Shaving is vital; whether you have full stubble or just whiskers, it must be done.
Yes, shaving can be a simple task for many of you but it can be sometimes a painful experience. If you don’t follow the principles right, your skin will suffer from ingrown hair, razor burns, nicks and cuts.
“The perfect shave is a combination of art and trial and error,” said board-certified dermatologist Robert Anolik, MD, FAAD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine in New York. “That said, there are steps you can take to help ensure a clean and comfortable shave.”
Here are a few tips to get a smooth, close shave-
Preparation is key– Before you shave; wet your skin and hair to soften it. A great time to shave is right after a shower because your skin will be warm and moist and free of excess oils and dead skin.
Shaving cream– Apply foaming shaving cream right after. If you have dry skin, look for shaving cream that is meant for dry skin. Using a circular motion, apply shaving cream to your face with the help of shave brush. Not only does the shaving cream lubricate the face, but it also moisturizes facial hair so that when you shave there is a layer of lubrication that shields skin from the blade.
Go with the grain– Shave in the direction that your hair grows. Now, why do experts recommend shaving in direction the hair grows? It will help prevent razor bumps and burns. You will notice that it goes in different directions but always remember that shaving techniques play the biggest role to a smooth shave.
Cold water rinse– After shaving, rinse your face with cold water as it will close the pores and reduce inflammation. The cold water rinse is quite helpful if your face has slight nicks and cuts.
Apply lotion– Finish your shave with a moisturising lotion. Go for a moisturiser with an SPF of 30 or higher. The moisturiser will help close your pores and trap water in your skin, while the sunscreen will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
Another important thing to remember is to invest in a high-quality blade. A dull blade is sensitive skin’s worst enemy. So, change your blades often for a smooth, gliding shave across the face.
Integrating these above mentioned tips will help you get a smooth, close shave.