The Truth Behind Shaving
Noemi Iniguez
Do you go with or against the grain? Shaving is always time consuming, but when it comes to shaving, there are many different methods. Maybe some of us use shaving creams, while others just do it on the run before work. But did you know that certain shaving routines may leave your skin damaged? Although your skin may feel smooth, your skin can get dry or shaving nicks! Most people don’t know that shaving tends to have a couple of different tips and tricks depending on the hair type. The thicker the hair, the more likely it’ll be a little more difficult to get the results you want, but that’s okay! Here’s a little information on the art of shaving and how it affects your skin.
The Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Skin
According to Refinery29, there is actually a couple of differences between female and male skin. For starters, men’s oil glands are a lot larger than women’s, thus they create more sebum, which means that men tend to have oilier skin than women. Therefore, men who produce more oil should cleanse daily with the Chimere Bump Control Cleansing Bar, which not only helps clean bacteria and oils, but it’s also going to help remove dead skin cells. Now, because of the excessive oils, men tend to have more hydrated skin than women, but they are more likely to have a higher chance of getting acne. Not only do men have oilier skin, but they sweat more, so if the skin is not cleansed daily, there is a higher chance of bacteria and oils getting caught in the pores, mixed in with sweat!
However, women are more likely to age faster than men. Why? Testosterone creates thicker skin while women lose collagen as they age, and the loss is escalated after menopause. But even with thicker skin Refinery29 states, “Despite their thicker skins, men are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer, due to more sun exposure and fewer visits with doctors. And, more than 8,600 American men will die this year from melanoma, and men over 50 are more than twice as likely as women to develop and die from skin cancer�. In other words, sunscreen is not only necessary for women, but for men as well. Always apply sunscreen before heading out! Because women’s skin is more likely to lose collagen faster, they have to be careful when shaving because the lost of elasticity can cause cuts to heal slower and make the skin more sensitive.
Women Can Shave Their Face Too Kirbie Johnson from POPSUGAR explains the facts about women shaving their face. Although some women are okay with having fuzzy hairs, what many women don’t know is that it’s okay for women to shave their face. Johnson cracks down the myths perfectly: Myth: “It’s going to grow back darker and thicker.” Fact: Your hair does not grow back darker or thicker. In fact, your hair on your face is more than likely to grow out the way it was before shaved—light and soft. Myth: “I can use any razor.” Fact: No. You can’t use just any razor on your face. Try an angled razor, otherwise you run the risk of shaving cuts. Myth: “I don’t need a technique.” Fact: According to Johnson, it’s best to “Pull the skin taut, then start shaving downward on your skin in short strokes. You can't just drag the razor against your skin — it wouldn't do anything. Also, hold the razor at a 45degree angle against the skin. Don't freak when it looks like you skinned a lamb. You have more hair on your face than you think!”
Shaving & Swimming
Olympian Michael Phelps sported a beard after the ending of his successful career following the 2016 Olympics in Rio. But why did he choose to grow his beard after and not while winning six medals in the Olympics? According to Active, “[Swimmers] body hair acts like Velcro when it contacts the pavement, hooking into the road and tearing out patches of skin. Smooth legs allow for slicker, slipperier contact with the ground, allowing one to escape less-scathed in a spill.” So not only does shaving help speed up the removal of dead skin cells, but it also helps for an easier glide when diving into the pool. Although this swimmers shaving is nothing new, it has become very accepted by U.S. culture, as the New York Times states, “the swimmers who shave to eliminate drag in the water — is so widely accepted a cultural practice that an ‘Access Hollywood’ reporter in Rio submitted to a Brazilian waxing on the air.”
Shaving Tips A man typically spends about six months of his life shaving, while women choose to shave over other hair removal options, according to Dermalogica. Although many men, and women, could prefer to go without shaving, we still do it, and sometimes in a rush. However, here are some skin concerns to keep in mind so that you won’t damage your skin the next time you shave:
Shower First By allowing your skin to get in a little moisture before shaving, not only is your skin going to feel softer, but you’re also going to get a closer shave Exfoliate Do you get ingrown hairs or razor bumps? Try exfoliating, which helps get rid of dead skin cells and prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs. This applies to armpits, face, and legs. Try the Platinum Line Medicated Cleansing Bar which is going to help you get rid of dead skin cells and prep the skin for shaving! To Go or Not To Go With the Grain We all want a nice, smooth, clean shave, so many of us like to go against the grain. But, going against the grain is going to increase the chances of razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Try to figure out what way your hair goes by running your hand on the hair to see which way it moves.
