Preparing the Skin Before Shaving
Do you want a shave that is both gentle and delivers a perfectly smooth result? The key lies in preparation. By caring for your skin properly, you reduce irritation, prevent ingrown hairs and achieve a shave that both feels and looks better. Here’s everything you need to know – step by step.
Summary
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Preparation is the key to a gentle and effective shave – caring for the skin beforehand reduces irritation and ingrown hairs.
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Cleansing with warm water and a mild facial cleanser removes dirt and oil, opens pores and softens beard hairs before shaving.
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Exfoliation and pre-shave products can further enhance preparation by lifting hairs and improving glide for the shaving lather.
It’s often said that “preparation is everything”, and there are few situations where this is more true than shaving. Softening the beard hairs and helping them stand upright is fundamental to making shaving both easier and more comfortable. When done correctly, shaving also works as a gentle exfoliation, removing some of the top layer of dead skin cells.
If done carelessly, however, shaving puts unnecessary stress on the skin. Dry shaving – shaving without any preparation such as lather or oil – has been compared to dragging a shard of broken glass across the skin, a description that is uncomfortably accurate.
The skin is the body’s largest organ and its primary function is to protect us from the environment. How we eat, drink, smoke (or don’t), and how we treat our skin on a daily basis has a direct impact on its condition – including how we cleanse and shave.
This is why preparation is always the key to a good result. A clean face before shaving reduces the risk of irritation and inflammation. Since the skin is exposed daily to dirt and pollution, regular cleansing is essential – ideally both morning and evening.
Cleansing the skin
Your best ally in making shaving easier is quite simply warm water. This is why many people shave right after a shower – the heat and humidity soften both skin and beard. Another option is to start with a mild facial cleanser combined with warm water.
Regular soap is for your hands – and nothing else!
Using hand soap on your face is a poor strategy. It dries out the skin and disrupts its natural pH balance.
Your face deserves dedicated skincare. Today, there are many cleansers available in gel or cream form. A versatile option suitable for most skin types is Gents Skin Cleanser, which is fragrance-free, hydrating and suitable even for sensitive skin. For oily skin, Bulldog Oil Control Face Wash is another effective alternative.
Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells. Gents Face Scrub combines mechanical exfoliation with mild chemical acids (Salicylic Acid, AHA and LHA) at skin-friendly levels. Apply to damp skin, massage gently and avoid the eye area. Rinse with warm water.
Pre-shave
Pre-shave products are available as oils, lotions and gels. They are applied in the same way and are especially beneficial for sensitive skin. Some use them alone, others in combination with shaving soap or cream to create extra glide.
Massage into wet beard hair, preferably in the shower, and allow it to work briefly before applying shaving lather.
Shaving foam and gel
If you have soft beard hair and light growth, ready-made shaving foam or gel can be sufficient. Apply to wet beard hair and allow it to sit briefly to soften the hairs.
Shaving gel is generally more moisturizing and transparent, making it ideal for precision shaving. Both foam and gel are often best suited for multi-blade razors.
For thicker beard growth, shaving cream or soap is recommended, as foam often contains too much air and offers less protection.
Shaving cream, shaving soap and bowls
Shaving cream is easier to lather and can be applied with a brush or fingers. Shaving soap always requires a brush but provides superior protection.
Shaving creams and soaps are packed with vitamins and skin-beneficial ingredients.
Both are available in scented and fragrance-free versions. Unscented options are ideal for sensitive skin.
Stainless steel shaving bowls, such as those from Benjamin Barber, are affordable and practical.