Caring for your skin is important to prevent future health issues and to keep yourself looking and feeling confident. There are many skincare products on the market to help you, and while some are helpful, here’s what expert dermatologists wish you knew about the unhelpful and deceiving skin product labels.

Read these tips to stop spending on the wrong products and start investing in the ones best for your skin.

“Anti-aging” 

No miracle skin product can turn back time. Products that say anti-aging can only help minimize the look of wrinkles temporarily. But board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lauren Ploch of Georgia Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center says the best way to reduce the onset of lines on your skin is to moisturize with SPF and regularly protect your skin from the sun with a hat or sunglasses. Other than sun protection, try reducing stress through meditation and yoga. Your skin can reflect your stress since cortisol and stress hormones affect the texture of the skin.

“Overnight” or “fast-acting”

Be wary of products that promise overnight or fast-acting results in hours. Most of the time, they are either ineffective or use harsh chemicals to reduce the redness of a blemish. Instead, Dr. David Lortscher, founder of Curlogy, recommends cosmetically improving the look of a spot by applying a mixture of natural ingredients rich in vitamins and anti-bacterial properties, like avocado oil and honey. Rather than a topical overnight patch or serum, wash the area thoroughly, and apply a gentle makeup concealer for an important meeting or presentation. Let your body do its healing for you.

“Face and body” 

The skin on your face is different from the skin on your arms and legs. Faces are far more sensitive and require gentler ingredients. Avoid products that say they are for your body and face. For example, the sunscreen for your body is not suitable for your face, so purchase separate face and body sunscreens. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores to avoid unnecessary breakouts and irritations on your face.

“Pore vacuum” or “pore minimizing” 

Many people are turning to pore vacuums or pore-minimizing products to battle the size of their pores—because the more open your pores are, the more likely they are to trap dirt and bacteria. Dr. John Diaz, a board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of Honor MD, says to stay away from these products. Pore vacuums can damage the shape and integrity of your pore walls, which you don’t want to do since your pores help with bodily functions like sweating. Leave the high-suction tools to the professionals. Instead, after washing your face, use cold water or an ice-roller to close your pores.

Be sure to consult your dermatologist or primary physician before trying any products since every person’s skin is unique.