Shaving is one of those everyday rituals that every man out there must tackle. Some men barely give it a second thought but for others, shaving can be the source of a lot of stress. Many guys out there have sensitive skin and shaving can regularly cause razor burn, bumps, dryness or redness. You name it … guys with sensitive skin are going to tackle it. You can try cutting down on the number of times you shave during the week and rock the facial hair trend, but there are also other ways that you can prepare the skin for shaving that are going to decrease your skin irritation and discomfort.

If you have sensitive skin, and you want that clean shaven look, give yourself a couple extra minutes on the mornings you shave and try incorporating these five steps.

Step 1: Start With A Clean Face

If you have sensitive skin the process of keeping your skin looking healthy needs to start before you even pick up your razor blade to shave. On those mornings you choose to shave, the first thing you need to do is cleanse your skin to eliminate any impurities. Use warm water and ensure that you are using a cleanser that is soap-free and specifically labelled for sensitive skin. Dermatologist recommended products like Cetaphil tend to have a lower ph level, which means they will not strip the moisture out of the skin. Avoid products that are labelled antibacterial or products that have perfumes or dyes which may cause you to have an adverse skin reaction. After you finish cleansing your face, try to wait at least 10 minutes before you start shaving. It’s important to give your skin a few minutes to adjust.

Step 2: Try Moisturizing Before You Shave

This next step is not a mandatory step for everyone, but if you have really sensitive skin or you find that shaving really aggravates your face it might be a good idea to work in this additional step. Try moisturizing the skin before you shave by using a product that has been specially formulated for “sensitive skin”. Aloe, almond oil or emu oil will all help make the skin suppler than your regular moisturizer would. By applying any of these three products prior to shaving you will find that the blade is able to slide a little more smoothly across the face.

Step 3: Use The Right Blade

There is no question that shaving causes friction against the skin and it also aggravates sensitive skin. What most guys don’t realize is that sometimes choosing the right blade can make all the difference. Try to avoid disposable razors and ensure that you are always using a razor that has a sharp blade. Make sure that you change the blade often and never use the same blade more than four to five times. Guys with really sensitive skin should even consider switching the blades out on a more frequent basis. If your skin is extra sensitive, a clean and sharp blade will glide much easier across the skin and help cut down on the level of irritation. Dull blades will require more force and can cause irritation.

Step 4: Shave The Right Way

When you are ready to put the blade to your skin it is important to apply a thin lather to the skin of a high-quality shaving cream or gel. Use caution when you are out shopping for shaving cream and be on the lookout for products that are designed specifically for sensitive skin. When you are shaving always shave slowly in the direction that the hair grows and remember to completely rinse the blade after each stroke. Rinsing the blade will help you shave away the maximum amount of hair and help you avoid having to go over any area more than once. Just remember to take your time and don’t rush it.

Step 5: Have A Post-Shave Routine

After you have finished shaving, rinse your face thoroughly with warm water to ensure that there is no shaving cream or oil left on the skin. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel and remember never use a lot of force. Give your skin a few moments to recover and then apply a mild oil or moisturizer that is specifically designed for sensitive skin. This will help re-hydrate the skin as will drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

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NEXT: A few of our favourite shaving products for guys with sensitive skin…