For a Closer Shave, Try Hot Water Not too hot, but hot water helps open pores and prep the skin, and after washing, WebMD states, “Follow your shave with a cold water rinse.” Using cold water is going to reduce the chances of skin inflammation after shaving. Stroke Like A Butterfly Don’t press too hard on your razor! We all want that close shave but pressing too hard is going to irritate the skin and may cause shaving nicks! Gently press lightly onto the skin! Also don’t stroke too fast! Shaving shouldn’t be a race (even if you’re running late). Stroke gently and slowly in order to prevent razor bumps and irritation.
Avoid Alcohol on Post-Shaved Skin Try to avoid using products that contain alcohol or jumping into a pool right after shaving. Alcohol and chlorine cause irritation in the skin which damages your skin from protecting itself. Also, don’t use alpha hydroxy acid products or other exfoliants right away either.
Moisturize You need to moisturize the skin daily. Opt for crèmes such as the My Natural Beauty Olive Oil Body Crème, which contains no sulfates and has organic extra virgin olive oil. This is one of the most important steps in shaving due to the fact that your skin may get dry depending on your routine. If you don’t hydrate your skin before or after your shaving, you may not only get dry skin, but it can also create inflammation. Don’t Leave Your Razor in the Shower What many of us don’t know is that leaving your razor in the shower will not only leave it open to more bacteria, but not washing after is going to leave the gunk on your razor to spread bacteria, which leads to acne! Clean your razor with rubbing alcohol, dry it with a clean towel, and store it somewhere dry, or in a case, such as the one Amazon offers. Also, EverydayHealth states we should be using a razor every week or biweekly, or how much you shave. But if your razor is getting rusty, throw it away immediately. Old razors can be harmful to your skin because of the bacteria that gets on the razor.
Apply Sunscreen Lastly, don’t forget to apply sunscreen! Your skin is more sensitive after shaving, so if you’re heading out, use the Platinum Line Skin Beautifying Milk with SPF 15, which is not only going to prevent your skin from sun damage, but it also helps dark spots and discolorations fade away!.
Stopping Shaving Nicks from Bleeding Sometimes, you’re going to wake up late, and you’re going to rush into the restroom and shave your face. And because you rushed and snoozed through your alarm, your skin is going to pay the price when you accidentally cut yourself while shaving. Instead of applying tissue, try these home remedies that GQ has created!
Deodorant Although deodorant is used to contain sweat and any odors that come along with sweat, the ingredients that are found in deodorant, such as aluminum chloride, help tighten sweat glands. Applying it onto the nick is going to help clot the blood by closing the blood vessel. Lip Balm Products such as Chapstick or Vaseline will help the nick. After applying it the skin will have a soft, and smooth feel. Ice Cubes As mentioned earlier, cold water reduces irritation, so applying the ice cube on the cut is not only going to reduce irritation, but cold also helps shrink blood vessels, causing the cut to close up. Mouthwash Although this one might sting a little, the alcohol in the mouthwash works as an astringent (which helps close pores), the mouthwash is going to help tighten up the cut. Eye Drops The ingredients in eye drops will also help close up the blood vessels.
So, next time you pick up the razor, just remember—your skin is experiencing an exfoliation. Treat your skin, when you shave, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen. All that hard work on shaving should be rewarded, so by treating your skin, you’re going to help nourish your skin and have it looking radiant! Moisturizing should already be a part of your beauty routine, but using a moisturizer after shaving is going to come in handy in keeping your skin looking and feeling good. Lastly, remember to keep it hydrated before shaving. Your skin is primarily made up of water, so getting your daily dose of H2O is going to help your skin and your energy! Don’t forget that taking your time shaving is going to help reduce shaving cuts and help let the real you shine through!
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