If you want gorgeous, glowing skin that’s free of blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles and discoloration, an effective skincare regimen is crucial. But it can be hard to know which products you should be combining for the most effective routine. The products you pick depend largely on your skin type and the concerns you’re trying to treat, but here’s a general guide outlining which products would make up a comprehensive regimen.

Cleanser
A good cleanser for face is the first step in any skincare regimen. It keeps your complexion free of the dirt, oil and environmental pollutants that can cause blemishes and free-radical damage, and it also preps your skin for soaking up the beneficial ingredients in the rest of your routine. If you have oily skin, you’ll want a cleanser that can keep your face matte throughout the day. Those with combination skin should use a mild cleanser that won’t strip away oils or exacerbate dry skin. Ladies with dry or sensitive skin should choose a moisturizing cream cleanser without fragrances or dyes.

Toner
According to the Columbia Daily Tribune, toners for face are largely optional, but they can have skin benefits for certain skin types. These products work by evening out your skin’s pH levels. If your pH balance is off, it could result in a number of ailments, like blemishes, dry patches or shiny skin. Typically, they’re good for those who have oily complexions, whether it’s all over or just on the T-zone. Swipe it over those greasy areas to mattify your visage and purify your pores.

Serum
Not everyone needs serums for face, but they’re some of the most potent skincare products on the market. If you’re looking for anti-aging effects or antioxidants to prevent skin damage, serums are a wonderful way to pack your skin with beneficial ingredients. They absorb quickly and should be worn underneath your moisturizer so they’ll penetrate deep into your visage. Whatever your skincare concerns are, you can bet there’s a serum out there that can help.

Spot treatment
If you get the occasional zit, it’s helpful to have acne treatment products on hand to use as a spot treatment. When used after cleansing and before moisturizing, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid treatments can clear up breakouts and minimize the appearance of pimples in no time.

Moisturizer
Face moisturizers are essential, even if you think your skin doesn’t need any more hydrating because it’s already oily. In fact, the reason for your oily skin might be because your skin is dry and your pores are overcompensating. Moisturizers help form a protective barrier over your skin that prevents hydration from escaping. You might want to pick up a light moisturizer for day and a richer, creamier moisturizer for night. Always apply it right after cleansing your skin – it’ll soak in better if your face is still slightly damp. For added protection, use moisturizers with SPF to prevent sunburns and photoaging.

Exfoliant
Regular exfoliation is necessary to slough off dead skin cells and prevent blocked pores. It also reveals fresh, radiant skin cells underneath, which is always a plus. Scrubs and exfoliants for face should be used a couple of times a week, and you should never scrub too hard, which could damage your skin. Sensitive skin types should look for the gentlest products available. On days when you exfoliate, you might want to skip using products that have ingredients that may be drying, like those in your serum or toner.

Masque
Face masques are another way to treat specific skincare issues, whether it’s redness, dryness, acne or oiliness. Once a week or so, slather these products on your face after cleansing, then leave them on for the recommended amount of time before rinsing with lukewarm water. From there, you can go about your regular routine as usual.