The Extras: Specialty Skincare That Makes All the Difference

Once you’ve got your basics down—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, maybe a serum—you might start eyeing those “extra” products and wondering: Do I need them? Things like pore refiners, spot treatments, or eye creams can feel optional, and honestly, they are. But they’re also the products that target those little things you can’t stop noticing in the mirror—the things a simple routine doesn’t always address.

For me, it’s pores. I’m obsessed with my pore size. I’ll try anything labeled “pore-refining” because I love the way it makes my skin feel smoother and more even. The truth is, you can’t actually erase pores, but the right formulas—usually with ingredients like niacinamide or gentle exfoliants—can make them look smaller and give your skin a refined, polished look. It’s not essential, but it makes me feel better, and that’s the point.

And then there are eye creams. I’ll never forget being 22, walking up to a beauty counter, and being told it was “time” to start using one because I’d reached that age. Looking back, that was a little overboard. But as the years go by, I’ve realized the skin under our eyes really does have its own challenges—dark circles, puffiness, fine lines. It’s thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, and sometimes it really does need its own product to help it out.

Spot treatments are another great example. Instead of overhauling your entire routine when one breakout shows up, you can dab on something targeted to speed up healing. And for some, neck creams or firming treatments make sense too—especially when you want to give a little extra love to the areas we often ignore until they start to show.

I like to think of these products as the accessories of your skincare routine. You don’t need them every single day, and they’re not the foundation. But when you add them in where it matters to you, they make your routine feel complete—and more personal.

That’s why we carry them at The Skin Pantry. Not to overwhelm you with options, but to give you the freedom to pick the little extras that make you feel good. Because at the end of the day, skincare isn’t just about results—it’s about confidence and comfort in your own skin.