Shaving is not the best thing that can happen to sensitive facial skin, sometimes causing unsightly abrasions, cuts, and razor bumps. The shaving process will require careful selection of razors and shaving creams. Shaving with sensitive skin will also require proper use of the razors. A comprehensive post-shave skin care regimen will also help to protect the skin.
Make sure to use a razor that has more than one blade in it. Single blade razors will require the user to excessively sweep areas to remove hair, facilitating cuts and abrasions. Razors with three blades or more will cut the hair a number of times in a single sweep, comprehensively removing hair.
Use a razor that has a lubricating strip in it. Some of these strips will usually have a green or blue tint to them, with an emollient texture when touched. These lubricating strips will help soften the hair bristles, allowing the razor to easily slide and cut the hair with very little friction. They also coat the skin after the hair is cut, leaving a moisturizing layer behind.
Using the proper razor is integral when it comes to shaving with sensitive skin types, but the type of the shaving cream will also be an integral part of shaving. Try to use shaving cream that is free of coloring, additives, and surfactants. Surfactants are materials that gives lathering power to shaving creams. Excessive use of surfactants, however, will strip the skin of its sebum, wreaking havoc on sensitive skin.
After selecting the right razor and shaving cream, make sure that the hair is ready to be shaved by apply a warm, damp towel to the area. This will allow the hair to become pliable, allowing the blade cut right through the hair growth. After applying moist heat, apply a thick coat of shaving cream.
Grip the razor and use short, firm strokes to remove hair. Shaving with sensitive skin will require patience and a careful hand. Make sure to shave in the direction of the growth. Scraping the razor in the opposite direction will cause cuts and abrasions, which can promote pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Shaving with sensitive skin will require the shaver to have a comprehensive post-shave skin care regimen. Do not use alcohol-based facial products on a freshly shaved face, for the alcohol can cause stinging, as well as rob the skin of protective sebum. Use an aftershave lotion to help seal moisture back into the skin.