A number of elements come into play in order to achieve a good shave. Here’s what you need:
Access to warm water or a wet face towel, shaving mirror, pre-shave oil and post shave applications.
A quality razor with a sharp blade. Something like a Gillette Mach 3 or Fusion razor is ideal.
A quality shaving cream to ensure good contact between blade and skin and to act as a moisturiser during the shaving process.
A shaving brush. Depending on your preference a pure badger shaving brush will act as an exfoliator and enable correct application of the shaving cream.
- To achieve a satisfying shave, use a clean, sharp razor such as the Gillette Mach 3, never use blunt or rusty razors.
- Wash the face with warm water and a gentle soap to soften skin and open the pores or warm the face with a hot wet flannel for 30 seconds.
- Apply shaving cream to the face, mouth area and neck. Using a shaving brush with a good quality shaving cream helps to lock in moisture and raise the facial hairs creating a closer shave.
- Shave with the beard, stretching the skin using facial expressions, mouth and jaw movements. Shaving against the grain is the biggest cause of razor burn so go with the grain to begin.
- Start at the side of the face using short strokes. Make sure to apply only a slight amount of pressure.
- If you cut yourself, apply a moist alum block on the area to stop bleeding. After shaving, close the pores by rinsing the face with cool water
- Re- hydrate and protect the skin, by applying an alcohol free moisturiser.
Skincare Advice for men
More and more men are becoming aware of the importance of caring for their skin. It is the largest organ of the human body and a good indicator of our general health. Factors such as stress, lack of sleep, smoking and excess alcohol can all take their toll. We are ever more conscious of the effect that harmful Ultra-Violet rays can have on our skin and central heating and air-conditioning are also detrimental. The result of these factors is premature ageing of the skin, resulting in dryer, thinner skin, loss of elasticity and wrinkles.
Moisture is vital to skin. MOISTURISING protects the particularly vulnerable skin of the face which is regularly exposed to environmental elements and atmospheric pollution. Maturing skin requires more attention to its moisture content (just compare a raisin to a grape!)
Skin types vary but basically fall within the range of Dry to Oily.
Dry skin is characterised by a dull, chalky appearance, may be flaky and more lined and often feels ‘tight’ after washing. It is to be noted however that flakiness may also simply be an indication of an accumulation of dead skin cells which can be improved by EXFOLIATING. Those with dry skin are also more vulnerable to environmental factors and are likely to develop wrinkles at an early age if the skin is not kept supple.
Oily skin has a shiny appearance, the pores are usually larger and it is more prone to blemishes, including blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are caused by an excess of oil or sebum lodged in the neck of a follicle. Whiteheads have no opening so are not so easily unblocked. Spots also develop when sebum thickens, combines with grime and dead skin cells and blocks the pore. Bacteria multiplies in the blockage, causes infection and results in the spot. Regular CLEANSING is the key to dealing with all these blemishes.
Some skin may also be sensitive. It is likely to be paler, often freckled and more easily affected by exposure to the elements as well as certain substances. Those with sensitive skin may suffer with itchiness or redness and it is important to treat it more gently. Therefore, products containing more simple ingredients, lower in alcohol and perfume, are preferable.
As we age our skin requires richer moisturising. Exfoliating also helps to stimulate the skin renewal process as this slows down as we get older. The result is cleaner, brighter and more supple skin.
Tiredness or eyestrain can cause puffiness around the EYES. A gentle eye cream or gel can soothe this more delicate area. Dark circles can also be treated in this way.
To summarise, there is no doubt that a regular routine of skin care – Cleansing, Exfoliating and Moisturising – will improve the condition of our skin and contribute to our overall appearance. Its importance can never be neglected by the well-groomed man.
