To most men, shaving is something that is done as infrequently as possible. That’s one of the reasons that men have beards and facial hair: it’s just a lot of work to shave!

However, if you have the wrong skin type, not shaving can be just as bad as shaving too often. It’s important for you to understand what your skin type is, as well as how you should shave properly. If you don’t take care of your skin according to your skin type, it may become worn out before its time!

Know Your Type: How To Structure Your Shave Based On Your Skin

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is the hardest for men to deal with, as it is the type of skin that becomes inflamed or irritated far too easily. Even just applying the wrong shaving cream or lotion can cause problems, so it’s a lot of work for men to find the shaving products that work for them.

How can you tell if you have sensitive skin?

  • It is red after every shave
  • You’re prone to rashes and ingrown hairs
  • Any skin products cause problems
  • Your skin is very dry – often to the point of flaking
  • You have eczema

If you have sensitive skin:

  1. Get quality blades — Old blades will irritate skin, so you need to invest in good blades. Make sure to switch them out more frequently.
  2. Go easy — If you’re a rough shaver, your skin will show it! Be gentle with your skin.
  3. Protect your skin –-Use a moisturizing lotion after shaving, and always apply sunscreen when out and about.
  4. Avoid alcohol –– This doesn’t mean to avoid booze, but it means avoiding after-shaves or lotions that have alcohol.

Dry Skin

If your skin is dry, you’ll notice that it flakes or cracks often. Shaving your face could actually dehydrate your skin even more, so it may be a good idea to allow your beard to grow out. Long facial hair can help your skin to produce even more oil.

If you must shave:

  1. Avoid alcohol — Alcohol-based lotions and creams will dry out your skin, so look for moisturizers that are alcohol-free.
  2. Consider oil –– Shave oil will lock moisture inside your skin, and can help to soften it up.
  3. Moisturize regularly –– Your skin is going to be pretty dry after a close shave, so make it a point to apply moisturizing lotions and oils regularly for 24 hours after shaving.
  4. Always use moisturizing shave cream –– The shaving cream will lock moisture into your skin, preventing it from drying out.

Oily Skin

With oily skin, you have to treat it exactly the opposite of how you’d treat dry skin. You need to learn how to shave oily skin, which is even more reactive than dry skin.

You can’t really afford to have long facial hair if your skin is oily, as your facial hair will promote an overproduction of skin oil. It’s important to keep the hair trimmed close.

When shaving:

  1. Wash your face, don’t scrub — If you scrub your face, you can actually cause it to produce more oil. Don’t exfoliate before shaving.
  2. Avoid alcohol –– You may think that drying out your skin using alcohol will combat the oil, but it will actually cause your oily skin to overreact and produce even more skin oil.
  3. Use light oils — Almond oil is very light, and won’t increase the production of skin oil. Jojoba oil is almost the same consistency as skin oil, and it will help to fight acne, ingrown, and overproduction of sebum.
  4. Use a brush — Silvertip badger brushes and others will gently apply the shave cream to your skin, but without scrubbing it.

Shaving really is an art form, so it’s important that you learn how to shave properly according to your skin type! You may want to check out an online retailer—The Art of Shaving is one of our personal favorites—for further tips and products that will keep your face oh-so-fresh and clean.