Daily Archives: June 13, 2012

At SkinSense, we treat many male clients with shaving issues. Here are some useful tips to help ease this necessary and often irritating daily ritual.

Think lilacs and violets and a shave beyond belief that starts the night before. Think no nicks, irritation or ingrown hairs. These are the elements that come together to provide the perfect wet shave.

Basic Tools:

A good brush – preferably Badger and English made.

Lots of hot water.

A good razor – non-disposable, preferably a single blade.

Good quality shaving creme in a tub, not a can. This is where the lilacs and violets come in. Initially more expensive but longer lasting.

Topical salicylic acid and/or Neosporin creme.

Gentle toner and soothing aftershave balm.

A silk pillow case.

Technique:

Make sure the night before you shave that you apply plenty of moisturizer. It will make the overnight hair growth softer and less resilient. In the morning, shower first, and then shave. If you don’t shower, then fill a wash basin with plenty of hot water and splash the skin thoroughly before beginning to shave. For best results, the skin needs to be wet.

Wet your brush well, twirl it around in the shaving creme and apply to the face lavishly. Work up a really rich lather. Take your razor and shave with downward strokes, keeping the  blade wet at all times. Use gentle pressure and let the weight of the razor guide you.

When all the beard growth has been removed, pat the skin dry with a towel and apply a gentle toner to the whole face.  If there are any nicks, cuts or ingrown hairs, spot treat with a 2% salicylic acid or a dab of the Neosporin relief creme. Finish with a light, soothing moisturizer and SPF.

Why a silk pillow case? There are two benefits. Not only will your face be less wrinkled in the morning but you will be less likely to get ingrown hairs. Happy Shaving!