by Paul Henshaw

Created on: June 07, 2008

Shaving a daily ritual for men and short of having a permanent hair removal treatment like electrolysis (extreme if you ask me) something that we will have to perform for life. Not only do we have to shave everyday we also have to contend with the dreaded effects of razor rash.
Now razor rash can affect different people to different degree's of severity, from minor skin irritation to severe infections that require medical treatment. As with lots of things we can use the prevention is better than cure to tackle the razor rash issue.

When first waking it is best to wait about thirty minutes before you shave this is because when you have been sleeping your skin relaxes and is not as tight when you first get up. So get yourself a coffee and breakfast before shaving. This will allow your skin to become nice and tight which will allow better shaving contact with your razor and less irritation.
Select a good quality shaving oil or foam (you can combine both if you wish) and apply generously to the face. This will have the effect of reducing the resistance between you skin and the blade and good quality products contain ingredients that have a soothing and moisturising effect. The use of after shaving products like balms and moisturisers will help to maintain your skin and prevent your skin from becoming dry. With trial and error try different brands to see which ones suit you best we are all different and can be more sensitive to certain brands.

Make sure you purchase a good quality razor as these will give a cleaner cut and last you longer, a triple blade system are the one I use. Clean the razor after use with a small cleaning brush making sure to remove skin and hair that collects between the blades. This build-up if left can be a cause of razor rash. When you feel a drop in performance change your razor as using a blunt razor can cause more resistance and more skin irritation.

Always shave with the grain and not against the direction of hair growth as this once again will cause more irritation. Use your free hand to hold your skin tight when shaving to give a good contact with the blade. Make sure the water you use is hot, about the same temperature you would use to wash your face. After shaving splash cold water on your face to close the pores in your skin and cool the shaved area.

As mentioned above use an aftershave balm or moisturiser, this will keep your skin healthy and prevent drying out. I use a sensitive skin aftershave balm with aloe vera as it also makes my skin feel refreshed. Try different brands too see which one best fits your skin type.
If you have tried all the tips above and still suffer razor rash, try an electric shaver.Unlike a razor blade which can remove up to five layers of skin when being used an electric razor removes no layers and is much more hygienic. Unfortunately the shave offered by an electric razor will never be as close, but you will virtually eliminate razor rash.

In summary the use of good quality products and techniques will help to minimise the causes of razor rash.

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