Shaving can be a tricky thing to master, there are so many ways to botch a good shave. If you avoid cutting yourself there is still a chance to upset sensitive skin, give yourself razor burn, chafe, and more. There are several tips and tricks that can assist in giving you the closest, most pain free shave you have ever had. Implement these shaving tips one at a time to determine the most effective for your skin:
1. Shave in the shower
Although it can take getting used to, shaving in the shower is highly recommended for men who struggle with razor burn. The warm water keeps skin wet and warm, which helps prevent small cuts and nicks that may occur during shaving. A shower mirror is useful for getting your best shave in the shower. Many can adhere to the shower wall, freeing up both hands to help with shaving.
2. Use an exfoliator
Many employ an exfoliator to help get a close shave, but they use it in the wrong order which results in red, irritated and dry skin rather than the desired smooth skin. Exfoliating rids the skin of dead skin cells and dirt, allowing a very close shave. The best time to exfoliate is before shaving, so that the skin left after the exfoliation is smooth and impurity free. There are exfoliating soaps and exfoliating mitts that can be used to achieve smooth, ready to shave skin.
3. Change razor blades frequently
Disposable razors are a great way to ensure sharpness of a razor. Keeping a new, sharp blade on your razor will help you minimize the risk of cuts and nicks. Although it seems counterintuitive, a dull razor causes more scrapes and injury than a sharp one. This happens because a dull razor pulls at skin and hair, causing redness and ingrown hairs. A sharp razor will simply glide over your skin, cutting the hair. Additionally, order razors are more likely to harbor bacteria which can cause illness or irritation.
4. Moisturize after shaving
After shaving, skin is left smooth and newly exposed. Some types of men’s shave gel include ingredients that leave skin feeling dry due to fragrances and dyes. Newly shaved skin is dry by nature, so adding a moisturizer that does not contain fragrances and dyes which can irritate skin. Moisturizer also works as an anti-aging tool, and lessens the fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Shave with the grain of your beard
When skin is very sensitive and prone to razor burn, it is especially important to shave with the grain of your beard. Use ample amounts of men’s shave gel to coat the face, and shave over each area of skin only once. Shaving against the grain of your facial hair can cause irritation, redness, swelling and occasionally discomfort.
Getting a good shave can be challenging, but there are several tools and tricks that can be used to help you discern what your skin needs to be at it’s best.
