Skin is an organ, and it takes damage the same way any other one does: from sun, pollution, cold, and stress, every day. Most of that damage is invisible for years, then shows up as fine lines, uneven tone, and skin that never looks quite rested.
Where to start
Cleanse twice a day and moisturize right after. That alone puts you ahead of most routines. Stick with it a few weeks and you'll notice less redness after shaving, fewer breakouts, and skin that feels less tight by midday. Everything else builds on that foundation.