Skincare goes wrong less often by choosing the wrong product than by using a strong one too enthusiastically. The useful sequence is short, and the order matters more than the number of steps.
Start here: sunscreen
It does more for how skin looks over a decade than anything else, and it is the one product where the evidence is not seriously disputed. Both of these are easy to reapply, which is the format people actually stick with.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70
A lotion rather than a spray, which means you can see where it went. Better for faces than the spray on this page.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
Spray sunscreens are under-applied more often than any other format. Use more than feels necessary.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
Then a cleanser that does not strip
Fragrance-free and aimed at leaving the barrier intact. This is what you use alongside an active, not another active itself.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
The cream version of the foaming one — pick this if your skin is dry, the foaming one if it is oily.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
Only then, an active
Ten percent benzoyl peroxide is the strongest sold over the counter. Every other day at first, and use white towels — it bleaches fabric permanently.
PanOxyl Maximum Strength Acne Foaming Wash, 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
10% is the strongest over the counter. Start every other day — daily use from cold usually causes peeling.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
And something for the barrier
A compromised barrier makes every other product sting. Repair that before adding anything else.
eos Shea Better Body Lotion Vanilla Cashmere, 24-Hour Moisture, Lightweight and Non-Greasy, Vegan, 16 fl oz
A 16oz bottle of shea-based lotion that absorbs without the greasy film heavier balms leave. Strongly scented, so try it before committing.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, Hydrating Overnight Hydrogel Face Mask, Pore Minimizing, 34g x 4ea
A hydrogel mask worn for three to four hours or overnight, rather than the fifteen minutes a sheet mask asks for.
Price and availability shown on Amazon at time of purchase
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start using benzoyl peroxide without my skin peeling?
Every other day for the first two weeks, left on for under a minute before rinsing. Peeling is a dosing mistake rather than a reaction to a bad product, and it is entirely avoidable.
Can I use several new products at once?
You can, but when something stings you will have no idea which one did it. Add one product and wait two weeks before adding another.