Skin care is not a popular topic among many men. Skin care takes time and often we do not feel like applying sticky creams to our skin. But if you suffer from dry, flaky skin after shaving, you do want to take care of it. A red, sore, chapped, and itchy skin is unpleasant and not good for your self-confidence. In that case, moisturisers come into play.
The science behind the causes of dry skin
The idea of "my skin will fix itself" is wishful thinking and solves nothing. To get healthy and itch-free skin, it is best to 'listen' to your skin and give attention to what it asks for. Unfortunately, the search for the right and effective care is not simple. To find the right solution for the problem, you first need to know what dry skin is.
One of the main causes of dry skin is a decrease in the production of natural oils (sebum) in the skin. It does not matter whether you work in construction or in finance, because the causes of dry skin are both external and internal. Internal factors include aging, genetics, or certain medical conditions. External factors include fragranced shaving products, exposure to harsh chemicals, showering with hot water, or often working outside in cold weather. These factors can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing the skin to become dry. Shaving, shaving soaps, and the razor further irritate the dry skin.
What should a moisturiser do?
A good moisturiser ensures that the skin retains moisture better and contains no or as little perfume or fragrances as possible. Many moisturisers contain so-called hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and substances that nourish and soothe the skin, for example vitamin C and E.
Tips for restoring dry and irritated skin after shaving
The secret to healthy and fresh skin is not so complicated. But it is essential to add the following steps during and after shaving to your morning routine. We call this the "smooth operator routine":
Before shaving
- Wash your face with warm (not hot!) water. Washing your face with warm water opens the pores and softens the hair follicles. This means less force is needed to make shaving successful.
- Use a pre-shave cream or oil
- Use a classic neutral shaving soap or shaving cream without perfume and alcohol.
- Shave with a safety razor instead of a multi-blade cartridge razor
After shaving
- Wash your face with cold water to calm the skin and close the pores.
- Apply a moisturiser to hydrate the skin, retain the skin’s natural moisture, and soothe the skin. Moreover, the moisturiser helps protect the skin by forming a barrier over the affected area. Applying a moisturiser is the most important step for soft skin after shaving. Also, do not forget to shave with the grain, without pressing the razor hard against the skin.
