Written by Menswear Style in Grooming on the 25th January 2021

There is nothing better than a smooth, clean and cut-free shave - unless that shave is usually associated with irritated and inflamed skin, which results in redness, itchy feeling and ingrown hair. Unfortunately, a simple act of shaving can quickly get complicated and painful. Whether it is just whiskers or full stubble, most men need to shave. To ensure your shave is safe and healthy, use these four shaving tips.

Preparation is Key  

Most men do not give enough time and attention to preparation, and immediately drag the razor through their skin. Lack of preparation causes friction, which in turn contributes to cuts, razor burns and irritation. Always take some time to prepare your skin for shaving, and here are a few things you should do: 

- Rinse your face with warm water and soap before shaving to remove excess oil and dead skin that can easily clog the blades. As hot water will soften your hair, taking a hot shower or applying a hot moist towel on your face prior to shaving can also help to address irritation. 

- Cleanse your face with an exfoliant or a facial scrub to remove dead skin cells and grime, and prevent ingrown hairs. 

- Apply pre-shave oil to create a slick surface on your shave area and protect your skin from dryness and irritation. 

- Add a second protective layer by using shaving cream and apply it with a shaving brush.

Take it Easy 

Shaving is not a race, and rushing is a guaranteed way to forget about enjoying your shaving ritual, not to mention you'll leave bits unchecked and get cuts and skin irritation. Try to give yourself enough time to shave. To do that, set aside fifteen minutes in your schedule just for shaving. Create a system that takes into account the required time or choose the days of the week that are most comfortable for you to ensure a relaxed shaving routine. Also, make sure to shave in the direction of hair growth with gentle strokes and rinse off your razor after every stroke or two. Never shave the same spot twice without reapplying the oil or shaving cream.

Don't Forget to Apply Aftershave 

After shaving, it is essential to calm, soothe and hydrate your skin with an aftershave balm or lotion. Make sure to refrain from all products that contain alcohol or menthol. Such components can burn or dry out your face, and that's not what your skin needs right after it has been stressed from shaving. An alcohol-free, moisturising aftershave is a great option. You can also try out an aftershave lotion infused with CBD oil, which can help to reduce redness, inflammation, itching and prevent dry skin. Cannabidiol (CBD) is thought to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and moisturising properties, which can be beneficial in your shaving routine to promote smooth, hydrated and clear skin and improve the healing of minor nicks or razor burns.

Allow Your Skin To Rest 

Just like muscles after an intense workout, your skin needs rest to repair after multiple days of shaving in a row. While for most people, shaving is an obligatory part of a daily routine, shaving every day usually leaves your skin feeling sore. If you prefer to shave every single day, try to take a break at least one day during a week. On your rest day simply moisturise your skin as you normally would, and you will see a closer, smoother finish after your next shave.

We provide tips such as allow your skin to rest and feature aftershave lotion infused with CBD oil in this guide to 4 Tips To Improve Your Shaving Experience.