Is your face smooth as a Baby's Bottom?

 

How can I get a really close shave without cutting my face to shreds?

 

• Use products that give really good lubrication, use a very sharp razor and remember to prepare the skin thoroughly.

 

• Shave after you shower when the skin is nice and damp and the bristle swollen and soft.

 

• Wash your face with a facial wash (every third day replace this with a facial scrub). This will further soften the beard and clean the skin.

 

• Apply your shaving medium. Which product you use depends on your personal preference and your skin type. Try a shaving oil if your skin is dry or sensitive or a shaving cream that will give great lubrication and moisturisation. Some men prefer traditional soap and brush, but it can be drying. Avoid harsh foams containing chemicals.

 

• Massage well into the area to be shaved and then select a really sharp razor.

 

 

• Shave in short strokes in the same direction as the hair grows. This is important to avoid pulling and snagging and helps avoid in-growing hairs.

 

• Rinse the residue cream or oil off with running water and apply a toner by either splashing it on or soaking a damp cotton wool pad and wiping over the face. This will remove shaving residue and stop the skin from becoming irritated.

 

 

• If the skin feels a little sore apply a shaving balm to the shaved area and a moisturiser to the rest of the face. If not apply a moisturiser to the entire face and neck to rehydrate and protect

How can I avoid in-growing hairs?

 

In-growing hairs can be a real problem.The hair normally grows out through the pore but can sometimes grow back in on itself. This will cause a bump that can become infected and sore. Some hairs continue to grow along the surface just beneath a fine layer of skin and can be seen quite clearly.

 

• The best way to prevent in-growing hairs is to shave in the direction of hair growth and not against it as this can distort the follicle.

 

• Use a face scrub regularly to remove dead skin cells and to release trapped hairs.

 

• Moisturise to keep skin supple and help hairs to grow through unhindered by flakes of dry skin.

 

• Hairs growing along under the skin can easily be freed with sterilised tweezers followed with some anti-sceptic cream. When a bump is present sometimes the hair can be gently squeezed out with a tissue and anti-sceptic applied. It’s best not to completely pluck out the hair for a day or two as the skin will heal over and the problem may reoccur. Instead leave the skin to heal around the hair shaft meaning it will have more chance of growing freely.

 

What’s the best way to avoid shaving rash?

 

Shaving rash is normally caused by friction as the razor passes over the skin. It can be further irritated by a harsh shaving medium especially if the skin is sensitive.

 

• To avoid shaving rash use a shaving product for sensitive skin that has extra lubrication. Make sure the face is warm and wet so that the bristles are soft and can be cut away without pulling the skin.

 

• Apply a soothing balm after shaving to calm the area and help control any irritation.

 

I like the smell of after-shave but it always stings my face. Why?

 

Traditional after-shaves had a very high alcohol content and splashing them onto newly shaved skin was supposed to sting and feel refreshing. The alcohol quickly evaporated and left behind the fragrance. Unfortunately they were often really uncomfortable and caused skin reactions. These days fragrance is available as an Eau De Toilette or Cologne. You can spray or splash these over your body or hair so that you have the benefit of a great fragrance without any stinging or irritation.