- Dec 22, 2002
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I've seen a few posts on shaving and related irritation and I've decided to repost something I wrote last year. I updated it slightly...
I have spent several years and a considerable sum of money in the pursuit of preventing skin irritation as a result of shaving. I have literally tried everything under the sun; every razorblade, every shave gel/foam, and every aftershave product; ranging from cheap to expensive. I have even tried top-of-the-line electric razors.
Like many of you I suffer from sensitive skin, and, unfortunately, very thick facial hair. Now, while my hair isn't particularly dense, it is thick. The irritation I experience is exclusively around my Adam's apple, where the hair grows in several different directions and the skin is thin.
These days I have managed to nearly eliminate in-grown hairs and irritation.
How?
Well, let's begin with the products I use. As mentioned previously, I have tried products in all price ranges and in my experience you get what you pay for. Cheaper products are full of alcohol and numbing agents such as benzocaine. Stuff your skid doesn?t need. More expensive products contain better-quality ingredients, more friendly to your skin. I have found the Clarinsmen line by Clarins to work best for my skin. The products aren?t cheap, but what price do you put on clear skin?
On a side note, products are only half the battle - proper technique is most crucial, but we'll get to that soon...
I shave with the Gillette Sensor Excel. I've found that two-blade systems work best, as three-blade razors tend to skip and miss hairs. However expensive the blades are, I discard them after only two uses. I find the blades are far too dull to prevent irritation on the third and fourth shaves. This will, of course, depend on the thickness of your facial hair.
When looking for a shave gel/foam, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin, I recommend using a product that is fragrance and dye free and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). When applying shave gel/foam, one should consider the need for lubrication, rather than lather. As a result, I prefer gel-based products. Gels force you to rub the product in, which creates excellent lubrication for your blade. I apply the gel with a good-quality shaving brush. The use of a brush helps lift the beard hairs, exfoliates, and ensures complete coverage.
Follow the shave with an aftershave balm or gel. Avoid products with heavy alcohol content. Alcohol only dries out the skin and stiffens the beard hairs.
Of course every man is different, and as a result, there is no truly universal technique or method. However, below are the steps I take to ensure skin irritation is minimized.
Well, there you have it. That's my method. Like I said, every face is different. Post your own techniques if they've worked for you.
Good luck.
I have spent several years and a considerable sum of money in the pursuit of preventing skin irritation as a result of shaving. I have literally tried everything under the sun; every razorblade, every shave gel/foam, and every aftershave product; ranging from cheap to expensive. I have even tried top-of-the-line electric razors.
Like many of you I suffer from sensitive skin, and, unfortunately, very thick facial hair. Now, while my hair isn't particularly dense, it is thick. The irritation I experience is exclusively around my Adam's apple, where the hair grows in several different directions and the skin is thin.
These days I have managed to nearly eliminate in-grown hairs and irritation.
How?
Well, let's begin with the products I use. As mentioned previously, I have tried products in all price ranges and in my experience you get what you pay for. Cheaper products are full of alcohol and numbing agents such as benzocaine. Stuff your skid doesn?t need. More expensive products contain better-quality ingredients, more friendly to your skin. I have found the Clarinsmen line by Clarins to work best for my skin. The products aren?t cheap, but what price do you put on clear skin?
On a side note, products are only half the battle - proper technique is most crucial, but we'll get to that soon...
I shave with the Gillette Sensor Excel. I've found that two-blade systems work best, as three-blade razors tend to skip and miss hairs. However expensive the blades are, I discard them after only two uses. I find the blades are far too dull to prevent irritation on the third and fourth shaves. This will, of course, depend on the thickness of your facial hair.
When looking for a shave gel/foam, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin, I recommend using a product that is fragrance and dye free and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). When applying shave gel/foam, one should consider the need for lubrication, rather than lather. As a result, I prefer gel-based products. Gels force you to rub the product in, which creates excellent lubrication for your blade. I apply the gel with a good-quality shaving brush. The use of a brush helps lift the beard hairs, exfoliates, and ensures complete coverage.
Follow the shave with an aftershave balm or gel. Avoid products with heavy alcohol content. Alcohol only dries out the skin and stiffens the beard hairs.
Of course every man is different, and as a result, there is no truly universal technique or method. However, below are the steps I take to ensure skin irritation is minimized.
- 1. Shower first. Hot water and steam help open your pores and soften thick beard hair. Wash with an exfoliating facial scrub to sweep away dead skin and ensure a close shave.
2. Apply pre-shave oil to help with razor glide, soften the beard hairs, and protect the skin.
3. When shaving, apply shave gel to face and neck (over the oil), making sure to lubricate skin fully. Allow product to penetrate hair by waiting a minute or two before beginning to shave.
4. Using a light touch, shave face to jaw line, going with the grain.
5. Rinse blades frequently with warm water; hot water can warp the blades.
6. Again, using a light touch, shave neck with the grain. Here I use quick and little strokes.
7. If you want an extra-close shave (and if your skin can handle it), rinse and reapply shave gel to neck, and, using a light touch, shave against the grain.
8. Rinse face with cool water.
9. Pat dry face gently with towel.
10. Liberally apply aftershave all over face and neck. Reapply in the evening, before bed.
Well, there you have it. That's my method. Like I said, every face is different. Post your own techniques if they've worked for you.
Good luck.
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