The global skincare market has become a $100 billion-plus industry in recent years. The lotions, potions, DIY solutions and near miracles that might fix, firm and freshen our skin continue to fascinate consumers across the world.

With prices ranging from the cost of a jar of coconut oil to paycheck-breaking products with unpronounceable ingredients, navigating the skincare aisle can be confusing. You're probably wondering how best to invest in your skin's health and beauty.

Here's the good news: Many dermatologists agree that you can enhance and protect your skin without the need for a celebrity-style bank account. Their advice typically begins with a common-sense regimen:

• Prevent sun damage: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
• Feed from within: Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet.
• Stay away from: Smoking.
• Invest in: A moisturizer created for your skin type.
• Remember: Great skin starts with a healthy lifestyle and thorough cleansing.

Seriously. How Clean Is Your Skin?

As the first defense against many toxins, airborne particles and whatever else is flying around out there, our skin comes in contact with an assortment of elements 24/7. Depending on our biochemical state, our sebaceous glands may work overtime to increase the natural oils that lubricate and protect the skin. Cells in the outer dermis layer are constantly replacing themselves. Temperature and humidity levels can make us shiver or sweat. In other words, our skin works hard and it's no wonder that the pros want us to pay attention to its cleanliness.

Give your skin a clean start before you slather on the sunblock and moisturizer each morning. And when bedtime comes, remove the day's grit and grime to avoid future problems. If you wear makeup, you've got additional work to do.

Try this experiment to see how well your routine is working:

• At the end of the day, wash your face as you normally do.
• Using a facial cleansing cloth or white towel, gently wipe your cheek or forehead.
• If you see any dirt or makeup residue on the cloth, you've got evidence that your skin isn't as clean as it should be.

Try Sonic Cleansing

Sonic or rotating brushes used along with your cleanser can help remove embedded dirt and cosmetics. These handheld devices often have detachable brushes designed for your skin type. Whether you have rough skin, oily skin, normal skin or dry, sensitive skin, you'll be able to find a brush that works for you. Many manufacturers also offer brush heads for use on your body, delivering benefits from top to toe.

Sonic technology provides gentle oscillations for powerful results. In fact, clinical testing shows that sonic brushes can remove more surface oil and dirt than cleansers alone, minimize the look of pores and reduce redness.* Plus, your skin gets gentle exfoliation and becomes moisturizer-ready after a short session with your sonic brush.

* See the results of independent clinical tests and consumer survey results when using Conair's True Glow® Sonic Skincare Solution.

Give Your Pores Some Extra Attention

Even if you were blessed with virtually invisible pores, and especially if you struggle to hide enlarged pores, a gentle steam treatment can fight the impurities that linger within.

Steam opens your pores and gently loosens oils, dirt and cosmetics residue. These can be washed away with a cleanser, revealing truly immaculate skin. The steam gives your face a hydration boost and can enhance its tone and elasticity.

When you've finished steaming and cleansing, be sure to close your pores with a splash of cool water. Some facial steamers provide a cool mist setting to gently cool and close the pores and provide additional time for hydration.

Know Your Skin Type (it may not be what you think)

Seasons, hormones, environments, age and just about everything that makes you you can have an effect on your skin. This means that as you experience life, climates and micro-climates, the water content, oil content and sensitivity level of your skin can change. Most likely, your skin type isn't the same as it was 10 years ago; it's worth re-checking every once in a while.

Normal skin typically has these properties:

• Healthy color
• Minimal or no acne breakouts
• Small, barely evident pores
• No scaly dry patches

Oily skin can look like this:

• Large, obvious pores
• Shiny by midday
• Blackheads
• Pimples

Dry skin evidence:

• Dull and rough complexion
• Red patches
• Cracked, peeled and/or itchy areas
• Less apparent pores
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sensitivity to soaps, lotions, and environmental factors

Combination skin can have these variations:

• Areas with enlarged pores
• Breakouts in specific areas
• Oily forehead, nose and chin
• Dry or normal along the sides of the face and other areas

Knowing your skin type can help you select suitable cleansing products, moisturizers, sunblocks and cosmetics—and avoid expensive mistakes. If you've got partly used tubes or bottles of skincare products expiring at the back of the drawer, chances are they were not meant for your skin type.

Read labels and recommendations to help you determine the products that will work best for your particular skin.