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| Skin Care and Treatment for Men - Dr Niketa - Dermatologist - Skin and Hair Specialist - New Delhi |
Shaving is the most common grooming activity followed by a man. How you shave can affect how nearly 50% of the skin covering your face and neck looks! This article is the first in the series of articles that I will be writing to help all you handsome men achieve a smoother and healthier skin.
Here are a few tips on shaving from a Dermatologist’s point of view:
1. Cleanse Your Skin
Wash your face with water and face wash before you shave to make sure that the skin is clean and free from dirt and grime. The skin generates natural oils throughout the day causing dirt and pollutants to stick onto the surface. This can lead to blocked pores and also prevent the razor from gliding smoothly leading to increased friction and irritation.
2. Get Ready for Shaving
Splash the face with warm water after you cleanse it. Apply a light layer of shaving cream, gel or mousse to keep the skin moist and warm. The warmth and moisture softens the hair and allows a closer shave with fewer razor strokes and reduced pressure on the razor blade.
3. Multitask for a Better Shave
The best way to simplify shaving is to do it in the shower. Not only is it a time-saver, the humidity of your shower will keep your skin moist and make the hair softer and easier to remove.
4. Choose the Right Razor
Razors are now available as multi-blade having as many as three or five blades. A multi-blade razor reduces shaving time and is gentler on the skin. The important thing to remember is that you should be comfortable with your razor. Do not apply too much pressure and avoid going over the same area more than twice.
5. Follow Your Hair Growth
For a more comfortable shave, move in the same direction as the growth of the hair. Shaving against the direction of hair growth can have an irritant effect on the skin and can also damage the hair follicle leading to painful ingrown hair; a condition called Pseodo-folliculitis Barbae.
6. Take Your Time
The skin is more likely to get damaged if you make swift movements, apply excessive pressure with your razor, apply your shaving gel scantily or start shaving immediately after application of the shaving gel. Give yourself enough time to shave in the morning and allow a few minutes between washing, applying shaving cream and the actual shaving.
7. After shave lotion
Pick an after shave lotion which is non- alcoholic, water based or soothing gel based. Antisepsis should not be a concern if you have washed your face before shaving or are shaving immediately after bath. Alcohol and harsh antiseptics are more of an irritant rather than soothing to just shaved skin.
8. Use Moisturizer Day and Night
Apply a moisturizer to your skin in the morning and at night. This will keep the skin hydrated and the hair soft, allowing a smoother shave. Moisturizing will also help prevent nicks and irritation. Look for moisturizers with natural hydrating ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter or essential oils.
Hope this helps in making your skin baby soft and more kissable (ask your better half for her opinion :-)
Keep looking beautiful
XOXO
Dr Niketa
Acne Treatment - Pigmentation Treatment - Hair Treatment
Dr Niketa - Dermatologist - Skin and Hair Specialist - New Delhi
