For most people, it is a mere routine that begins the day or is done before bedtime, but for men who have sensitive skin, it’s a game of hold your breath. Razor burn is among the most known issues that can transform your grooming routine into a fight with redness, itching, as well as breakout. If you have ever felt that soreness after shaving, you are among the many. The good news? There is nothing challenging about avoiding razor burn and maintaining a depilated skin that is free of bumps and irritation.
This detailed guide will take you through every stages and steps of how to do a shaving specific skincare routine for sensitive skin. Starting from preparation you should prepare your skin for shaving to ending with post-shaving curing this article also provides guidelines for mistakes to avoid when shaving.
What is Razor Burn?
Razor burn is similar to razor burn, and appears as red patches, bumps, itching or stinging of the skin after shaving. This irritation especially becomes a problem among men with sensitive skin because such skins often easily inflame and damage.
Causes of Razor Burn
* Shaving without appropriate form of lubrication.
* Blunting: rough motion of the razor blades against the skin making them to rub.
* Detail shaving over the skin contrary to the direction of hair growth.
* Poor hygiene during shaving especially on the face and head part.
What You Need to Know about Your Shaving-Sensitive Skin
1. Prevents Irritation and Razor Burn: One can greatly minimize the likelihood of irritation as well as redness should he or she adhere to a specifically outlined schedule.
2. Keeps Skin Hydrated: One key characteristic of sensitive skin is that such skin tends to dry up faster than other skin types. Drinking plenty of water is always key when it comes to the effectiveness of the shaving experience.
3. Prepares and Protects Your Skin: Pre-shave grooming builds up to the shaving process, while post-shave treatments calm and restore your skin.
4. Reduces Ingrown Hairs: Using the right method and products you do not have to deal with those painful, irritating ingrown hairs on your smooth skin.
5. Improves Skin Health Over Time: Shaving daily rubs your skin the right way, helping it to develop a tolerance and become less sensitive to shaving.
The draw backs of neglecting to follow a skincare regime
1. Increased Razor Burn: Failure to prepare the skin or failure to take after-shave measures will lead to skin irritation, swelling, and redness.
2. Ingrown Hairs: Leaving out crucial steps would bring about hair strands to be trapped under the skin, hence resulting in lumps.
3. Dry, Rough Skin: If care is not taken, shaving will remove the body’s natural oils and leave your skin rough and chapped.
4. Longer Recovery Time: If you do not properly treat skin after shaving, irritation will take longer to heal on your skin.
5. Lack of Confidence: Looking like you have the measles is not what any man wants after a shave especially when have an event or interview to attend to or you are going on a date.
Skin Preparation Before Shaving For Skin That Gets Irate Easily
Preparation is important even before you decide to shave your face or body. Clean se preparations ensure that when a man starts shaving, it is done without causing much irritation.
1. Learn How to Wash and Scrub Your Face
The first measure to avoiding the razor burn requires a clean skin. You want to wash off any dead skin cells, oils that may clog the razor and cause skin irritation.
How to Cleanse:
* Do not use soap or any skin cleansing product that clogs the pores of the skin such as a comedogenic cleanser. This includes all products that have chemicals or strong smell which is notorious for causing dry skin.
* Rinse your face or the area you want to shave with warm water so as to ensure that the hair follicies are opened and the hair is soft.
* Apply the cleanser on your skin and make circular motions for approximately half a minute, and then wash off.
Another process is the exfoliation.
15 ‘Exfoliation’ is another process which should be done. It assists in the shedding of skin that may otherwise stand between your razor and your skin leaving you with weals or cuts. Exfoliating also helps to stand the hairs so they are easier to shave.
How to Exfoliate:
* Choose a gentle scrub (either mechanical or chemical). For the sensitive skin, it is advisable to use chemical exfoliants with low concentrations of salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
Use the exfoliant 2-3 times a week before shaving to prevent over exfoliation that may cause skin irritation.
2. Moisturize and Condition Hair with a Pre-Shave Oil
A pre-shave oil helps to form a barrier between the skin and the razor, which is very important. It assists the razor to move over the skin more smoothly and also minimizes the chances of skin inflammation.
How to Use Pre-Shave Oil:
* Select an oil that is not very heavy, for instance, jojoba oil or argan oil. Both are non-acnegenic, which means they do not cause breakouts, and they moisturize the skin.
* Apply a few drops of oil on the skin that you intend to shave. Let the oil sit on the skin for roughly 2-3 minutes before applying shaving cream.
