

Whether you’re a guy with curly facial hair that causes razor bumps or if you’re like me and prone to acne, shaving over skin imperfections can be a painful mess. But a few quick tips can help you get bumps and zits under control—and make shaving something you actually enjoy.



1) Shave after showering

A warm shower makes shaving more comfortable. For years, I resisted because I like to rinse the mess of shaving off in the shower. But once I got into the habit of the post-shower shave, I realized that a few minutes under the warm water makes a big difference.

When in the shower, I suggest doing very little to your face. I rinse with warm water and leave it at that. Avoid hot water, washing your face with soap, harsh cleansers, or exfoliating products with grit. And don’t use a washcloth.

FREE EBOOK FROM SHARPOLOGIST: How To Get A Better Shave No Matter What Products You Are Using

2) Use a shaving cream that you enjoy using

By the time I left my job in the headquarters of one of the world’s largest cosmetics retailers, I had tried dozens of shaving products. Few made much of an impression and most were loaded with ingredients that I didn’t love. But there’s one product I buy with my own money over and over again: the Birch, Spruce & Juniper Shave Lotion from Heliotrope. For me, shaving often hurts and this product is the most soothing of any I’ve tried. Plus it has a big dose of zinc, an ingredient that creates a calming, non-greasy texture and is thought to have anti-acne benefits. This product definitely costs more than the cheap foaming stuff at the supermarket, but it improves my shaving experience so much that I consider it well worth the price. 3) Shave with a safety razor and fresh blade Multi-blade razors are promoted with impressive ad campaigns—but the close shaves they deliver are too close for guys with problem skin. After a shave with two, three, or more blades, the hairs retreat under the skin and as each grows, it struggles to push its way out. Often the hair gets stuck inside the follicle where infections can take hold. So what razor should you buy? If you go to a drugstore in the United States, the only single-blade razors you’ll find are attached to disposable shavers. But do not buy them. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away 2 billion disposable shavers each year. Even if you’re not about to join a Greenpeace protest, its hard to ague that these products are anything other than an enormous waste of resources and an unnecessary source pollution. RELATED POST: What Is The Best Double Edge Safety Razor? That leaves safety razors as your best option and it’s easier to transition than you might think. Once I decided to make the leap, this blog and a couple of YouTube videos helped me get started and I’ve never looked back. If you’re in the market, here’s a detailed list of safety razors available on Amazon.