Today, the skin care market is flooded with products that are uber targeted, which is great for solving skin care issues but creates a bit of a mess when trying to decide which products are best for your skin. You’ll find skin care products for dry skin that’s caused by environmental factors, like the weather, and you’ll also find products for dry, aging skin, which treat the issue in an entirely different way. Knowing your skin type, along with the possible causes of your individual skin concerns, can help you choose the skin care products that are best suited for your needs.

Here are a few telltale signs that your skin care isn’t working for your skin type:

Your skin hurts. It’s always a bad sign if your skin hurts in any way after cleansing or using other skin care products on it. It could be a sign that the product is either too drying or contains ingredients that are too harsh for your skin type.

Your skin feels tight. That tightness that makes you feel like you just received a mini facelift isn’t a good thing. It means too much moisture has been stripped from your skin and this can lead to dryness or an overproduction of oil.

You’re noticing inflammation: Whether it’s some red patches around your nose or an increase of inflammatory acne, skin care that’s designed for your skin should provide relief from these issues, not make them worse.

Breakouts are increasing. This might happen when your skin care products are too harsh and drying for your skin, prompting a boost in oil production. It can also happen when you use moisturizing products that aren’t designed for your skin type.

Your skin looks dull. Maybe it’s just an overall dullness or lifelessness that your skin has taken on. Your skin care products are either too drying, or not working to remove the buildup of dead skin, while rejuvenating your skin from below the surface.

Before you begin your search for the ultimate skin care products, assess your skin with an unbiased point of view. Remember skin changes, and just because you were battling a constant oily sheen just a year or two ago doesn’t mean that your skin is still classified as oily. The wash test, where you wash your skin with a gentle cleanser, and then notice has it has reacted 30 minutes to two hours later, is great simple tool for determining your skin type. Another simple way to asses your skin type is to take our Skin Care Quiz.

One of the most rewarding parts of maturing is discovering all the many ways you’ll change over time. Your skin deserves the same honor and respect as the rest of your body. Take care of your skin, choose skin care products that are designed for your unique skin type, and never take it for granted. Treat it right and your skin will serve as a beautiful outer shell that shows the world just how radiant you are, inside and out.