, P. (2022). How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones. American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Walocko, F. M., et al. (2017). The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment. Dermatologic Therapy.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

Was this page helpful?

Subscribe and save.

Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up.

By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.