Tips for a Wet Shave

Men are known to be skilled at shaving, but they may still experience skin irritation, redness or razor burn. However, there are simple tips that can help reduce such irritation. Wet shaving is particularly effective at preventing skin irritation, and small things can make a big difference. Every man has his routine, beard or smooth, clean-cut look, and their skin has unique care requirements. Nonetheless, there are general tips that can improve results for everyone.

Take your time
A close and comfortable shave requires time. Rushing with sharp blades can cause skin irritation. Prepare and follow up for a perfect shave.

• Preparation: The beard hairs should be softened before shaving so that the razor blades encounter less resistance. This automatically reduces irritation. All you need to do is take a warm shower or wash your face thoroughly with warm water before shaving. This also removes any residue and dead skin particles at the same time.

Follow-up: After shaving, wash off any loose beard hairs and remaining shaving foam. Then dry your face with a clean towel. Finally, use an aftershave that is suitable for your skin type.

Use the right shaving foam
To achieve a good skin feeling and protect your skin, it's important to use shaving foam, gel or cream. These products are also necessary if you want to style your beard and get rid of the hairs above the beard line. They moisturise your skin and help protect it during the shaving process. Additionally, they are designed to soften the hair, making it easy for the razor to glide over your skin, resulting in a smoother shave.
Avoid using shower gel instead, as it has the opposite effect and can clog the razor blades, making it difficult to achieve a smooth shave.

Changing the blades
Over time, the razor blade becomes blunt and worn out. Blunt blades pull on the hair instead of cutting it. This can cause skin irritation and redness. It is important to replace the blades when you notice this happening. Unfortunately, there is no set time to change blades as everyone has different hair growth and thickness. The best way to tell if it's time to change the blades is by feeling whether the razor glides smoothly over your skin or not. If your razor has a lubricant strip, check it regularly. If the strip fades away, it's time to replace the blades.

Shave with less pressure and not in the same areas
When shaving, it's important to remember that less pressure is better. Applying too much pressure can cause a small indentation on the skin that makes it difficult for the razor blade to reach, leading to skin irritation and redness. Therefore, it's best to glide the razor gently over the skin in the direction of hair growth. While shaving against the grain may give you a closer shave, it puts more strain on the skin and should be avoided.
Additionally, it's important to avoid shaving the same area too frequently, as this can also cause skin irritation. If you're still experiencing small stubbles after two or three shaves, make sure you're following the above guidelines. You may need to replace your razor with one that works better for you.

Don't tap the razor on the sink
Many men tap the razor briefly on the edge of the sink with 1 or 2 strokes after use. However, this can cause very fine cracks in the razor blades or even lead to a defect in the razor's small parts.
It is best to clean the razor briefly under running water or in a glass full of water after a few strokes until hair and residue are completely removed. This way, you only need to quickly shake off the water at the end of the shave and leave the razor to dry.

These little tips are quick and easy to implement for smoother and more beautiful skin.

You can find the right razors and optimum beard care here.