Between trends and the beauty industry constantly producing more and more products, it can be difficult to know what is essential for your skincare routine. How often do you try a beauty product without actually knowing what it contains or how it works?

80 percent of Americans use trial and error to determine which products work best for their skin,  according to a study conducted by OnePoll and CeraVe. Trying new products can be fun, but also stressful if time and time again they don't end up serving you.

Instead of going in blindly to the skincare department when buying products, inform yourself about how to care for your skin first.

Dermatologists at the American Academy of dermatology outline their skincare routine tricks that keep it simple and essential. The experts say, less is more, stay out of the sun, and know your skin type.

Know Your Skin Type

There are five different kinds of skin types, according to the American Association of Dermatology. If you aren't sure which kind you have, here are the types and some clues when investigating your skin. Reflect on how your skin looks and how it reacts to products.

  • Normal Skin is clear of blemishes and does not have strong reactions to products.
  • Oily Skin has excess grease and looks shiny.
  • Sensitive Skin may feel puffy or painful, especially with product use.
  • Dry Skin may look ashy or flaky and feel itchy.
  • Combination Skin is different in different areas, maybe dry in some and oily in others.

To be able to care for your skin and buy products for your skincare routine it is essential to know your skin type to avoid stress and overconsuming products that won't be effective for you.

Knowing what type of skin you have, to buy the right kind of products will eliminate some of the trial and error. Another thing to keep in mind is dermatologists suggest keeping your skin routine simple. They say using too many products disrupts your skin's natural balance and microbe, causing any type of skin to have unnecessary breakouts or irritation.

Another tip is to generally keep your hands off of your skin unless applying a product to decrease dirt or oil build-up. The same rule applies to your hair!

Stick to the essentials, gentle cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen. Make a morning and night routine that works for your skin, and be consistent for best results and maintain self-care.

Related: 10 Home Remedies For Blackheads

Protect Your Skin From Sun damage

Make this your skincare mantra: Sunscreen is essential every day.

Sun damage is the leading cause of signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots, and can put your skin health at risk of cancer, according to dermatologists. Especially sensitive areas such as your face and chest need to be protected on a daily, although dermatologists say you should wear sunscreen on any part of your skin that is not covered by clothing or even wear a hat for extra protection.

Year-round it is important to soak up some vitamin D, but do so with protection. Pick the right sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection, more than 30 SPF, and pay attention to the UV rating on the back of the bottle.

If you choose makeup products such as foundations or moisturizers that have a built-in SPF, make sure to reapply them throughout the day to maintain protection. And don't forget to protect your lips with an SPF lip balm, skin cancer and sun damage also affect the lips.

Whatever you do, stay out of tanning beds. No matter what shade of skin you were born with, no tanning bed color will ever outweigh the negative risks of exposing your skin directly to UV rays. If you wish to achieve a tanned glow, consider using a self-tanner in your skincare routine.

Related: 10 Common Skin Concerns (& Which Skin-Loving Ingredients Are Lifesavers)

Do Self Skin Checks

All beauty aside, there is nothing more beautiful than being healthy which is why it is essential to do self-checks for irregular sun spots, freckles, moles or growths on your skin.

According to dermatologists, skin cancer is the most common cancer among Americans. Melanoma is very dangerous if gone undetected, but with regular self-skin checks it is 98% preventable, says the American Association of Dermatology, even with early signs of melanoma.

Suspicious spots include when a freckle or mole is discolored or has an irregular shape. It could also be a sign if the freckle or mole is

Dermatologists kindly remind all that your skin is an organ, in fact, it is your largest organ. It is not just a place on your body for beauty and treatments, it protects you. Protect your skin and keep it healthy to be the most beautiful version of you.

Next: 10 Easy And Essential Fall Skincare Routine Tips

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