Friday, May 29, 2009

Using A Face Scrub

A gentle scrubbing massage will help open pores to help shaving oil get a closer shave.

Avoid Irritants When Shaving

Avoid anything that tingles, stings or numbs during or after shaving, when your skin is vulnerable. Stay away from alcohol or strong plant extracts such as menthol, peppermint or citrus.

Minimizing Nicks and Cuts

You can minimize nicks and cuts and have smooth summer legs by doing the following:
  • Avoid shaving dry or sunburned skin
  • Do not shave before an exfoliating treatment (shaving is actually a form of exfoliation itself).
  • Never use a blunt razor or share a razor with someone else (especially one that has been used on a beard)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Activites After Shaving

After-shave activities: Give your skin 30 minutes off
Skin is at its most sensitive immediately after shaving. To prevent inflammation, let skin rest at least 30 minutes before: Applying lotions, moisturizers or medications. If you must moisturize immediately following shaving, select a cream formula rather than a lotion, and avoid exfoliating moisturizers that may contain alpha hydroxy acids.
Going swimming. Freshly shaved skin is vulnerable to the stinging effects of chlorine and salt water, as well as suntan lotions and sunscreens that contain alcohol.

Shaving Bikini Area

  1. Moisten hair for three minutes with water and then apply shaving oil. This preparation is a must, as the hair in the bikini area tends to be thicker, denser and curlier, making it more difficult to cut.
  2. Handle the skin in the bikini area gently, as it is thin and tender.
  3. Shave horizontally, from the outside to the inside of the upper thigh and groin area, using smooth even strokes.
  4. Shave frequently year-round to keep the area free of irritation and ingrown hairs. Shaving oil will be a preventative of irritation and unwanted ingrown hairs.

Shaving Underarms

  1. Moisten skin and apply shaving oil. Shaving oil will give you the closest and smoothest shave.
  2. Lift your arm up while shaving to pull skin tight.
  3. Shave from the bottom up, allowing the razor to glide over the skin.
  4. Avoid shaving the same area more than once, to minimize skin irritation.
  5. Don't press too hard! Simply let the blade and handle do the work for you.
  6. Avoid applying deodorants or anti-perspirants immediately after shaving, as doing so can result in irritation and stinging. To prevent this, shave underarms at night and give the area time to stabilize before using deodorant.

Shaving Tips For Women

  1. Moisten skin with water for about three minutes. Shaving oil is the best bet for a close smooth shave. Water plumps up the hair, making it easier to cut, and the shaving oil helps retain the moisture.
  2. Use long, even strokes without applying excessive pressure. Shave carefully over bony areas like ankles, shins and knees.
  3. For knees, bend slightly to pull the skin tight before shaving, as folded skin is difficult to shave.
  4. Stay warm to prevent goose bumps, as any irregularity in the skin surface can complicate shaving.
  5. Don't press too hard! Simply let the blade and handle do the work for you.
  6. Remember to shave in the direction of hair growth. Take your time and shave carefully over sensitive areas. For a closer shave, carefully shave against the grain of hair growth.

Types of Body Hair

There are several different types of hair found on the body:
Vellus: This is the fine, white hair found on a woman's face. Vellus hair grows for a limited time, never reaching any appreciable length.
Transitional: Usually a fine, brown hair found on a woman's arms. Like vellus hair, transitional hair never reaches any appreciable length.
Terminal: Hair found on the scalp that also comprises the face and body hair seen in men.

Hair Growth

Every 24-72 hours, cell division and corresponding hair growth occurs within the hair follicles resting deep inside the dermis. Despite the speed of this process, it takes newly formed hair about three weeks to appear at the skin surface. Hair grows on a cyclical basis with each hair growing to a pre-determined length. Eyebrow, eyelash and beard hairs never grow as long as scalp hairs because they spend less time in the growing phase before entering a resting phase.

Hair and Skin

The body's largest organ, skin not only protects us against environmental influences, but also acts as a continuous conductor sending sensory information to the brain for processing.
Skin consists of two primary layers: the epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is the external layer of skin and is composed mainly of a protein called Keratin. The inner layer of skin, known as the dermis, contains collagen protein which provides strength and contains the nerves, blood vessels, sweat glands, oil glands and upper part of the hair follicle.
The skin is in a constant state of renewal as cells from below divide and replenish aging cells above. Every 14 days the external skin surface is renewed, and every 45-75 days skin undergoes a complete re-building of its full thickness.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: The age that you begin to shave influences the amount of hair you will have on your legs and underarms.
Fact: These factors are determined strictly by heredity. Early experiences with shaving coincide with the natural increase in hair growth resulting from puberty.

