When it comes to grooming, men have moved into a new age. We know exfoliation doesn’t have to do with plant life. We’re no longer using stodgy bars of soap to clean our faces. We know what facial scrub is, and we just might use one.

On the other hand, women still outpace men in how much they care for their faces. The 2012 Men’s Grooming Consumer Report found more than 90% of the men age 18 and older who were surveyed used grooming products, including facial or body skin care. These men helped bolster the 11% increase in men’s facial care spending from 2010 to 2011.

But only 25% of men surveyed used more advanced facial skin care items such as eye creams and anti-aging products. What do men need to care for their faces? And realistically, what will they actually use?

Men aren’t likely to venture out too far beyond face wash, says Andrea Megaris, director of JA Products from John Allan’s, a luxury men’s grooming club with locations in New York, California and Toronto.

“Guys aren’t running in for facials,” she says. “Maybe if their significant others push them to, or they do it before their weddings, but it’s far from common.”

If face wash is the only product you use on your face, make it a good one. It definitely shouldn’t be the same bar of soap you use on your body. Using products specially formulated for your face can make a big difference for your skin, Megaris says.

“Thirteen or so years ago, men were just using regular soap, but now they see the difference made in their skin with a quality face wash,” Megaris says.

While a good razor is important, patience and preparation are really the keys to getting a good shave, Megaris says.

“You can use a razor with 12 blades, and have the best of the best products, but if you’re doing it in the shower and you try to just squeeze it in, you’re not going to get a really good shave,” she says. “Focus on time and hot water.”

Don’t forget to prep before you shave—that may include simply splashing your face with some water or applying product to the shave area. Megaris recommends using a water-based product that doesn’t clog up blades or leave a “salad dressing” residue on the face.

Post-shave, forget using your grandpa’s aftershave. Instead, use products that moisturize.

Even the best product regimen is useless if you don’t stick to it. So Megaris says to keep your routine simple.

“Less is more,” Megaris says. “Get a good facial cleanser, and really use it when you wash. Use a moisturizer with sun protection. Stick with a simple regimen.”