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Find the right skin care for your concerns

The right skin care routine starts with understanding your skin type and the concerns you want to address. Whether you're shopping for products for acne and blemishes, dryness, dullness, dark spots, fine lines, redness, uneven texture or other skin concerns, choosing products with targeted ingredients can help you build a routine that works for your skin.

Start with the essentials: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen for daytime. From there, you can add targeted serums, treatments or exfoliants based on your skin concerns and goals. Introduce new products gradually and follow the directions on each product, especially when using active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, salicylic acid or AHAs.

Explore expert-approved skin care by concern at Ulta Beauty to find cleansers, moisturizers, serums, treatments and more for your routine.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know my skin type?

Pay attention to how your skin typically looks and feels throughout the day. Dry skin may feel tight, rough or flaky, while oily skin tends to develop excess shine. Combination skin usually has both oily and dry or normal areas, often with more oil through the T-zone. Normal skin generally feels balanced, while sensitive skin may be more prone to redness or irritation. Your skin's needs can also change with the season, environment and products you use.

How do I build a skin care routine based on my skin concerns?

Start with a simple routine of cleanser, moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Then identify your primary skin concern, such as acne, dryness, dark spots, dullness, fine lines, redness or uneven texture. Add targeted products or ingredients designed for that concern one at a time. Keeping your routine simple at first can make it easier to see how individual products affect your skin.

In what order should I apply skin care products?

A general rule is to apply skin care from lighter to richer textures. Start with cleanser, followed by toner if you use one, then serums and targeted treatments. Follow with moisturizer and finish your morning routine with sunscreen. Always check individual product directions, since certain treatments may need to be applied differently.

How long should I give a new skin care routine before I know if it's working?

Skin care results vary depending on the product, ingredients and concern you're addressing. Some products may make your skin feel more hydrated or comfortable quickly, while concerns such as uneven tone, texture or fine lines may take several weeks of consistent use to show noticeable improvement. Follow the product's directions and give your routine time to work unless you experience irritation or another unwanted reaction.

How do I introduce new skin care products without irritating my skin?

Introduce new skin care products one at a time instead of changing your entire routine at once. Consider patch testing a new product on a small area before applying it more broadly, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Starting gradually also makes it easier to identify which product may be causing irritation if your skin reacts.

Is it okay to use active ingredients every day?

It depends on the active ingredient, its strength, the product's directions and how your skin responds. Some ingredients may be suitable for daily use, while stronger exfoliating acids or retinoids may need to be introduced gradually. Avoid adding several strong active ingredients to your routine at the same time, and always follow the product's usage instructions. If you're unsure which active ingredients are appropriate for your skin, consider consulting a dermatologist.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a guarantee of results. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized skin care guidance.

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