When it comes to skincare and grooming, it is safe to say that many men are still in the Stone Age. There is so much more to male skincare than just the basic bar soap and shaving cream. Thankfully, there are new lines of skincare products specifically formulated for men. But before you look for these products, here is a crash course on basic male skincare:

Use Moisturizers

Your girlfriend or wife uses them all the time and you need to start using them too if you want to look your best. A moisturizer is a basic skincare product that most men ignore. Moisturizing your skin is perhaps the single most important thing that you can do to improve your overall appearance. Moisturizers help fight premature aging and reduce your risk of blemishes. Get a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for your face and use an all-purpose one for the rest of your body.

Resist the Urge to Pop Your Pimples

Men are more prone to pimple breakouts than women. There is nothing more you should do after washing your face with a cleanser and applying topical acne treatment. If you pop a pimple while your hands and nails are dirty, the dirt can enter the broken skin and make the zit worse. Drawing blood or a clear liquid after popping a pimple are signs that you should stop taking matters into your own hands literally. If you absolutely must minimize the blemish because it is ripe for the picking and very prominent on your face, disinfect a needle with hot water and alcohol, gently prick the surface, and carefully squeeze from both sides.

Proper Shaving Practices

Think you know everything there is about shaving? Think again. Shaving does not consist of a single step. Dry shaving, even if you use an electric shaver, can cause cuts, nicks, razor burns, and scratches. Use any cream, gel, or oil to lubricate the areas you are shaving. When shaving, do not go against the grain. Use aftershave to soothe your skin.

Drink Water and Avoid Toxic Substances

Drinking water regularly is another basic skincare essential. Eight glasses of water a day is the rule of thumb but you may need more depending on your body type and level of physical activity. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are bad for your skin. Too much alcohol can cause acne rosacea. Smoking can cause loss of skin elasticity and contributes to wrinkling.

Stay Away from the Sun

While safe sun exposure is needed for you to get vitamin D, you need to use a sunblock that protects you from both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation whenever you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Foods for Your Skin

Skincare is not just about what you put on your skin; it also includes your diet. Artichokes, beans, blackberries, blueberries, carrots, pecans, prunes, strawberries, and sunflower seeds are rich in antioxidants that are beneficial for your skin. On the other hand, flaxseed, salmon, and walnuts contain essential fatty acids that help block irritants, enhance the absorption of nutrients, and help eliminate waste products from your skin cells.