Myth: Shaving promotes darker, thicker or faster re-growth of hair on legs and underarms.
Fact: Since shaving removes hair on the surface of the skin, it doesn't affect the color or the thickness of the hair. After an area has been shaved, the hair shafts start to emerge from the follicle, so your hair looks and feels coarse and bristly. If you allow the hair to grow out, it will take on its original appearance and texture.

Myth: A tan can be removed by shaving.
Fact: Tanning occurs at the lower levels of your skin, where the skin's pigment cells are located. Razor blades never come in contact with these cells. Shaving can actually "polish" your skin and give it a healthy glow. You'll improve the look of your tan by removing flaky surface skin cells that give your skin a dull appearance.

Stopping the Bleeding from a Shaving Nick

Press an ice cube on it for two minutes. Then dab on antibiotic ointment and apply a bandage to avoid infection. Know that dry skin breaks more easily. And for extra protection, switch to a shaving oil with smoothing lubricants. Also, try Pacific Shaving Company's Nick Stick.

How to Shave Properly

1. Give a haircut. Trim hair down first as short as possible by placing comb flat on the skin and trim over comb with scissors, or with clippers using the shortest guard. The less hair you start out with means less use of your razor.
2. Take a warm shower or bath. At least 10 minutes of the heat will soften skin and relax the hair follicle.
3. Exfoliate. Rid dead skin cells and provide a closer shave by using a mild exfoliator.
4. Dab on some shaving oil. Working as a barrier on your skin, the razor will glide easier instead of dragging and moisturize skin. It also helps prevent razor burn, general irritation and ingrown hairs.
6. Shave. Using a fresh blade, first go in the same direction of hair growth and then in opposite direction while holding skin taut. Don't go over the same area too many times.
7. Rinse. In between strokes, be sure to rinse blade. A clogged razor won't work well.
8. Cleanse. Rinse pubic area and pat dry with towel.
9. Moisturize. Apply a light, preferably unscented lotion.
10. Fight ingrown hairs. It has a lot to do with the products used with shaving. Using a shaving oil protects skin working as a barrier so the razor will glide easier instead of dragging, for a more comfortable shave. Made up of oils, it replenishes moisture lost from shaving and wards off irritation. Skin that is soft and pliable makes ingrown hair harder to break into.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Exfoliating

Be sure to exfoliate your skin before shaving. It gets rid of all the dead skin cells that could clog up your razor, preventing a close shave.

Frequency of Hair Growth

Shaving your hair (facial or elsewhere) will not cause your hair to grow more quickly or in a greater amount. However, frequent shaving will make your hair more stubby (stiff and bristly) and seem to appear more prominent.

Shaving Chest Hair

First, reduce the length of the chest hair with a beard trimmer or hair clippers or scissors, but keep those blades off the skin itself. Wash the skin first with warm water so that the skin is very clean. Use a new blade or new disposable razor. The sharper it is the less it will nick. Apply shaving oil before beginning the shave. Do a small section at a time. Use a light touch when shaving. Be careful when shaving the area around the nipples. After shaving, exfoliate your chest daily so you won't get ingrown hairs. Don't wash your skin with hot or cold water. Last of all, don't press against the skin with the razor.

Preventing Razor Burn

Razor burn is caused by hair that is pushed back into the follicle. It can become inflamed and then develop into an ingrown hair.
Use the following suggestions to minimize the risk of razor burn:
1. Use a clean, sharp razor each time.
2. Always shave in the direction of the hair growth.
3. Shave after your shower.

4. Using a shaving oil or gel rather than a cream helps avoid clogging the pores.

5. Avoid passing the razor over the same area numerous times

6. If razor burn appears, apply an aloe-vera based cortisone cream twice a day to soothe the skin and reduce redness.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Aftercare of Shaving

Splashing the skin with cold water after shaving will help tone your skin, will help remove any soap and lather, and also will help stop any bleeding from nicks and cuts from shaving.

