Building up your skincare regime is no easy task, with all the brands and options available is easy to get carried away buying items that are not ideal for your skin type or your daily routine. There are more than a few element to take into consideration, from budget, to skin health, even going full on natural or organic made.

In a recent interview with InStyle a natural beauty guru Cara Doncovio shared some key wisdom to fully understand the benefits of going natural and really knowing your skin-type before putting a foot in the stores.

As we have heard before, natural skin products have the added factor of being gentle and free of chemicals, however they also have a lot of science behind their formulation. “Specially selected ingredients have naturally occurring elements that treat skin concerns and provide maximum results.” says Doncovio. They are better for your skin and the environment, as these products are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes and chemicals.

A common mistake is thinking that natural and organic are interchangeable terms—the difference lies in the certification of the products, explains Doncovio. “Being ‘certified organic’ passes the strict guidelines set by COSMetics Organic and Natural Standard (COSMOS) and Australian Certified Organic (ACO). This ensures that everything from the farming to the manufacturing [of a product], and that the end result is compliant to reach this certification. Having a product certified is a lengthy process.”

“Introducing products one by one as your run out of what you are already using is a great way for your skin to get used to the new products” said Doncovio. The trick here is to make sure you choose the right ingredients for your skin type and replacing each item carefully as organic products can be costly given their manufacturing techniques, however, with natural or organic products is more about quality than quantity, nurturing your skin and truly appreciating its value and characteristics.