Our skin is our body’s first line of defense — it’s the first to take on pollutants, bacteria, harsh rays and all-around environmental nastiness. So superior skincare choices are a must. Sometimes, though, those choices are simply knowing when to reach for heavy-hitting, pricier ingredients and when the drugstore shelf will do.

More often than not, a higher price tag means more potent and productive skincare with medical-strength ingredients and doctor-approved formulas. These ones make changes from deep within and well below the surface, and they’re vital to making skin more resilient, healthy and beautiful. When possible, add a few of these high-end items to your regimen and read on to find out which skincare products are worth the splurge and which you can save.

SAVE: Cleansing & Exfoliation

Caudalie Cleansing Oil

Winner of multiple awards for best makeup remover, the Caudalie Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil ($25) does double duty dissolving all makeup while leaving you with refreshed, soft and moisturized skin — without a greasy film. Warm three pumps between your palms and massage onto dry skin. Emulsify with a little water and use a gentle washcloth to remove everything.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

A dermatologist-favorite, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Face Wash ($14) does just what it says it will: cleanse and hydrate. Its tried-and-true formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain the skin's natural moisture.

SkinCeuticals Simply Clean

With chamomile, botanical extracts and a fruit acid blend, SkinCeuticals Simply Clean ($34, available in store at M Spa) is a gel cleanser that not only removes oil, makeup and debris, but also leaves the skin feeling far soother and nourished.

Dr. Dennis Gross At-Home Chemical Peel

Two small face wipes used in tandem, the Alpha Beta Universal Peel from Dr. Dennis Gross ($17 for five treatments) has become a cult favorite. A chemical exfoliation option to be used on cleansed skin, it exfoliates away dead, dull skin cells and encourages brighter, more even-toned and much smoother skin.

SAVE: Masks

Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask

If you want to quench your skin’s thirst and fast, try Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask ($3). The gel material seals in the hydration for smooth and supple skin.

SPLURGE: Antioxidants

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Because of active ingredients like resveratrol, green tea, vitamins C, E, and B3, it’s better not to wonder how long antioxidant serums have been sitting on a drugstore shelf. Stick to the dermatologist and aesthetician-recommended antioxidant serums, like everyone’s favorite SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166, available in-store at M Spa), a daytime serum that not only brightens the skin’s complexion, but also delivers advanced environmental protection to improve fine lines and firmness.

SPLURGE: Hyaluronic Acid

SkinMedica HA5

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: there’s not a skin type that won’t benefit from the addition of hyaluronic acid. It holds 1,000 times its weight in water, and the HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator from SkinMedica ($178) is the crème de la crème — it’s so hydrating that it could replace your moisturizer entirely. And here’s a pro tip: for optimal priming, apply the HA5 either to damp skin or with damp fingertips.

SAVE: Moisturizer

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream

Soothing is something all moisturizers should be. With its blend of aloe, rice extract and cotton extract, Burt’s Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream ($12) provides such an intense hydration (without the harsh irritants) that it was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

Glossier + Weleda

For those who prefer rich moisturizers for that deep-from-within glow, try Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich ($35). It’s packed with ceramides and fatty acids, so it’s a great night time, wintertime or just any-time nourisher for the skin. For something extra-emollient under your makeup, Weleda Skin Food ($10) shines on application, giving any full- or medium-coverage foundation or concealer a dewy look. Rub it between your fingers and put it on the highpoints of your face. Or use it on your lips, hands or elbows for extreme moisturizing.

SPLURGE: Retinol

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5

The go-to retinol at M Spa, SkinMedica’s Retinol complex 0.5 ($78) is formulated for skin types tolerant to retinol, but isn’t as harsh as a 1 percent. The youth-enhancing active stimulates collagen production while enhancing skin renewal and brightening skin tone, even reducing acne.