Skincare doesn’t begin and end once you’ve figured out your skin type. In fact, your skin reserves the right to switch types when it pleases, much to your (and your wallet’s) chagrin. This is including but not limited to: age, life events, stress, seasons, climates, lifestyle changes…and you, fearless face-haver, are expected to just keep up. No one said life was fair, but the best defense is a good skincare strategy. And the best strategies begin with understanding the situation.

Keeping your skin happy means keeping it in balance. Don’t underestimate your skin—it’s a very busy organ that’s trying to protect you while constantly adjusting to wherever you’re bringing it, what you’re putting on it, and how you’re treating it. Even when you’re on your best behavior, situations change and that’s where you’ve got to get strategic.