Getting into skincare can feel like stepping into another world. Serums, acids, routines with 10 steps — it’s enough to make most guys avoid it entirely. But if you’re starting from scratch, you don’t need all of that.

You just need one thing: a cleanser.

It’s not complicated, but it’s foundational. Without clean skin, nothing else you apply is going to work properly. Here’s why cleanser should be the first step in every guy’s skincare routine — and how to use it right.

If you’re not cleansing daily, everything else — from breakouts to dullness — becomes harder to fix.

You don’t need to overthink your first cleanser, but a few key points will make it more effective — and less likely to irritate your skin.

Start with something fragrance-free and designed for daily use. Harsh cleansers can strip the skin and lead to dryness or redness.

Avoid cleansers with gritty textures, exfoliating beads, or strong acids. These can damage your skin barrier — especially if you’re new to skincare.

Gel-based: Best for oily or acne-prone skin. It helps cut through oil without over-drying.

Cream-based: Great for dry or sensitive skin. It cleans without removing essential moisture.

Cleansers from brands like CeraVe, Vanicream, and La Roche-Posay are affordable and easy to find — and they all make solid starter options.

Once cleansing is locked in, it’s easier to add on — without overwhelming yourself.

Add a moisturizer: This helps lock in hydration and repair your skin barrier. Look for something light and non-greasy.

Add SPF in the morning: This protects your skin from sun damage, which causes aging, discoloration, and irritation.

There’s no rush to do it all at once. Build a routine in layers. Cleanser first, then expand when it feels manageable.

Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’re just starting out, skip the hype and focus on the foundation: cleansing. When your skin is clean, everything else — from moisturizers to breakouts — becomes easier to manage.

Great skin starts with clean skin. Master that, and the rest will follow.

Getting into skincare can feel like stepping into another world. Serums, acids, routines with 10 steps — it’s enough to make most guys avoid it entirely. But if you’re starting from scratch, you don’t need all of that.

You just need one thing: a cleanser.

It’s not complicated, but it’s foundational. Without clean skin, nothing else you apply is going to work properly. Here’s why cleanser should be the first step in every guy’s skincare routine — and how to use it right.

If you’re not cleansing daily, everything else — from breakouts to dullness — becomes harder to fix.

You don’t need to overthink your first cleanser, but a few key points will make it more effective — and less likely to irritate your skin.

Start with something fragrance-free and designed for daily use. Harsh cleansers can strip the skin and lead to dryness or redness.

Avoid cleansers with gritty textures, exfoliating beads, or strong acids. These can damage your skin barrier — especially if you’re new to skincare.

Gel-based: Best for oily or acne-prone skin. It helps cut through oil without over-drying.

Cream-based: Great for dry or sensitive skin. It cleans without removing essential moisture.

Cleansers from brands like CeraVe, Vanicream, and La Roche-Posay are affordable and easy to find — and they all make solid starter options.

Once cleansing is locked in, it’s easier to add on — without overwhelming yourself.

Add a moisturizer: This helps lock in hydration and repair your skin barrier. Look for something light and non-greasy.

Add SPF in the morning: This protects your skin from sun damage, which causes aging, discoloration, and irritation.

There’s no rush to do it all at once. Build a routine in layers. Cleanser first, then expand when it feels manageable.

Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’re just starting out, skip the hype and focus on the foundation: cleansing. When your skin is clean, everything else — from moisturizers to breakouts — becomes easier to manage.

Great skin starts with clean skin. Master that, and the rest will follow.