I have put together a list of basic skin care products that I feel the most confident in.
Several of the cleansers and moisturizers works for people with sensitive skin (dryness, dermatitis, rosacea).
The recommendations are based off dermatological literature, forum recommendations, and online product reviews.
The products in the list should have near-universal approval and quality.

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Recommended basic morning routine:
1. (Cleanser) - unless you are very oily
2. Toner
3. Sunscreen - UV exposure depends on location, but sunscreen generally needed for all locations in the summer season.

Recommended basic evening routine:
1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Moisturizer
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If you have dry and sensitive skin:
Wash less often, and use A) mild cleansers, B) a smaller amount of cleanser, and C) lukewarm water.
Clean your skin once daily at maximum, or just every other day (or even less).
Don't shower too warm, as hot water is better at removing oils.
If you also want to manage light acne, focus on using water-based AHA/BHA toners (and also seeing a derm if the need arises).
Moisturizing is key for you. Apply your moisturizers to damp skin, to help maintain the moisture levels in the skin.

If you have abnormal (aka "normal") problem-free skin:
Wash once a day, in the evening - or not at all. An AHA/BHA toner can help maintain your clean skin.
Moisturizers will help keep your skin soft and elastic. Clay masks/various exfoliators can also help your skin become smoother.
A sunscreen will help protect your lovely skin from aging signs caused by sun exposure (photodamage).

If you are oily:
Wash ~2 times a day (using healthy pH-balanced syndet cleansers, see list), and avoid thick occlusive-based moisturisers.
A mattifying foundation, as well as blotter pads, can help as well. Clay masks can help remove excess oil.
Using a lesser amount of moisturizer, and diluting it with some water (mixing it up in your hands), could be optimal if your moisturizer is too thick.

If you have acne:
If you also have oily skin, go with the oily routine and make sure to use AHA/BHA toners 1-2 times a day.
Benzoyl peroxide (@ 2.5%) treatment is the go-to OTC treatment.
Keep in mind that acne is a skin disease, and can often be successfully treated by a dermatologist.
Note 1: Accutane is great, but reserved for severe cases due to harsh side-effects.
Note 2: Diet is a component in acne. Main factors: high diary intake, and high GI-load foods.
(see the acne-diet studies FAQ link on this)

http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-eating/glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods
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Recommended skin care products for the face:

Cleansers:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Aquanil Cleanser

Toners/Exfoliation:
StriDex Medicated Pads, Maximum Strength (2% salicylic acid)
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (salicylic acid)
Alpha Hydrox Oil-Free Treatment 10% AHA*
Paula's Choice 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant*

Moisturizers:
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
Cetaphil Daily Advance Lotion
Eucerin Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Creme
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream**
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream**
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly**

Sunscreens***:
COUI Skincare Facial Advanced Protection SPF 30
Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30
Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46
Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50
Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF 50
Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 110 (Overkill)

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*Increases sun sensitivity. Use in the evening.

**Heavy/thick. Will probably leave your face shiny.
Primarily intended for the body, or for evening use on face.

***All of these offer UVA + UVB protection. Can be used on the body.

Try to use a minimal routine, because there is a "functional limit" to how many products you can effectively use on your face at the same time.
The products interfere with each other. Cleanse + clay mask + toner + exfoliation + spot treatment + serum + eye cream
+ moisturizer + sunscreen is simply an expensive and ineffective clusterfuck.

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Written by STHLM !!6Gk3cvqPqbL