The Best Skin Care Products Available

Skincare expert Paula Begoun says skincare products can be divided into several common categories, including cleansers, moisturizers--including both creams and serums--and sunscreens. When deciding which specific products to add to your daily skincare regimen, go with a product that's been recommended by third-party beauty critics instead of relying on the advertising hype pushed by manufacturers.

Boots Expert Anti-Blemish Cleansing Foam

In her tests, Begoun found Boots' foaming skin cleanser so exceptional that she gave it her "Paula's Pick" award, meaning it's one of the best products on the market. She loved its water-soluble agents that help to effectively clean all types of skin. If you have sensitive skin, you'll be glad that it contains no common irritating substances, such as fragrances. Despite its name, Begoun concludes that it's good for both blemish-prone and nonblemished skin.

RoC Retinol Actif Pur Eye Contour Cream

Retinol is one of the best anti-aging active ingredients on the market, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, because it helps with everything from wrinkles to discolorations. For this reason, Shape magazine's beauty and style editors chose RoC's retinol-infused eye cream as one of the best skincare products for the eye area. It also contains basic moisturizing components.

Avon Anew Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum

Avon uses hyaluronic acid--a potent moisturizer and anti-aging chemical--in its facial serum. Shape magazine highlights it as the best anti-aging serum available, saying it can help smooth away fine lines. Additional beneficial ingredients include glycerin, glycolic acid--this helps exfoliate away damaged skin, according to the University of Maryland--and wrinkle-filling silicone. Begoun says such serums are best for oily skin, whereas creams are better for dry to normal skin.

L'Oreal Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15

When it comes to creams, Marie Claire magazine's editors picked L'Oreal's moisturizer as one of the best. They loved its ability to firm and plump your skin and said it's essential for looking "gorgeous." Besides standard moisturizers and skin conditioners like shea butter and silicone, L'Oreal also adds sunscreen and silica. The former protects your skin from developing new UV-related wrinkles, while the latter reflects light and instantly brightens your skin.