When standing in the aisle of the drug store staring at dozens of skincare products, it can be tempting to grab a few random bottles of cleanser and moisturizer and head to the cashier.

While this decision is understandable, it is probably not the best thing you can do for your skin. Most skincare products are made for different types of skin—for instance, dry, oily or sensitive—and if you accidentally buy moisturizer for oily skin and you break out really easily, you might inadvertently make your skin look and feel worse.

With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the more common ingredients in skincare products, including retinoids, hydrating serum and others. Then we’ll discuss the different skin types and why choosing the correct products is so important:

Retinoids

Retinoids can unclog pores, which will then allow moisturizers and other products to work more effectively on your skin. Because of this ability, retinoids are often found in products meant to help with acne and breakouts. Retinoids also help to increase the production of collagen and may also help to fade the appearance of age spots; this makes it a good choice for treating skin that has been damaged by the sun.

Hydration Serum

There are a number of face serum products on the market today. What they share in common is their ability to bring high amounts of active ingredients to the skin. For example, a hydrating face serum can typically help with dry skin even better than moisturizer alone. A serum for dry skin, like the Active Hydration Serum from Rodan + Fields, works best when layered under a moisturizer or other skincare product. As for who a face serum benefits, it is literally anyone—not just those with dry or aging skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide works by getting into your pores and killing off the bacteria that cause acne. Because of this, you will typically find benzoyl peroxide as an ingredient in products that target acne. It can also work as an anti-inflammatory to reduce irritation and redness that accompany breakouts.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrating serum for dry skin is not the only way to bring moisture to your face: hyaluronic acid can also help with this goal. It can help your skin to retain water, which in turn will not only keep it more hydrated but can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Know Your Skin Type

To take the best care of your skin, you need to know what type of skin you have. If it’s flaky or rough, it is probably dry. If it stings or itches when you apply certain skincare products, it is sensitive. Shiny skin with large pores is typically oily, and combination skin may be dry in some areas and oily in others. Clear skin that does not sting or breakout is probably normal.

Since people with oily skin can be prone to breakouts, products with retinoids and benzoyl peroxide are often good choices. For those with dry skin, a serum for hydration is your best bet, along with hyaluronic acid. Sensitive skin typically does well with unscented products. And for everybody, no matter what type of skin you have, sunscreen is a must. Look for an SPF of at least 15 and go for an SPF of 30 if you are going to be outside all day. As for the amount, go for one ounce, which is a filled shot glass, and apply it all over your body.

Be Skin Smart

Your skin is unique, so the last thing you want is to waste your money on skincare products that are meant for another type of skin. By learning some of the common ingredients and then determining what type of skin you have, you will find shopping for products less overwhelming and also end up with healthier looking skin.