How to: Groom Your Face in the Morning

1) Clean: “Never use bars of pure soap,” says Dr. Jason Rivers, practicing dermatologist and Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia’s Department of Dermatology. “It literally removes the oil on your skin, your face’s natural moisturizer.” Instead, opt for a mild cleanser that’s either milk- or gel-based. And steer clear of fragrance-based products. “They contain allergens, one of the main causes of skin complications.”

2) Scrub: Twice a week—and twice a week only—use a gentle face scrub with glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Try mixing this with your face wash for best results. Careful, though. Too much scrubbing is no good. “Shaving in itself is already a form of exfoliating,” says Dr. Rivers. “Therefore, men don’t need to exfoliate that much at all.”

3) Moisturize: Applying a light moisturizer a couple of times a week is good, but it’s all about balance. “I recommend serums and water-based products that have antioxidants in them,” says Rivers. “It’s a nice way of soothing the skin after shaving, or anytime at all. But don’t overdo it. Your natural oils need to do their job, too.” Winter can be a bastard to your skin, especially if you’ve got drier than normal skin. Protect yourself with creams that are designed for these climates, like anything rich in cocoa butter, olive butter or milk.