Irritation From Shaving

Do not apply deodorants, anti-perspirants or perfumes to skin right after shaving. This can cause irritation. If it stings or hurts, you shouldn't be using it.

Ingrown Hairs

Many people get ingrown hairs from shaving, especially around the bikini area. Ingrown hairs can are when the growing hair curls up under the skin instead of growing out like it should. It results in a painful red bump and sometines an infections. Sometimes the hair can be freed with a needle or tweezers. To help prevent ingrown hairs, scrubbing your skin with a loofa or mesh sponge in the shower will help reduce ingrown hairs or infections.

Itching From Shaving

People often find they itch after shaving (or when they start doing so again for the summer). The itching will go away if you keep shaving, particularly if you shave often, as stubble is one major cause of itch. Some anti-itch tips are as follows:
1. Cool the itchy area with a cold wash cloth. It can be laid over the area, or used to pat the irritated skin.
2. Rub the area with an ice cube.
3. Apply a clear, unscented Vitamin E oil or baby oil.
4. Apply an over-the-counter cortizone anti-itch cream (this may help with razor burn and little red bumps as well).
5. Dust with baby powder.
6. Use loofah or an exfoliating mitt, or various exfoliating scrubs available (Apricot Scrub being one of the most common).
7. Apply cool, pure, unscented and undyed aloe vera gel.

Use Of Baby Oil

Baby oil is good to stop irritation and to make skin softer after shaving. It also causes hair seem softer before shaving.

Different Types of Razors

A good angle between a disposable razor and the skin is about 30 degrees. Electric razors are best at a 45 degree angle.

Shaving Tips - Where to Shave

If you're shaving more than one area of the body, apply shaving oil to all areas, and then start shaving the finest hair first. That allows the shaving oil to sit on the coarser hair longer.

Shaving Tips - preventing irriration

When shaving, do not go over an area repeatedly, because this can cause irritation. For a stray hair you cannot catch, use tweezers. Be especially careful of repeat strokes in sensitive areas such as the bikini line.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Shaving Tips - Underarm hair

A few tips for shaving underarm hair: First, wash to remove any traces of deodorant. Second, raise your arm to the back of your neck to keep your underarm flat and easier to shave. Underarm hair can grow in all directions, so shave up, down and sideways to get the closest shave. Wait a few minutes before applying deodorant to avoid irritation from your antiperspirant.


Shavings Tips - Massage into face

Thoroughly massage shaving oil or shaving cream into stubble. This may provide a close soothing shave and protect against razor rashes and burns.

Shaving Tips - Use an exfoliant

Use an exfoliant such as a facial cleanser or scrub to eradicate dead skin cells and open up the pores of the skin to prepare it for a close shave.

Shaving Tips - Prepare for the beach

Some people shave differently in the summer months. If you are going to the beach or pool, you may want to shave the night before to avoid skin irritation from the sun, chlorine or salt water.

Shaving Tips - When to Shave

What time of day is best to shave? Morning, noon or night is fine. Be sure to remember to soak in a warm bath or shower for a few minutes to help soften the hair, making it easier to cut. After you're done, use an alcohol-free lotion to lock in moisture.

Shaving Tips - How often to shave

Many people ask how often they should shave. The answer is: as often as you need to. It's about what feels right for you. Everyone's hair grows in at a different rate.

Shaving Tips - for women

Some women like to shave just above the knee while others take the added step of shaving up past the thigh. There is no right or wrong way, just a personal preference. Finding the right shaving product will help make shaving easier and more comfortable. Shaving oil may work for you.

Shaving Tips - self tanning

When using a self tanner, it is important to remember to shave before you apply the self-tanner because shaving removes dead skin cells, so your color is more even and natural looking. Depending on the formula, dark tinted self-tanner may settle more in pores, so consider shaving the night before to achieve a beautiful, even bronze.

Shaving Tips - tanning

If you want to help stimulate your tan, shaving will benefit you. Shaving oil can help to remove dull, flaky skin that diminishes a healthy glow.

Shaving Tips - how to hold a razor

To properly hold a razor, place your index finger on the finger rest and grip the handle firmly, holding the razor at a slight angle above your skin. Press lightly and let the blades do their work.

