The right shaving technique, quality of products and skin care are essential for an optimal look and feel of the skin and prevents burning, bumps and irritation. A good, close shave followed by the right facial care and aftershave go hand in hand to achieve optimal skin health. Here are some tips to achieve this result.
Make sure the beard is thoroughly wet
One of the keys to a thorough, smooth shave without irritation is making sure your beard is wet enough. Facial hair absorbs moisture up to 30% of its volume. These hairs become weak and therefore easier to shave. Showering before shaving is the ideal way to properly moisturize facial hair. If showering is not possible, rinse your face and then apply a warm, moist towel for a few minutes. This technique is also used by hairdressers. Never shave on cold, dry skin. This can cause a rash and irritation.
Use quality shaving cream
Use a shaving cream with a high concentration of lubricants and moisturizers. The best creams create a thick, creamy foam layer. The less foam formation the better as only the foam that comes into contact with the skin and beard is really important, the rest is waste. Less resistance and irritation also means a longer lifespan for the razor. Although the shaving cream primarily ensures a smooth and effortless movement of the blade over the skin, it also serves to lock moisture into the hairs, making them softer and more upright. The ideal way to work is to apply the shaving foam to your face at least a minute in advance so that it has time to work on the hairs.
Use a shaving brush
A shaving brush is an essential tool for an optimal shave. A shaving brush primarily helps raise the hair for more precise cutting. It also helps when applying the shaving foam to achieve the creamiest possible result that sits close to the skin. Finally, it removes dead skin cells, greatly reducing the chance of spots and bumps. Moreover, it helps for a smooth and healthy result. Provide a shaving brush with soft bristles but which still increase the resistance on the hairs. Apply the shaving cream with the brush in a circular motion ending in an upward stroke. This way you lift the hairs up, away from the face.
Use a sharp knife
Always use a high-quality razor blade. Make sure that the knife is always sharp enough as you are not only cutting hairs but also scraping off two layers of the skin surface. A dull blade can cause scratches and irritation. Depending on the hardness of your beard, it is best to replace the blade between three and ten shaves. Of course, you should replace it sooner if you notice that it is becoming dull. Gillette is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality razor blades. Of course, there are better and more expensive brands on the market, but they are available from specialist retailers.
Correct use of the razor
It is best to shave your beard in the direction of hair growth. Start with the sides, then the mustache area, then the chin. The hairs on the chin are the hardest, so it is best to let the shaving foam work on them longer.
Shaving against the grain gives a smoother result but has two disadvantages:
- Open wounds
- You run a high risk of cutting hairs beneath the skin’s surface, which can lead to ingrown hairs. This can result in inflammation and infections.
Cleanse after shaving
The skin is most vulnerable after shaving. That is why it is best to rinse your face with warm water and use a facial soap with a high concentration of tea tree oil. This is ideal for cleansing the skin and protecting it against blemishes and shaving rash. In addition, this oil has soothing and healing properties. After rinsing, use a clean towel to pat your face dry.
Finish with an aftershave lotion
Shaving can remove up to two layers of skin. There is no other activity that has such an impact on your skin. That’s why it’s so important to use a quality moisturizer after shaving. An aftershave lotion is the ideal way to replace lost moisture and soothe the skin. These lotions are designed to be non-greasy, absorb quickly and have a drying effect. In addition, they provide a matte result so that the face does not look shiny.
