Well-formulated skin
care products can help to reduce the discomfort
of shaving.
Pre-shaving products
The most important component in shaving, whether
with an electric or a manual razor, is the preparation
of the skin and beard. Thorough preparation allows
the razor to slide smoothly over the skin and minimises
damage to the skin surface.
Pre-shave lotions are for use
before shaving with an electric razor. They consist
essentially of a mixture of alcohol and water together
with a small amount of oil to lubricate the skin
so that the shaver glides over it easily and irritation
is minimised. They also contain astringents.
In wet shaving, the aim is to
soften and engorge the beard with water so that
the hairs offer the least possible resistance to
the blade |
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Hand
eczema is relatively common among men who do manual work,
and should not be neglected. |
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and avoid trauma to the skin.
Washing with hot water and soap before applying
a shaving preparation makes wet shaving easier.
Shaving soaps and creams
Shaving products contain soaps, syndets and
lubricants. Soaps for the beard are not washing
soaps. They are more greasy, and they lather
to form a more absorbent, long-lasting, non-drying
compact foam which holds the hairs upright,
making it easier for the blade to pass through
them.
Shaving creams, sometimes
called brushless creams, provide a better lubricating
action than foams do. Foaming shaving creams
are very soapy emulsions consisting of 40-50%
fatty acids. Aerosol shaving creams contain
soaps that are very soluble in water, presented
ready-foamed as they leave the aerosol can by
the pressurised gases in the packaging.
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Aftershave products
Aftershave lotions are mixtures of similar ingredients
as those in pre-shave lotions. The alcohol they contain
removes the last traces of cream, the astringents close
the pores in the skin (left wide open by the hot water),
and a small amount of antiseptic acts as protection against
infection of any tiny cuts or scrapes made by the razor.
Moisturizers
Regular use of a well-formulated moisturizer is to be
encouraged, if only because of the daily trauma inflicted
-on the skin by shaving.
More men are also recognising that for
long-term photoprotection it is sensible to use a moisturizer
that contains a sunscreen, and to use it regularly. |
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