Shaving is a daily part of skincare for men…even if you sport a beard or participate in Movember, you’re still likely yo pick up a razor now and then. As most guys know, shaving in the wrong direction or with the wrong products can damage your skin. It’s so important to follow the right technique and use products built for sensitive skin after each shave (if you don’t, it can lead to dryness and irritation)n.¹ If you’re looking to level up your shave game, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

1. Clean your Skin:

Wet your skin and hair to make it softer before shaving, or use a revitalizing cleanser to wash your face. Our Only Skin Cleanser is effective since it clears dirt, sweat, and gunk without drying the skin. Doing a shave after a shower can also be beneficial because your skin will be warm, wet, and free of extra oil and dead skin cells that could block your razor blade. You can also apply pre-shave oil to the skin and whiskers after thoroughly drying the skin with a clean towel. If you think your skin needs exfoliation and deep cleaning, use the Only Skin Scrub to unclog pores and ease inflammation.

2. Apply a good shaving cream:

Nothing is worse than having shaving nicks all over your face. Skin that has just been shaven will feel smooth and moisturized after using shaving cream or gel. Look for a shaving cream labeled “sensitive skin” if you have extremely dry or sensitive skin. Don’t shave the skin dry because it will create sharp hair ends and lead to ingrown hairs and irritation.²

3. Shave with appropriate tools:

Shaving brushes are more than simply adornments. Use a soft, quick lathering shaving brush for your beard shaping session.

Keep your razor somewhere dry. Never leave your razor on a wet sink or in the shower. Make sure your razor is fully dry in between uses to stop bacteria from forming on it.

Use a razor with a cutting-edge blade. Multi-blade razors may shave too closely to the skin for certain men. Use a single- or double-blade razor and avoid stretching your skin stiff when shaving if you frequently get razor bumps, burns, or ingrown hairs. We like to keep it old school and recommend Gillette’s Double Edge Safety Razor or Supply’s Single Edge SE razor.

Shave with the growth of the hair in mind. This is crucial in reducing the risk of razor burns and pimples. Rinse your face after each razor stroke, swap out your blades, or discard disposable razors after 5–7 shavings to reduce after-shave irritation.

4. Rinse with Cold Water:

Use cold water to rinse your face at the end of the shaving process to achieve firm, tight skin. Just as warm water opens the pores and relaxes the skin at the beginning, cold water will close the pores and protect them from bacteria while flushing away any dirt. Apply a clean towel to the skin and quickly pat it dry. For the same reason, many modern shaving devices come with in-built cooling systems.³

5. Use an After-Shave soothing moisturizer:

Using a post-shave treatment and moisturizer will keep the skin feeling great.⁴ Using non-greasy and cooling post-shave gels helps lessen the look of razor burn and post-shave redness while keeping skin cool. We love our Only Skin Day Cream to prevent post-shave dryness.

What to do if you have acne?

Acne-prone men should use extra caution during shaving. Shaving can aggravate acne by irritating your skin.⁵ Try experimenting with an electric or disposable blade razors to see which works best for you if you have acne on your face. Shave gently to avoid nicks.

Thus, using appropriate skin care products like cleansers, moisturizers, and good shaving cream is just as important as choosing the right blade for a perfect shave. Shaving should leave your skin feeling fresh, clean, and smooth if you’ve followed the right steps and used the right products.

Written By: The Only Skin Team

References:

1. Sukakul, Thanisorn et al. “Facial hair shaving behavior and skin problems of shaved areas of males.” The Journal of dermatology vol. 48,9 (2021): 1409-1413. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.16034
2. Ogunbiyi, Adebola. “Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options.” Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology vol. 12 241-247. 16 Apr. 2019, doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250
3. Rietzler, M et al. “Innovative approaches to avoid electric shaving-induced skin irritation.” International journal of cosmetic science vol. 38 Suppl 1 (2016): 10-6. doi:10.1111/ics.12329
4. Maurer, M et al. “The male beard hair and facial skin - challenges for shaving.” International journal of cosmetic science vol. 38 Suppl 1 (2016): 3-9. doi:10.1111/ics.12328
5. Alshammrie, Fawwaz F et al. “Epidemiology of Acne Vulgaris and Its Association With Lifestyle Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Community-Based Study.” Cureus vol. 12,7 e9277. 19 Jul. 2020, doi:10.7759/cureus.9277