Good shaving practice is definitely a very importance aspect to me when it comes to achieving my dream look – clean-cut with crystal clear skin. 🙂
Especially for men, it is important to take good care of the skin – so that skin conditions ranging from dehydrated skin, dullness, acne, and shaving ingrowths can be easily avoided.
I’m sure that is not something you want too. :p
It has been said that men, in particularly, are more prone to these issues as “sebum production is greater in males as compared to females”.
In this post, I want to share with you a proper simple step by step guide for shaving your facial hair so that you can avoid hurting your skin, and get the most out of each experience.
But before we begin, a little disclaimer first, everyone develops his own personal style to achieve a comfortable and effective shave – because of individual skin types, and compatibility with both products and techniques.
7 STEPS TO TREATING YOUR SKIN RIGHT WHEN SHAVING
STEP #1 : PREP YOUR SKIN WITH WARM WATER
To prevent damaging the skin too much while trimming, preparation of the skin is definitely necessary!
As warm water softens the hairs, making them easier to cut, you can either take a warm/hot bath, or wet your face with hot (not boiling water!) or warm water.
I definitely recommend the former!
Because showering helps in expanding your follicles and opening the pores – which reduces the tugging of your skin when the blade comes in contact with facial hair. More importantly, the hot water kills the bacteria from your previous night.
STEP #2 USE THE RIGHT SHAVING CREAM
Shaving cream, on the other hand, provides a protective layer which allows the blade to glide smoothly over your skin. But, never choose one that contains alcohol because it can dry out your skin.
One, it keep the skin hydrated and exfoliates the skin at the same time.
And if you’re taking a shower before your shave, it helps to ensure that both heat and moisture are locked and retained in the skin with its rich lather.
Two, working in hand with the plumped up follicles from hot water, its lubricating property ensures that the blade glides effortlessly across your skin, resulting in a cleaner cut and a smoother shave.
Tip: Always allow your shaving cream to do its magic by leaving it on for a couple of minutes before picking up the shaver and “bulldozing” that bear away.
STEP #3 : BE GENTLE WHEN IT COMES TO USING YOUR SHAVER
Try to use razors with as little blades as possible because each blade drags and irritates your skin. And be gentle. Do not remove everything in one try. Go for the technique of reduction versus removal.
STEP #4: ORDER THE DIRECTION OF YOUR SHAVE
Begin by shaving with the grain (along the direction of the hair growth).
Then across the grain (which is perpendicular to where your hair is pointing).
You may want to end it off with shaving against the grain for a more thorough shave.
However, if you wish to do so, do it with caution as shaving against the grain increases the likelihood of getting irritations and ingrown hairs.
“TWO, WORKING IN HAND WITH THE PLUMPED UP FOLILICLES FROM THE HOT WATER, ITS LUBRICATING PROPERTY ENSURES THAT THE BLADE GLIDES EFFORTLESSLY ACROSS YOUR SKIN, RESULTING IN A CLEANER CUT AND A SMOOTHER SHAVE.“
STEP #5: RINSE WITH COLD WATER WELL
Not only does this helps in cleaning off the waste in the shaving cream, but more importantly helps in reducing the possibility of any infection.
A refreshing splash of cool water tightens the blood vessels, and eliminates any initial bleeding or irritation caused by those micro-cuts.
STEP #6: PAT YOUR FACE DRY, ALWAYS
At this stage, your skin is in a state of shock. So, you definitely won’t want to create any additional trauma by injuring it further with a rubbing motion – especially with a rough towel.
Instead, pat it gently with a dry, soft and clean towel. Your skin will definitely thank you in ways you can’t imagine afterwards!
STEP #7: PAMPER YOUR SKIN WITH AFTERCARE
To avoid burns and healing the microcuts, apply an ALCOHOL-FREE aftershave/afterbalm as it help you sooth and re-hydrate your skin – because shaving scrapes away your natural facial oil. At the same time, it restores your skin’s PH back to normal.
Aftershave products come in balms, gels, toners, and lotions, and it’s up to you to pick the one that is best for your skin. As a rule of the thumb, always avoid those that content alcohol or menthol as it causes irritation and burns.
I usually use a moisturizer. 🙂 And, I would recommend one with vitamin C content to reduce redness and sooth burns.
With that said, I hope you like this post on shaving the right way. If you’re a guy, I hope it provides you with a guide to how to give your skin the tender loving care to keep complications at bay.
And if you’re a girl, I hope you can educate your friends, brother, or boyfriend on proper skincare practices when it comes to shaving. 🙂
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The Tiny but Mighty Sonic Face Cleanser 
@Louisjunho 