The useful bit
Build a routine you will repeat. Three useful products are a better starting point than a shelf full of experiments.
Choose for your skin
Start by noticing what bothers you: dryness after washing, an oily forehead, or stinging when you apply something. That gives you a more useful shopping brief than the colour of the packaging.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends mild, fragrance-free products for sensitive skin, and suggests looking for oil-free or non-comedogenic labels if you are acne-prone.
Cleanse, then moisturise
Use a mild facial cleanser with lukewarm water. Apply moisturiser while your skin is still a little damp after washing or shaving, following the AAD’s advice.
Make your first shopping list specific: a cleanser, a moisturiser, and the size of each that you are prepared to buy. A small first purchase leaves less to waste if you dislike the texture.
Source: AAD: daily cleansing and moisturising ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Make room for sunscreen
Before going outdoors, the AAD recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin. Reapply every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating. Include your ears, neck and exposed scalp; shade and protective clothing matter too.
Put the sunscreen somewhere you will actually reach for it. Read its directions, and compare texture as well as the number on the front.
Keep a useful record
Note the exact product and when you started it. Add a few words about what you like or dislike. That is more useful for your next purchase than trying to remember which of several new bottles was responsible.
If irritation persists or you need help with a skin condition, speak to a dermatologist. This guide covers everyday care, not a treatment plan.
Original guidance for Insider Beauty Men. Sources checked 28 October 2026. Research-based editorial; no hands-on product testing is claimed. Source links open in a new tab.