DIY Pre-Shave Oil Recipe:
* 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
* 1 tablespoon argan oil
1-2 drops of tea tree oil (optional, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties)
Combine the oils in a small bottle and shake the bottle before each use.
3. Select the Appropriate Shaving Cream or Gel
In this case, not all shaving creams or gels are the same for men with sensitive skin. Do not use alcohol-based foams or creams containing artificial fragrances as they may cause skin irritation. Choose products labeled as hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin that will give good lubrication and moisture.
Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin:
* Aloe vera: Soothes and hydrates.
* Glycerin: Helps retain moisture.
* Colloidal oatmeal: Helps to decrease inflammation and has a calming effect on the skin.
When applying shaving cream, it is recommended to use a shaving brush if available. This assists in spreading the cream, raises the hairs and also removes the dead skin cells on the skin surface.
When applying shaving cream, it is recommended to use a shaving brush if available. This assists in spreading the cream, raises the hairs and also peels off the skin.
One of the main causes of razor burn is using a blunt razor. Blunt knives scrape the skin and this creates friction and inflammation. It is also important to ensure that you are using a clean razor blade.
How to Choose a Razor for Sensitive Skin:
Choose a razor with fewer blades. Multi-blade razors are likely to shave too close and this may cause skin irritation especially for sensitive skin.
* Choose a razor with a swiveling head, which will help to follow the contours of your skin and minimize the pressure.
* Always rinse your razor after each pass to prevent it from getting blocked with hair and shaving cream.
During the Shave: Methods to Minimize Inconvenience
The manner in which you shave determines whether you will be a victim of razor burn or not. Here are the steps to follow when shaving with care.
1. Shave After a Warm Shower
Warm water is also effective in preparing the skin and hair for shaving as it makes the skin and hair to become soft hence allowing the razor to run over the skin easily. The steam helps to open the pores and thus there is no chance of getting an irritation.
2. Shave with the Grain
Shave in the direction of hair growth—this minimizes the chances of pulling the hair, which causes razor burn and ingrown hairs.
3. Use Light, Gentle Strokes
Shave gently and do not press too hard on the skin. Allow the razor to shave and do not make several passes over the same area. If you want to get a closer shave, it is advisable to do another pass rather than applying more pressure on the first pass.
4. Rinse Your Razor Frequently
After each stroke, wash your razor under warm water to clear hair, shaving cream, and skin cells. A dirty razor is likely to cause skin irritation as compared to a clean one.
After Shave Treatment for Sensitive Skin
- The shave is not complete once you are done with the razor your skin requires some pampering.
1. Rinse with Cold Water
Finally, wash your skin with cold water after shaving to minimize on the pores and reduce inflammation. This assists to shrink skin and avoid bacterial access into uncovered skin pores.
2. Pat Your Skin Dry (Don’t Rub)
It is recommended that you use a very soft towel and only blot your skin dry do not rub. Do not scratch the skin because this causes further inflammation and especially if the skin is newly shaved.
3. Use a good Soothing Aftershave Balm
An aftershave is crucial in order to soothe your skin and avoid inflammation. Nonetheless, most of the traditional aftershaves are made from alcohol and may not be friendly to the skin especially for the sensitive ones. Instead, look for alcohol-free aftershave balms that contain soothing ingredients like:
* Aloe vera: Relieves skin inflammation and is used in moisturizing the skin.
* Chamomile: Reduces inflammation.
* Witch hazel: An all natural ingredient that is used to minimize the size of the pores and reduce inflammation.
DIY Aftershave Balm Recipe:
* 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
* 1 teaspoon witch hazel
>* 1-2 drops of chamomile essential oil
Combine these ingredients together and massage a little of it on the shaved area for maximum comfort.
4. Moisturize to seal in moisture – this is a common phrase that most people are familiar with.
Shaving causes the skin to lose its natural oils and can be very sensitive and easily irritated. Pat a fragrance-free lotion on your skin right after shaving to keep moisture trapped and allow your skin to heal.
Best Moisturizing Ingredients for Sensitive Skin:
* Hyaluronic acid: Works for a long time making sure that your skin stays moisturized.
* Shea butter: Nourishes and soothes.
* Ceramides: Restore the skin barrier.
Some Extra Measures to Avoid Razor Burn
Lower the number of times you shave if you can. Relax your skin in between shaves to give it some time to heal from razor irritation.
* Replace blades of your razors often. A good rule