The skin does not distinguish between luxury and budget cosmetics — what matters are the active components, their concentration, and how well the formula suits the individual. > "The skin doesn’t know how much the cream costs. For it, there is no luxury or mass market — only the composition, concentration of active substances, texture, and how suitable the product is for it," explains dermatologist and cosmetologist Natalia Ryakhovskaya. According to the specialist, premium creams often contain a large number of active ingredients, plant extracts, and fragrances. Such a rich composition increases the risk of irritation, especially if a person is simultaneously using acids, retinol, vitamin C, or regularly undergoing cosmetic procedures. Another common problem is an unsuitable texture. Thick creams can worsen the condition of oily skin, while overly light products do not provide sufficient care for dryness and a damaged protective barrier. Budget cosmetics often win due to their simple formulas. Glycerin, ceramides, and basic moisturizing components help restore the skin's protective barrier without overloading it. These are the types of products that dermatologists often recommend to patients with sensitive or irritated skin. The expert emphasizes that there is no universal cream. Even a product with an ideal composition may not suit a specific person, as everyone has different sensitivities, levels of sebum production, and microbiome characteristics. > "If there is no burning or tightness after applying the cream, dryness or oiliness decreases, and the skin becomes more stable, then the product is suitable for you. It doesn’t matter whether it costs a thousand rubles or ten thousand," says Natalia Ryakhovskaya. In their practice, doctors advise first restoring the skin's protective barrier with gentle cleansing and a simple moisturizing cream, and only then gradually introducing active components. This approach often proves to be much more effective than using several expensive products at once. A good example is a patient with rosacea who used a whole set of premium cosmetics but constantly faced redness and burning. After switching to a minimalist pharmacy skincare routine, her skin calmed down in just a month, and only after that was it possible to safely reintroduce active products. > "If an expensive cream didn’t work, it doesn’t mean it’s bad. It just means that its formula is not suitable for your skin. And if a budget product works — it means you’ve found what your skin really needs," emphasizes the expert. The price of cosmetics is far from the main indicator of its effectiveness. It is much more important to choose a skincare routine that takes into account the specific characteristics of your skin and helps it remain healthy.