You guys — yes, literally "you guys" — have you had The Talk? Perhaps your mom talked you through it as a pizza-faced kid? Your girlfriend or boyfriend may have brought it up once or twice Or, maybe, you're the one who needs to have the talk with the guy in your life? We're talking about the very important talk about skin care, of course.

So why is skin care important? First off, the skin is one of the largest organs of the body and acts as a barrier against our environment — so take care of it! Skin care helps maintain a healthy complexion, so it can do its job better and longer. And, honestly, washing your face is just basic hygiene. So, please: Don't be gross.

There are a handful of men in my life whose skin care regimen have truly left me shook! One friend moisturizes his face — when he remembers to — with body lotion. My dad is married to his stubborn refusal to use an exfoliator. Another friend washes his face with a face scrub everyday (PSA: face scrub does not a face wash make). And the worst one of all, I have a friend who doesn't do anything. At all.

The truth of the matter is some men's skin care routines aren't up to par — or they're entirely non-existent. With skin care products marketed primarily towards women and misogynistic gender norms running rampage throughout our society, it's no wonder some men are being left to fend for themselves in the war against oily skin, clogged pores, sun damage and premature aging. And armed with only a shield of dirt, oil and dead skin cells layered on top of their faces, it's a war they're set to lose.

As a guy, skin care can be intimidating. I've been there, and I'm here to help. Read on to learn how to step up your skin care game.

Image via @baxterofca

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