Men: You need it too. The Do's and Dont's of Skincare for Men

MEN: YOU NEED IT TOO.

The Do’s + Dont’s of Male Skincare

Some of you might think that skin-care routines are reserved for the ladies. When it comes to skincare and fitting it into your schedule, men seem to prioritize business + play more than self-care and maintenance. But don't ever forget that your first impression always lasts longer in your customers' head than you would expect. A clean, well-taken care of complexion may prove to be your ultimate prerequisite in striking your negotiation deal. Here are some of the do's and don'ts in getting the perfect skin.

Do's of perfect skin

Do exercise. Physically fit people look good and feel good - From the outside, in. Exercise improves internal circulation to bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This makes skin firmer and better nourished, as well as slows down aging. Regular exercise also helps improve your appearance, prolong your life, build self-confidence and reshape your figure. Your improved circulation will help to calm the nerves and promote a more revitalizing sleep. Move more, feel younger, and look better!

Do use products. Cleanse your face everyday with cleanser, toner and moisturizer. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of different brands and products to choose from, but always use products suitable for your skin type, whether it is oily or dry. Book a consultation with a skincare expert to determine the best suitable type of product for your skin.

Do drink water. A major cause of skin winkles and texture is water loss from the skin. Water hydrates skin, keeping it moist, soft and supple. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Bring a small bottle of water in your briefcase so you can always have water to drink whenever you go.

Do rest. Lack of sleep makes your skin look dry and dull, and your eyes will become puffy. When we don't have enough sleep or rest, we feel tired and listless. We need an average of 8 hours of sleep every night, but many of us have only 5 to 6 hours. The effects of inadequate sleep will start to show as you age.

Do eat properly. Keep your vitamin levels up by eating at least 5 portions of fruits or vegetables daily. If you are not getting enough vitamins from good, take multivitamin supplements. Stay away from fatty foods, as they will make your skin greasy.

The Don'ts

Don't smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow to and from the skin, and adds to toxin levels. It also robs the skin of its vitality and potential for being smooth and attractive. People who smoke tend to have pallid complexion and skin that wrinkles prematurely.

Don't drink too much alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and impede circulation. This depletes the skin's moisture content and interrupts the flow of vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy complexion.

Don't stress out. Stress is bad for your physical and mental health, and also bad for your skin. It can cause your face to suffer breakouts of pimples, inflammation and make it look sensitive and dull. Relax!

Don't fry in the sun. Use a high factor sunscreen with SP15 or higher rating when the sun's rays are strongest. It's best to avoid the sun's rays whenever possible. Don't overdo sun beds as they can also damage your skin, cause dryness and increase the risk of skin cancer. The safest sun tan is to get a fake one.

If you wear makeup, always remove it before going to bed, because makeup left on overnight is a major cause of clogged pores that lead to blackhead formation and pimple breakouts. Cleanse twice after removing makeup - once for removing surface impurities, another time for deep pore cleansing.

Never use soap because its harshness upsets the PH balance and removes the natural moisture barrier of your skin. Use a soap-free, acid-balanced cleanser instead. If you like the lathering effect of soap, search for a foaming, lathering cleanser. Lukewarm water is best for cleansing. Water that is too cold or too hot can cause dehydration, irritation and may increase breakouts. Apply a non-astringent toner after cleansing to rehydrate your skin and to reestablish the PH balance.