Want your skincare to work as hard as you do? You’re in the right place. While establishing a basic skincare routine and determining your true skin type set a solid foundation for healthy skin in the long run, sorting skincare goals can help you take things to the next level, with the glowing, smooth results to match. Unlike some aspects of skincare that are universal — like, say, the importance of cleansing —  these tend to be more individual, taking into account the current state of your skin, what you want it to look like, and how much (or little) time and effort you have to dedicate to a routine.

However, while “skincare goals” might make you think of smoothing crows’ feet or zapping blemishes into oblivion, actually attaining them begins more simply than that. Because there is a common tenet: healthy skin. And having healthy skin alone can leave it smoother, more supple, and more radiant — all good things. 

From there, you can build on your routine to even out tone, clear breakouts, or soften lines, depending on what you (personally!) care about most. The end-result? The kind of skin that gives you a little confidence boost every time you peep your reflection.

Read on for your guide to get healthy, happy skin for good.

The universal skincare goal

For everyone — everyone! — the ultimate skincare goal should be healthy skin, since that serves as your baseline. “Healthy skin means a strong and functional skin barrier,” says NakedPoppy research scientist Marisa Plescia. “The skin’s role in our lives is integral. Not only does it prevent germs or other potentially dangerous pathogens from entering the body, but it helps play a role in the immune system, helps maintain body temperature, allows for the sense of touch, produces vitamin D, and much more.”

If you don’t have a strong skin barrier to begin with, it can be that much trickier to tackle other, more specific goals. “Damaged or weakened skin can lose water easily and be easily susceptible to harmful bacteria or chemicals,” Plescia says. “It can be dry, flaky, red, or even itchy.” Plus, it can eventually contribute to full-blown skin conditions like eczema.

Translation: If you only have the time (or patience, or energy, or all of the above) for a single skincare goal, make it this.

Your roadmap for your skincare goals

“Your skin but better” is a nice goal, but vague! If you’re not sure where to begin, no sweat: Start with the basics for healthy skin. First up is a moisturizer. “For proper healthy skin, your skin needs to be both hydrated and moisturized,” says Plescia. FYI: Hydration needs water, and your skin cells need it as much as any other cell in your body; meanwhile, moisture means oils and lipids, which play a key role in your skin barrier. “Therefore, when your skin is moisturized and has the proper oil composition, your skin is fortified,” she says.

She also stresses the importance of proper sun protection, which is key for defending skin against premature sun damage, which manifests as wrinkles, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation. “Besides, and more importantly, wearing SPF decreases the risk of skin cancers and skin precancers,” Plescia says.

Consider these two steps the non-negotiables of your routine. So, if it’s that simple, why might your dream skin be MIA? Ultimately, the biggest setback is a “lack of consistency and commitment,” says NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti, who also notes that a huge, overwhelming routine can also prove too much if you’re more of a minimalist — or just don’t have a ton of time.

Keep that in mind for the next section, since no one knows yourself, and your comfort level, better than you.

Your individual skincare goals

Once you have your baseline down, Parenti recommends identifying your primary and secondary skincare goals. “This isolates the goal you’re correcting for,” she says. For example, if you’re a woman in her late 30s with adult acne, your primary skincare goal might be to clear breakouts, with the secondary goal being firming skin.

(Want someone to do this for you? We’ve got you: Just take your easy, 3-minute beauty assessment for recommendations chosen just for you.)

That said, keep in mind that people — and skin — contain multitudes. Take maturing skin, for example. If that’s your concern, “there are many characteristics and causes that contribute to chronological aging,” Parenti says. “Loss of elasticity, collagen breakdown, dullness, and hyperpigmentation are conditions that can contribute to the look of devitalized skin.” So, you might want to target firmer skin and brighter tone as your goals.

Take a peek in a mirror, pick your top two or three goals, and let them point you to your active ingredients.

The goal: Clear skin

Exfoliating acids are always a good idea, especially if your skin is congested. “Using exfoliating acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, can help remove excess dead skin cells, boost cell turnover, and stimulate new skin cells,” Plescia says. In taking dead skin cells out of the equation, they’re less likely to clog pores; try KYPRIS Deep Forest Clay Clarifying Mask & Exfoliant. 

Another winning ingredient is retinol, which enhances cell turnover to keep pores clear; Maya Chia The Straight A Serum Advanced Gentle Retinol Treatment offers an encapsulated form to minimize side effects.

The goal: More even tone

Niacinamide is your friend here for brighter, more even skin. “In terms of brightening, niacinamide has been studied to help to prevent melanin, skin’s natural pigment, from reaching the skin cells in the epidermis,” Plescia explains. “With less pigment reaching the skin’s surface, this can help with hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and overall promote a more even skin tone.” (Another bonus: Research has found that it can offset the drying side effects of ingredients like retinol.) 

Get its radiance-boosting perks in Plantkos Phyto A Face Lotion.

The goal: Firm, supple texture

The answer is C — vitamin C. “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and can also directly activate and help regulate the factors involved in collagen synthesis, which allows for an increase in collagen production,” says Plescia. “Collagen is the main structural protein in the skin and is essential for youthful-looking skin.” As a bonus, it can also help even out tone and run interference on sun damage, too. 

You’ll get the max benefits from a serum form, like Plantkos Phyto Triple C Serum.

The goal: A healthy glow

If you just want your skin to look better — vague, maybe, but true for many — look no further than hyaluronic acid. This humectant draws water from the air and into your skin. “In your skin, hyaluronic acid is part of the Naturally Moisturizing Factor of the skin, responsible for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy,” says Plescia. “In addition to hydrating the skin, hyaluronic acid can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.” 

Your best bet is Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer, which pairs it with barrier support for lasting benefits.

The bottom line

Ultimately, your skincare goals should be chosen to bring out the best in your skin, whatever that means to you — and, more importantly, incorporated in a way you can stick with long term. But just as important as execution is the self-reflection: Simply acknowledging and understanding your personal skincare goals can help you get that much closer to achieving them.

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