It’s best to start with a fresh, clean face so that the blade glides smoothly over your skin. Plus, washing your face before shaving helps prevent breakouts, especially if your skin is prone to acne. A cleanser will slightly dry out and tighten your skin, making the roots of your hair easier to reach.
You can typically find these in multi-packs for under $5. Always use a new razor when shaving your face. Using a dull razor can cause irritation and make your skin break out. If you have sensitive skin, consider using an electric face razor instead. It won’t give you as close of a shave, but it will irritate your skin less.
Using shaving gel also helps prevent breakouts after you shave. Dry shaving can irritate your skin, leading to pimples and acne. To hydrate your skin and shave at the same time, apply a natural oil, like almond oil, instead.
If you’re shaving along your upper lip, for instance, you can press your upper lip against or around your teeth to stretch and smooth out that part of skin. Or, if you’re shaving your sideburns, place your fingers just above the area you’ll be shaving and pull that part of skin up and back in the direction of your ear.
For spots with especially coarse hairs, like your upper lip, you can switch to shaving against the grain for a closer shave. Just keep in mind that it may put you at risk for ingrown hairs.
These light, short strokes are different from the long, continuous strokes that you might use to shave your legs, so it may take some getting used to. Practice makes perfect!
You can also rinse your razor with running water.
A side effect of shaving is that dead skin will sometimes come up along with the hairs. This can leave your skin looking and feeling soft and renewed, but it will also be tender and prone to irritation.
If you use any face products that contain acid or retinol, skip those for now. Acids and retinoids can cause irritation to freshly shaved skin. Planning to go outside? Use an SPF 30 or above sunscreen to protect your skin. Shaved skin is a little more sensitive to the sun, meaning it could get burned easier.
You can also apply aloe vera to your skin to help with razor burn.
