Nowadays you can’t scroll online without coming across someone’s fantastic skin care routine that you just have to try! Which is great. Not everyone has the same skin as the person name-brand formulas are made for, and this shows real people showing their products and their receipts (in the form of healthy skin.) However, it can get a bit… daunting.

Well, I am here to help!

This is some solid advice for everyone, whether you’re a DIYer who is going to make every mask or someone who is looking for an easy grab-and-go from a store. Here’s how to find a great skin care routine:

1. Do the research.

I don’t mean you have to spend six hours online looking up what Sodium Laureth sulfate is and why to avoid it. But understanding what’s best for someone with dry skin vs. someone with oily skin is a great way to start. Also, scrolling through Instagram’s skin care routine tag is technically research!

2. Do the experiments you need to do.

If you Google "best products for dry skin" as I did two months ago in hopes of finding something for me, you’ll get a massive list of sellers who want you to pick their product. You’re never going to learn what’s best for your skin unless you try things out. Sit down, buy three or four products that come from trustworthy recommendation, and put them on your skin the way the bottle or box tells you.

3. Pay attention to your skin.

If you don’t pay attention to your skin nothing is going to get better. You’ll keep trying different things and you won’t see any results. You won’t be able to tell what products work and what don’t. Keep an eye on things. Is your skin irritated because of the lotion your using or how your cleaning it? You’ll find it a lot easier to get healthier skin if you're sitting up to take notice.

4. Watch what you eat.

You don’t have to give up your Big Mac with a side of extra fries and double the salt, but knowing what causes your skin to throw a tantrum makes it a lot easier to help your skin issues. If sugar is what causes breakouts for you (you’re in the same boat as me!) then doing your full routine the same day you eat triple chocolate chip cookies will go a long way on keeping your skin clear.

5. Stay hydrated.

Everyone who tells you to drink water is doing you a favor! You hear it everywhere for a good reason. Staying hydrated goes a long way to keep your skin, and body, healthy. It doesn't even have to be pure water. Teas, water with lemon, fruit infused water; if you hate how water tastes then these are good alternatives!

Free Extra Tip: WEAR SUNSCREEN

Doesn’t matter what skin type you have, sunscreen will help! Protecting your skin, especially on your face from the harsh rays of the sun will go a long way. Besides you really don’t want to be dealing with skin cancer ever. Trust me.