Skin care can be easy. Don't be turned off by the female models and lip-plumped beauty influencers that are the typical face of most brands. And don't get suckered into buying a manly man's brand either — unless you want to pay extra to have your face smell like cheap cologne. Most of these products do the same thing, no matter if you're a man or a woman. So, where to start?

For a newb, there's no need to jump off the deep end into a multi-step routine of serums, essences and masks: To start out, keep it simple with the basics: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize.

Image via @oarsandalps

Splashing your face with water doesn't count, using your body soap as a double agent just won't do and using shampoo on your face is no joke. Use a deep-cleaning face cleanser twice a day, morning and night, to thoroughly remove dirt, sweat and impurities that can cause breakouts.

Tip: massage cleanser into your face in circular motion for 30 seconds. Then, completely rinse it off with lukewarm water to thoroughly clear out dirt and grime.

My favorite deep-cleaning cleanser: Neogen Dermalogy Real Fresh Foam Cleanser Green Tea, $19.

My bargain buy: Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser, $7.99.

Men's skin slightly differ from women's in that it tends to be thicker and oilier. Exfoliation helps reduce shine by unclogging pores and controlling oily skin, and it helps the skin absorb other skin care products better. Regular exfoliation also helps you achieve brighter and smoother skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and because men shave, it even helps prevent ingrown hairs.

Tip: Gently exfoliate 1-2 times a week, in the evening, after you wash your face. (Yes, you must do both.)

My favorite gentle yet hard-working exfoliator: Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon, $27

My bargain buy: Sephora Collection Beauty Precision Pore Cleansing Pad, $6

Finish off your routine with a moisturizer and sunscreen — ones made specifically for the face. Using body lotion here isn't a life hack — body lotion is too thick and heavy for your face and can cause irritation, clogged pores, and shine. A proper face moisturizer will quench thirsty dry skin, seal in moisture and smooth out fine lines, and sunscreen is the most effective way to prevent premature aging and skin damage.

Tip: Moisturize your face every morning and night. Apply a sunscreen of SPF 50 or more during the daytime as your final step.

Pro tip: be a boss and use an eye cream.

My favorite soothing, lightweight moisturizer: Etude House SoonJung 10 Free Moist Emulsion , $15.60

My favorite non-greasy, shine-free SPF:
Missha All Around Safe Block Sebum Zero Sun EX SPF 50+ PA+++, $14