Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA — your daily habits, in fact, have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. But depending on which product reviews you read or doctors you consult, there is a dizzying number of opinions on everything from how to moisturize to how to protect yourself from UV rays. Ultimately, caring for your skin is simply personal. Here’s what you should keep in mind to sort through all the noise.

Skin Care Tips Before You Start

3 Main Steps

Think of your skin-care routine as consisting of three main steps:

• Cleansing — Washing your face. 
• Toning — Balancing the skin.
• Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.

The goal of any skin-care routine is to tune up your complexion so it’s functioning at its best, and also troubleshoot or target any areas you want to work on.  Skin routines are an opportunity to notice changes within yourself. As your skin needs shifts with age, so will your products. And it’s not about creating perfection.   Allow these three steps to become your daily ritual that fortifies your skin and grounds your day.

Give it Time

The science behind skin-care products has come a long way but there’s still no such thing as an instant fix — you need time to reap the benefits.

And Remember –  Results are only seen through consistent use. 

Top Tips this January

Tip: With any skin-care product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest. For example, cleanser, toner , serum, and then moisturizer and then sealing everything in with your knight in shining armour your SPF(always apply last).

To save time, don’t try mixing a serum into your moisturizer. This actually lessens the ability of the serum to absorb effectively. All of your daily Products should be applied one by one.

Are Face Masks Worth All the Hype?

To say that face masks have become popular lately is a bit of an understatement — Sephora has more than 400 varieties (and 60 of those launched in the last few months). Masks ,offer highly concentrated treatments to address specific issues. But unlike a toner or a serum, masks deliver ingredients under occlusion, which helps the ingredients absorb more efficiently.

Then there’s the fun factor: Many of the latest innovations bubble up, turn colors and peel off. Yes, it’s a little gimmicky, and this step is certainly not essential in your routine. “Think of masks like boosters — not necessary but beneficial.

If you want to give one a whirl, here are three performance-driven varieties to consider-

Sheet masks: “These are primarily hydrating. Having ingredients saturated on the skin in this occlusive manner keeps air from getting in and you’ll get a higher absorption in a short amount of time. I always recommend keeping these in the fridge to get an anti-inflammatory benefit as well.”

Sleeping packs or overnight masks: “Overnight masks or sleeping packs will have a thicker texture and help trap in whatever ingredients you layer underneath. They’re ideal for mature skin or severely dry skin.”skinceuticals glycolic overnight masque and decleor Sweet Orange Sleep Masque

Clay or mud masks: “These absorb oil and can have a mild exfoliating effect — so they’re great for oily areas. You don’t have to put it on your whole face, though. You can target just a few areas. In fact, we love multi-masking: using a clay on the t-zone and a hydrating one everywhere else.” skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque and Decleor Rosmarin Black Clay Masque

Therapist Insider tip: Apply masks after serum but before moisturizer, unless it’s a leave-on overnight mask, which can take the place of your nighttime moisturizer. Like any product that supplements your regular routine, masks should be used in moderation — no more than once a week to prevent any irritation.