For most men, shaving is just a personal hygiene routine. This is applicable even for men who are into grooming and take special efforts to shape, trim, and style their beard or stubble. However, if you have sensitive skin, shaving can be a very painful experience.

Here are a few common mistakes you can avoid the next time you shave.

Avoid using cold water
Cold water shrinks the pores and does not allow the shaving cream to penetrate deep into the skin. Always rinse your face with warm water first to help open the pores and expose the hair follicles.

Lack of pre-shave preparation
Applying shaving cream directly will not be as effective as using a pre-shave gel to moisten the skin and prepare it for the shave. Also, prefer canned foam instead of shaving creams for a better result.

Improper shaving technique
Skin irritation is the result of improper shaving techniques. Always shave against the grain, i.e., the direction in which your hair grows out. A good-quality blade and minimal pressure will suffice for a clean-cut shave.

Using excessive force
Applying unnecessarily excessive force and pressure on the sensitive skin will result in more nips and cuts. You don’t have to exert too much pressure as long as the blade is properly positioned over the hair follicles for a smooth gliding action.

Using alcohol-based aftershave
Alcohol-based aftershave will only dry out the skin instead of protecting it after the shave. Use aftershaves with natural moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin properly hydrated.

Now that you know what not to do, let’s take a look at how you can make your daily shaving experience a pleasant one. Take a look at the following shaving tips that are specifically for someone with sensitive skin.

Preparation is key
This is probably the most important shaving tip for those with sensitive skin. Sensitive skin needs time to be prepped before a shave, and sometimes it is not enough that you use a pre-shave gel. A facial scrub and wash will further soften the skin and facial hair before you apply shaving cream or foam. The more your skin is hydrated, the smoother will be your shave with minimum irritation. Avoid using alcohol-based cleansers and scrubs.

Use the right set of tools
Shop for razor blades specifically designed for sensitive skin. These razors often feature multiple blades that are closely placed to cover the maximum surface area with minimal pressure and effort taken for shaving. Multiblade razors can be expensive but are mostly reusable for at least a dozen shaves.

It’s all in the blade
Using a dull blade is one of the main reasons for experiencing skin irritation. It is very common for you to lose track of the number of shaves with a particular razor blade. However, there are some telltale signs that you can identify when the razor blade starts wearing out. Any tugging or discomfort experienced while shaving is a clear indicator that the blade has been worn out.

Technique matters
Often, improper technique is one of the common mistakes that you might make while shaving. One of the popular shaving tips you will come across is to apply minimal pressure while shaving against the grain. However, you must first ensure a quick shave with the grain before going against for a clean shave. Gels, foams and shaving creams will smoothen the skin but only quality technique will ensure a good shave.

Staying hydrated
It is not enough that you use external products before or after shaving to keep your skin hydrated. You must drink plenty of water to help hydrate the skin and stay healthy in general. Drinking plenty of water will naturally moisturize your skin. It is one of the easiest and cost effective shaving tips for sensitive skin you must consider.

Rinse the blade thoroughly
Among other cost-effective shaving tips, you must rinse the blade thoroughly before and after the shave but also during after each stroke. A dull blade often drags on your skin, which results in irritation and can potentially cause an infection due to improper maintenance. Rinsing and cleaning will also prolong its life by a couple of extra shaves over what is recommended by the brand.

Shaving tips to prevent and treat razor burn
Getting that perfect clean shave look is nothing short of a challenge, even if you have been shaving all your adult life. Shaving tips aside, you must know what to do in case of a severe razor bur that causes skin irritation.

• Swap your blades after they have been used thoroughly, don’t skimp out on buying razor blades
• Beware of repeating strokes after the foam has been scraped away, exposing bare skin to the blade
• Use a gentle aftershave moisturizing lotion instead of aftershave liquids if you suffer from a razor burn

Apart from following the shaving tips mentioned above, it would be preferable to buy quality brands from popular brands like Gillette, Merkur, Simpson’s, The Bluebeards Revenge, Dovo, D.R. Harris, and Edwin Jagger.