A simple skin routine

The dermatologists' version of skin care is shorter than the shelf suggests. The American Academy of Dermatology's advice for men comes down to four things done consistently, plus one habit that keeps a new product from becoming a new problem.

Wash twice a day, then moisturize

Wash your face once in the morning and once at night, and after heavy sweating. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol, and skip regular bar soap, which the AAD says often contains harsh, drying ingredients. Wet your face with lukewarm water, apply the cleanser with your fingertips rather than a washcloth or sponge, and do not scrub; scrubbing irritates skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. If you are acne-prone, “oil free” or “non-comedogenic” products will not clog pores; if your skin is sensitive, look for “fragrance free,” which is not the same as “unscented.”

Apply moisturizer every day, ideally right after washing or showering while the skin is still damp. The AAD's reasons are practical: use it if your skin is dry or itchy, and used daily it reduces fine lines and improves how skin looks. Be gentle around the eyes.

Sunscreen, most days

The AAD recommends a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, meaning it covers both UVA and UVB, with an SPF of 30 or higher, and water resistant. Apply it every day to skin not covered by clothing if you will be outside, cloudy days included; the AAD notes that up to 80% of the sun's UV rays get through cloud. Put it on about 15 minutes before going out, use at least a teaspoon for the face, and reapply roughly every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Shade, a hat and sunglasses do part of the job too.

A shave that does not fight your skin

1. Wet your skin and hair first to soften it; right after a shower is ideal.
2. Use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel. Never dry-shave.
3. Shave in the direction the hair grows, and rinse the blade after each swipe.
4. Change the blade, or throw away a disposable razor, after five to seven shaves.
5. If you get razor bumps, try a single- or double-blade razor instead of a multi-blade one.
6. Store the razor somewhere it can dry completely, and moisturize afterward.

Patch-test anything new

Before a new product goes on your face, the AAD suggests testing it on a quarter-sized spot that will not be rubbed or washed away, such as the underside of the forearm or the bend of the elbow. Apply the normal amount twice a day for seven to ten days; a wash-off product like a cleanser stays on for five minutes or as long as its directions say. If the skin turns red, itchy or swollen, wash it off and do not use it again. If nothing happens, it is fine to use. Some irritation from ingredients such as retinol or glycolic acid is, in the AAD's words, normal and temporary, especially on sensitive skin.