Why Natural Ingredients Are Best For Men's Shaving Products
Men who shave on a regular basis may find that their skin is irritated by conventional shaving products, which can contain harsh chemicals and alcohol. Here’s a look at the benefits of using natural shaving products for both the quality of your shave and the condition of your skin.
Less risk of irritation and sensitivity
A common problem associated with shaving is ‘razor burn’, which can cause the skin to look red and lumpy. This feels uncomfortable, and doesn’t help your self-confidence if you don’t feel as though you are looking your best. It’s caused by a combination of poor shaving technique and the wrong products, although some men naturally have more sensitive skin.
Shaving in the direction that your hair naturally grows can help, rather than going against the grain. It’s also best to shave when your hair has been softened by a warm shower, or simply by holding a warm damp washcloth to the relevant area. This will make it easier to cut the hair cleanly and smoothly, with less risk of dragging and irritation.
It’s also helpful to wash your skin with a gentle cleanser first, to warm it up and also to wash away dirt and oils that may cause irritation and infection. Look for a product that contains natural ingredients such as lemon balm and witch hazel.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid products that contain alcohol, parabens, artificial perfumes, and other synthetic ingredients such as preservatives and additives. These can be excessively drying and can trigger inflammation.
If your skin is prone to flakiness, or feels rough or oily, then consider using natural exfoliant to give it a deep cleanse and also to lift the hairs and make them easier to remove cleanly.
Enhanced moisture and softening
Natural ingredients will help to keep your skin deeply hydrated and nourished, and applying a natural pre-shave product will also create a smooth surface for the razor to glide over. This will reduce the risk of nicking your skin with the razor blade, and also leave your skin feeling softer and more comfortable.
Look for products that contain organic ingredients such as cedarwood and aloe vera, which provide a nourishing base layer and also have soothing antioxidant properties. This will minimise the appearance of any redness and discomfort, and help to keep your skin calm and even toned post-shave.
Post-shave soothing
After your shave, your skin is at its most sensitive, and harsh aftershaves can make it worse, because they often contain alcohol and artificial fragrances. Look for products with natural ingredients such as witch oil, jojoba, and bamboo, which will calm inflammation and minimise the appearance of redness and bumps.
Further tips to reduce shaving irritation
Replace blades on a regular basis
As well as always using organic natural shaving products, make sure that you always use a clean sharp blade and replace them on a regular basis. This will reduce the risk of razor burns, and also give you a closer and smoother shave. It’s recommended to replace disposable razors after five to seven shaves.
Shave regularly
The frequency with which you need to shave will vary depending on your rate of regrowth and the look you want to achieve. Generally, shaving every one to three days is best to avoid damage, because longer hairs curve and are more likely to cause irritation from the tug of the razor.
Choose products that are gentle enough for regular use, as some synthetic shaving foams can be very harsh and drying, increasing the chances of redness and irritation.
Use light pressure
Use light steady pressure to avoid placing too much stress on your skin and increasing the risk of cuts. Rinse your blade after each stroke to avoid friction and ensure a smooth result.
Guard against long term damage
If you continually neglect your skin with poor shaving techniques and the wrong products, you can end up causing permanent damage, including grooves and scars. Therefore it’s always worth making a little extra effort to give your skin some love and treat it kindly.
Natural products are not only gentler on your skin, but they are also kinder for the environment, as they frequently contain responsibly sourced ingredients that are biodegradable.
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