Shaving as Part of Men’s Skincare: How to Make It Work for Your Skin

Although there are many guys out there who would LOVE to grow a thick, glorious beard, for many of us, keeping a clean-shaven look is part of our everyday routine. Whether it’s to look clean-cut and professional for the office, or just because it’s what you’re used to, shaving is essential to looking and feeling your best. But, let’s be real – shaving doesn’t come without some issues.

Shaving your face every day can lead to dry skin, redness, and sensitivity – all of which might complicate your skincare routine and leave you feeling frustrated and insecure when nothing seems to help. If you’ve ever battled razor burn, flaky or burning skin, then you know just how irritating it can be.

So, how do you balance the need to shave for work or other responsibilities, with also taking care of your skin so that you can feel confident and comfortable? Here are some essential tips on how to factor in daily shaves as part of your skincare routine.

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The Impact of Shaving on Your Skin

Shaving isn’t just about removing facial hair – it’s also an exfoliating process. One that, when done too frequently or improperly, can strip away your skin’s natural protective barrier. Each time you shave, you’re not only removing hair, but you’re also scraping away some of the outer layers of your skin which can lead to irritation. Irritated skin often looks dry, flaky, and red. Shaving can also strip away your skin’s natural oils which keep it hydrated, leading to further skin issues.

It’s important to acknowledge these challenges and understand that feeling uncomfortable after shaving isn’t unusual – it’s normal! Many men experience these issues, but the good news is that there are practical ways to minimize these negative effects on your skin, while maintaining a clean-shaven, polished look for the office.

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Practical Tips for a Better Shave

Tip #1: Shave Less Frequently

This may sound counterintuitive, but it’s the quickest way to alleviate your skin concerns. Many men over-shave, which leads to dryness and even micro-cuts that make your skin more vulnerable to irritation. Try to re-evaluate your routine; do you really need to shave every single morning? A little bit of five-o’clock shadow never hurt anyone, and in many cases actually looks good. If you can, I would recommend shaving every other day.

But if you’re in a position where skipping a day isn’t an option, consider giving your skin a break on weekends, then. Allowing your skin time to heal in between shaves can make a big difference in achieving a healthy, glowing look.

Tip #2: Shave Better

This also sounds counterintuitive but bear with me. Most guys learned how to shave from their dad – but if you’re like me, then you probably learned to shave from… trial and error, and how-to videos. (Shout-out dudes with daddy issues??) Ultimately, technique matters a lot more than you think:

• Replace your blades regularly: For real – the short-term benefit you get from re-using that same dull, old razor for the 3rd week in a row. Bite the bullet and order a new pack. (Razors are expensive, I can empathize, but DO it.) A dull blade can cause a lot of damage to your skin by tugging rather than smoothly cutting the hairs. Generally, you should replace your blade after 5 or so uses. A fresh, sharp blade will reduce the need to go over the same area multiple times, which minimizes irritation.
• Prep your skin correctly: Before you even pick up a razor, though, make sure your skin is well-prepped. Lathering up with a quality shaving cream or gel will help soften the hair and make for a smoother glide. Hot water also opens up your pores, so shaving after a shower would be ideal. (And I always recommend not shaving IN the shower – using a mirror to monitor your technique will help out a ton.)
• Avoid dry shaving: I can’t emphasize this enough – do NOT dry shave. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a rush, it’s never worth it. Dry shaving will lead to painful razor burn and nicks. Always lather up to reduce friction and add a layer of protection for your skin.
• Moisturize after shaving: Once you’re done shaving, it’s crucial to replenish your skin’s moisture. Applying a soothing aftershave balm or moisturizer while your skin is slightly damp will help lock in hydration and calm any irritation.

Tip #3: Use the Right Products

The products you use both during and after shaving will make all the difference. Focus on products that are designed to soothe and moisturize. Ingredients like aloe vera are great for calming irritated skin, while looking agents like menthol can help reduce any lingering burning sensation. Avoid products with a high alcohol content as they tend to dry out the skin even more.

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Enhancing Your Skincare Routine Post-Shave

Shaving is just one part of your broader skincare routine, and it’s important to treat it as one of the steps. (It’s essentially an exfoliation process.) Therefore, it’s important to know how to adjust your routine from day to day to avoid over-stressing your skin. A couple of key points:

• Skip exfoliation on shaving days: Shaving already removes some of your skin’s outer layer, so exfoliating on the same day will be overkill. (Especially if you’re using a chemical exfoliant. That is going to BURN!) Doing BOTH on the same day will lead to excessive dryness and irritation, so save the exfoliating step of your routine for non-shaving days.
• Focus on hydration: Shaving can leave your skin feeling tight and dry, so keeping it moisturized is key. After shaving, use a hydrating serum or moisturizer to restore lost moisturize. Look for products that contain ingredients like: hyaluronic acid, or glycerin, which can help draw moisture into your skin.

Final thoughts

Shaving is an essential part of a man’s grooming routine, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your skin’s health. By adjusting your shaving frequency, improving your technique, and using the right products, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Remember: Taking a few extra steps to care for your skin will pay off in the long run, helping you maintain a clean and confident look without discomfort.

If you’re dealing with shaving-related skincare issues, start experimenting with some of these tips. Your skin deserves the same care you put into the rest of your appearance – after all, a healthy face is the foundation of a great look.