 Tips for getting the best shaving results
 Let’s face it, shaving is an invasive activity. Applying a sharp
metal blade to your face cuts hairs but also removes microscopic layers
of skin and can cause irritation. Contrary to uninformed opinions, you
shouldn’t abuse your face to get a close shave. Quite the opposite.
These seven simple rules will minimize damage and improve your shaving
results.
Picking a razor
When you’re picking a razor, look for a high quality double or triple
blade razor. Ones with disposable heads are typically higher quality
than disposable razors. (Never shave your face with a single blade
disposable razor.)
* Use a sharp blade: Discard shaving blades after four or five uses.
Unfortunately, they don’t stay sharp enough for more than that. Use
gentle strokes; don’t put too much pressure on the blade.
* Avoid irritants: They can damage your skin and create microscopic
swelling. Avoid anything that tingles, stings or numbs during or after
shaving, when your skin is vulnerable. Stay away from alcohol or strong
plant extracts such as menthol, peppermint or citrus.
Shaving cream? Shaving oil? Just hot water?
In order to get a close shave, you need water, and lots of it. Many
men stand in front of the mirror and splash their face with a bit of
water before adding on shaving cream.
* Shave in the shower: Shaving should be your final step before
leaving the shower. If you want a close, comfortable shave, get a fog
resistant mirror and put it in your shower. The warm moisture of a
shower makes hairs soft and plump and opens your pores.
By giving your face time to soak in hot water and steam, your razor
will glide, not drag, across your face. If you can’t shave in the
shower, shave after your shower for best results.
* Lubricate: Try using shaving oil for a smooth shave. A performance
shaving formula should form a slick lubricating cushion to allow shaving
blades to glide without scraping. Leave it on your face for a minute
before shaving.
A few drops are all you’ll need for your whole face. You can use oil
alone, or apply it under your shave cream for more protection against
bumps.
Avoid the cheap-o creams that you find at the drugstore which can
dehydrate your skin, making it more prone to nicks and cuts. Try a
moisturizing shaving cream which contains aloe vera to soothe your face.
Get a brush
 When you use a shaving brush to apply your shaving oil or shaving
cream, you’re literally lifting the hair on your face, preparing them
for the shave. Simply rubbing cream on your face doesn’t give each hair
ample attention. Select a soft men’s shaving brush that is cruelty-free
as well as budget friendly.
Don’t forget to exfoliate
Exfoliating might not be in your skin care regimen, but if you get
shaving bumps, you’re going to want to add it. Simply use a facial
exfoliator 2-3 times a week to buff away the dead skin cells that your
hair grows back into. By removing the layer of dead skin on a regular
basis, you’ll see a vast improvement in your shaving bump situation.
* Use a face scrub: A gentle scrubbing massage will help open pores,
prime follicles and raise stubs for a closer shave. This exfoliation
removes dead cells and impurities that can cause acne, ingrown hair and
infection. It will also smooth and renew your complexion. After you wash
your face, simply massage in a grainy facial exfoliator for a minute or
two with gentle circular motions.
Another option is to use a moisturizer each morning with AHA’s in it.
Because AHA’s will naturally exfoliate your skin, this will eliminate
the need for the extra exfoliating step.
* Post-trauma soothing: Don’t skip this step; it is important to calm
irritation, balance your skin’s moisture content and prevent potential
problems such as ingrown hairs or clogged pores. No alcohol! You need
proven functional anti-inflammatory and pore-clearing ingredients.
* For special occasions: Shave in two steps. First, shave with the
grain with very light pressure. Second, reapply a coat of shaving cream
and shave against the grain for super-close and smooth results.
- skincare.about.com
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