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Men's Shaving Tips
Razor burn
looks bad on its own, but it can also lead to acne. Taking a more
careful approach to your daily shave can pay off with clearer and
healthier skin.
No matter what
device you choose to shave with, one of the most important rules is
to simply be consistent in your shaving habits. Don't constantly
take days off and let your beard grow out. Shave every day,
before
you start to look like you really need it. Your will
find that your skin is much easier to manage.
Wet Shaving
When you first wake up in the morning.
your skin is highly sensitive sensitive. Give your face a few extra
minutes to wake up before starting to shave. It's especially a good
idea to get in the habit of shaving after you shower. Warm water and
steam go a long way in softening your hairs, and that extra moisture
will make a big difference.
Let your
shaving cream or gel set in for about a minute. These products will
have little effect if you shave as soon as you apply them. Make sure
to massage your skin against the grain as you work up a lather.
Always
shave with the grain! The most common cause of razor burn is
shaving against the direction of your hair. Use slow,
downward-diagonal strokes to get the closest shave, and try not
shave over the same area multiple times. You should not have to
press down hard on the razor. If you're having trouble getting a
close shave without going against the grain, you need to invest in a better razor. Keep your swipes to about an inch long, and rinse
out your blade frequently with warm water.
When you're
ready to rinse off your face, use cold water. This will immediately
tighten up your pores and protect your skin. Use a gentle after
shave (preferable one that doesn't use alcohol), and follow with a
light moisturizer for best results. Remember to change your razor
frequently. Don't wait until your blade gets dangerously dull before
deciding to switch.
Dry Shaving
Most
professionals will tell you that wet shaving is better for your skin
than using an electric razor. This is probably true, but if the
convenience of an electric razor is important to you, don't sweat
it. Using an electric razor doesn't have to be a harmful experience
for you skin. In fact, many people who switch to electrics find that
preventing razor burn is easier than ever. At the very least, it
certainly takes less time.
The first
thing to keep in mind is that, with electric razors, the quality of
your razor makes a big difference. You'll want an electric razor
that pivots to the contours of your skin, has a powerful cutting
mechanism that can handle thick hairs (this varies more than you
would think), and is easy to clean and maintain. The bargain bin
electric razor is probably not the best choice if you have sensitive
skin.
Unless your
razor is intended to be used with a moisturizing lotion, you'll want
your skin to be evenly dry before you shave. Some brands sell
shaving powders to apply before you shave, but a good alternative is
common baby powder. Surprisingly, a dash of baby powder can
smooth out your skin and get rid of excess oil to make for a more
painless shave. Just make sure to only apply a light amount.
The most
common error in using electric razors is that people press the razor
too hard against their skin. A good razor has pivoting blades for a
reason. You should let the razor gently glide over your skin,
slightly pulling your skin taught with the other hand. If a few
hairs are being stubborn, pick them off with a straight razor. Don't
grind the electric razor into your face tying to get that one hair.
Also, as with
straight razors, always clean your blades well. If you start to feel
any tugging, it's probably time to get a new set of blades. Don't
get in the mindset that your blades will last forever just because
you use an electric razor.
*Remember
that whenever changing your shaving habits, it may take a few weeks
for your skin to adapt.
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