We know you’re not one of those guys who uses the same bar of soap for everything—feet, face, whatever—but should you have “a friend” who does, we’d like to take this opportunity to help him out. Here’s the long and short of it: Soap and water is not going to cut it. Your skin needs moisture and a few other things that will cost you a bit of money and take up valuable real estate in your carry-on. Trust us though, it will all be worth it. Your face will age like Brad Pitt’s face instead of a troll doll’s face. Think of that sentence every time you wonder whether it is absolutely necessary to purchase a $40 eye cream. Your face will age like Brad Pitt’s face instead of like a troll doll’s face.

Here to walk you through a few basic rules is Kate Somerville, skincare shaman to the stars (seriously—at her namesake spa, they use more lasers than any Star Wars film) and founder of a best-selling product line worthy of your mug.

All Skin Was Not Created Equal

“The average man is not looking at his skin and taking care of it. In fact, 80% of my new male clients are just using soap and water (which is extremely drying) and then shaving. My first rule is to know your skin type—oily, dry, sensitive or combination—so that you can buy products that give your skin what it really needs.”

If You Buy Nothing Else, Make It These 4 Products

“Find a great cleanser for your skin type. Men typically sweat more and are in the dirt more, so it’s important to cleanse well.”

“Exfoliate 1-2 times per week in the shower. Exfoliation lifts dry, dull skin and allows products to penetrate and work more effectively. Look for gentle exfoliants with lactic acid or enzymes (like papaya, pineapple and pumpkin).”

“Hydrate. Look for a product containing hyaluronic acid to bring skin back to its natural health and to help with anti-aging.”

“A great lightweight moisturizer with sunscreen built in is so important. If you want to take 10 years off your face, stop going out without protection.”

Do Not Let That Zit Just Sit There

“Men are much less likely to pick at their blemishes than women (which is a good thing!), and also less likely to treat it with the right product. Use a spot treatment to dry out the blemish and prevent scarring. If you are acne prone, maintaining the skincare regimen above is key for prevention.”

Your Beard Is Not A "Get Out Of Jail Free" Card

“With beards you get a lot of irritation—your skin underneath can be itchy, dry or red. Make sure you massage your cleanser and exfoliator all the way into the skin when going over your beard. It’s important to get down to the surface to remove dead skin and debris. It’s hard to put a cream into a beard, so go for a serum or light moisturizer that can easily penetrate past facial hair.”

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