The 6 Musts for Perfect Skin

Retinol

Known for its acne-fighting and anti-aging abilities, retinol helps stimulate cell turnover, prevents wrinkles and pimples and improves sun damage.

Find it in Jan Marini Retinol Plus Mask:
Packing a punch of hard-hitting and moisturizing ingredients, Jan Marini Retinol Plus Mask, helps reduce wrinkles and diminish blemishes while you sleep. $90, janmarini.com

Vitamin C

This antioxidant miracle-worker delivers a ton of skin-perfecting benefits by helping to reduce oxidative stress, reverse the effects of sun damage and fight free radicals.

Find it in Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Beauty Drops:
Premeasured into daily-use capsules so you get the perfect amount of product, Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Beauty Drops protect skin and restore its radiance. $20, lumene.com

Benzoyl Peroxide

An essential for fighting acne, benzoyl peroxide imparts gentle antibacterial effects to help cleanse skin and ward off breakouts.

Find it in La Roche-Posay Effaclar DUO Acne Treatment:
Using micronized benzoyl peroxide, La Roche-Posay Effaclar DUO Acne Treatment helps balance oil and zap bacteria to keep breakouts at bay. $37, ulta.com

Salicylic Acid

A multitasking powerhouse, salicylic acid works to prevent and treat acne and keep pores clear while delivering exfoliating benefits.

Find it in MD Complete Clarifying Cleanser:
Combining salicylic acid with green tea, ginseng and gingko biloba, MD Complete Clarifying Cleanser helps to clear clogged pores and prevent breakouts. $17, mdcompleteskincare.com

Alphahydroxy Acid

A popular skin-care ingredient, alphahydroxy acid (AHA) helps minimize fine lines and enlarged pores while also reducing discoloration and age spots.

Find it in Exuviance Vespera Bionic Serum:
Infused with alphahydroxy and polyhydroxy acids, Exuviance Vespera Bionic Serum purportedly smooths skin while minimizing lines and wrinkles. $72, neostrata.com

Hydroquinone

A common ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone inhibits the production of melanin to reduce discoloration.

Find it in Skin Authority Hyper Pigmentation Treatment:
Erase discoloration and diminish dark spots with Skin Authority Hyper Pigmentation Treatment. The powerful formula delivers a 2 percent hydroquinone formula and leaves behind brighter skin. $56.50, skinauthority.com