Who knew: there is a right and a wrong way to shave? Sure, common sense dictates shaving in the same direction as the hair is growing in to avoid skin irritation, but according to Amanda Lindsay, a skin therapist for Dermalogica Canada and The International Dermal Institute in Toronto, there’s a whole lot more you need to know before you pick up a razor.
DO: Change your blade every five to six shaves
“A blunt blade,” says Lindsay, is just asking for trouble. “It will most definitely cause irritation, like rashes, cuts and ingrown hairs.” Using a razor that can be updated with a new blade (often called razor cartridges) is ideal.
AmongMen.com recommends: Gillette, Fusion ProGlide Power Razor with Flexball Technology for $15 available online at Gillette.
DO: Support your skin with each stroke
In other words: pull the skin back with your non-shaving hand, while shaving the area. “When the skin is taunt it will help to prevent shaving nicks and cuts,” affirms Lindsay.
DO: Rinse the blade after each stroke
Not only will you have a nice, clean blade, you’ll also have a smoother shave.
DON’T: Shave on dry skin or with water only
Your skin needs a barrier to protect it from unwanted nicks and cuts. According to Lindsay, shaving creams are best suited to “dry skin and sensitive skin, which require a thicker buffer, while gels are best for oily to normal skin types.”
AmongMen.com recommends: , 473 ml for $39, available at Sephora stores across Canada.
DON’T: Use products containing artificial fragrance and alcohol
This includes your aftershave. “These ingredients can cause a lot of irritation,” explains Lindsay. While many think applying an alcohol-based aftershave post shaving will help to disinfect the area, think again. “Aftershaves, although they smell very nice, are made up of hundreds of different types of chemicals,” says Lindsay. “They will not only dehydrate your skin, they’ll irritate it too, making your face the perfect feeding ground for post inflammatory pigmentation.” Fragrance-, chemical- and alcohol-free balms are a better choice.
AmongMen.com recommends: Dermalogica’s Post Shave Balm, 50 ml for $37, available online at Dermalogica.
