How to build a simple skincare routine for sun damage and texture on combo skin?

[Layla_D]

I'm in my late thirties and finally trying to establish a proper skincare routine beyond just washing my face, but I'm completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of products and steps being recommended, from double cleansing and toners to serums, retinoids, and moisturizers with SPF. My main concerns are preventing further sun damage from my younger years and addressing some fine lines and uneven texture, but I don't want to waste money on trendy ingredients that won't work for my combination skin. For those who have developed an effective, no-fuss skincare routine, what are the absolute essential products and steps you swear by, and how did you determine which active ingredients were right for your specific concerns? Is it better to start with a dermatologist's guidance or slowly introduce one product at a time based on community reviews?