Benefits of Shaving Oil

  • True or False: Oil or shaving cream isn't necessary...soap and water works just as well! FALSE! Shaving oil and creams tend to be less drying than ordinary soap and they won't clog your razor the way soap buildup can. Shaving oil like Shave Magic helps hold moisture in the hair, making hair easier to cut.



Products that can Irritate the Skin

Be careful regarding mentholated shaving products. Although the "cool' sensation feels good on the face, menthol, like alcohol, can be irritating to the skin.


Prepping Skin For Shaving

Spend time preparing your skin when ready to shave. Use a deep cleansing non-soapy face wash. Spend a little time massaging your chosen shaving preparation into your face as this again will help to soften and lift the bristles. Shaving oil will give you a closer shave. Water that is 48F or hotter actually kills spot causing bacteria.

Post Shaving Tip

After shaving, do not rub with a towel. Simply pat the area dry.

Bikini Area Shaving

When shaving your bikini area, wait 24 hours before sun exposure to protect the sensitive skin. Since bikini area hairs are naturally coarser, soak hair in warm water before shaving with shaving oil and apply a moisturizer afterwards to prevent bumps and burn.

Preventing Razor Burn

To prevent razor burn follow this two step rule: Always replace your razor blade at the first sign of dullness and always hydrate skin with warm water for 2-3 minutes before applying a nourishing after shave or moisturizer.

Best Way to Shave

Shaving with grain means shaving in the direction of how the hair grows on your face. It is always best to shave this way. Shaving against the grain can cause redness, rashes, razor burn and ingrown hairs, which are all painful.

Post Shaving Products

After shaving, be sure to apply a post shave product to leave your skin feeling smooth, supple and soft. Not applying an after shave product can make skin feel tight and dry.

Preventing Nicks and Cuts

Do not press the blade too hard against your skin as you shave. This will prevent unnecessary nicks and cuts.

Softening Hair

It is best to shave in the shower or bath as the steamy environment will help to soften the bristles, making shaving easier. On average it takes about 4 minutes for stubble to wet properly making them easier to shave with shaving oil .
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Causes of Nicks and Cuts

Nicks and cuts are caused by dull blades or losing your grip on a razor. Remember to use vertical strokes when shaving instead of horizontal.

Reuse of Razor

It is okay to use the the same razor for legs, underarms, and the bikini area. Be sure to remember that underarm hair and bikini area hair grow in different directions. Also, do not forget to rinse the blade thoroughly every few strokes for the ultimate shave.

Direction of Shaving

Make sure you have a clean sharp blade and shave using short strokes. It is important to shave in the direction of your hairs' growth, which means down on the cheeks and chin and upwards on the neck. If you are not sure, run your finger across your stubble to see which direction the hair is growing. Shaving against the direction of hair growth is the primary cause of razor burn, redness and rashes.

Rinsing of Blade

Be sure to take your time and rinse the blade and use slow strokes when shaving. Always continue to rinse blade when shaving with hot water.

Wetting Stubble

Wet stubble with warm or hot water before shaving. This swells the hair shaft allowing the blade to cut the hair, not your skin.

Shaving with Shaving Oil

Shaving with shaving oil on a regular basis will improve the look and feel of your skin by removing the top layer of dead skin cells. Products that hydrate, like a moisturizer smooth.

Aftershave

After you shave, make sure to apply an oil-free moisturizer to soothe and protect your face. If you prefer an after-shave, make sure to check the label for alcohol. Having dryness and stinging sensations are by-products of most after-shave products whose primary ingredient is alcohol. It may feel good at the time, but alcohol based after-shaves will actually irritate your complexion.

Blades for Shaving

Make sure to use a sharp blade when shaving. A dull blade can be responsible for shaving cuts as it drags over your face and catches your skin along with the hairs of your beard.

Shaving with oil for the first time?

Shaving with oil for the first time?

Use a new razor. Wash your legs and underarms or face to remove oil and perspiration. Use 4 to 5 drops shaving oil before shaving to help keep water in the hair and to ensure the razor glides easily over skin. For maximum comfort, use a light touch and shave in the direction of hair growth to shorten hairs and then against the grain to get the closest results

Friday, May 1, 2009

Shavng Ideas - Use a fresh blade

Make sure to use a sharp blade when shaving. A dull blade can be responsible for shaving cuts as it drags over your face and catches your skin along with the hairs of your beard. Of course, using a great shaving product, like shaving oil, can also help.