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 dehydrates the skin and impedes 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 SPF15 or higher rating - in fact use a moisturiser with SPF15 such as Nivea's for men. In terms of your skin it’s best to avoid the sun’s rays whenever possible. Don’t overdo sun beds as they also damage your skin, cause dryness and increase the risk of skin cancer. The safest sun tan is to get a fake one.

Never use soap because its harshness upsets your skin's 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.