Dan's Papers - June 22, 2007

A lot of guys I know treat their face and beard as though they were living in the Stone Age. They use cheap, drug store shaving foams, old or disposable razors, alcohol-based aftershave lotions, and they end up with cuts, nicks and irritated skin that could be avoided if they took the time to update their grooming arsenal. Using the latest and greatest safety razor is not enough. Men need to follow a specific regimen that is conducive to keeping skin in its utmost condition. Shaving should be a joy, not a pain.

Skin is delicate and needs to be treated with tender loving care. If you're like most guys, you probably shave almost every day. You can't keep abusing your face and expect to look and feel your best. Let's face it - shaving can be an invasive activity. Applying a sharp metal blade to your face cuts hairs but also removes microscopic layers of skin and can cause irritation. Contrary to uninformed opinions, you shouldn't abuse your face to get a close shave. In fact, you'll want to do just the opposite. Here are a few rules to help put a little joy back into this daily ritual.

Shave in the shower - Shaving should be your final step before leaving the shower. The warm moisture of a shower makes hairs soft and plump and opens your pores.

Lubricate - A performance shaving formula should form a slick, lubricating cushion allowing shaving blades to glide without scraping. Leave it on your face for a minute before shaving. Some believe that pre-shave oils are unnecessary and sold to supplement the inadequate lubrication of most shaving products.

Use a face scrub - A gentle scrubbing massage will help open pores, prime follicles and raise stubs for a closer shave. This exfoliation removes dead cells and impurities that can cause acne, ingrown hairs and infection. It will also smooth and renew your complexion.

Use a sharp blade - Some guys will try to get the most out of every blade, even when the experience becomes painful. Please, do not do this to yourself. Try to discard shaving blades after four or five uses. They really don't stay sharp enough for more than that. Use gentle strokes and don't put too much pressure on the blade.

Avoid irritants - They can damage the skin and create microscopic swelling. Avoid anything that tingles, stings or numbs during or after shaving, when your skin is vulnerable. Stay away from alcohol or strong plant extracts such as menthol, peppermint or citrus.

Post-trauma soothing - Lastly, protect your skin by applying an alcohol-free, fragrance-free and moisturizing aftershave balm, gel or lotion. This may be the most important step as it nourishes, protects, soothes and regenerates the skin. By doing so, you make each successive shave more comfortable and beneficial. Don't skip this step. It is important to calm irritation, balance your skin's moisture content and prevent potential problems such as ingrown hairs or clogged pores. Also, no alcohol! You need functional, anti-inflammatory and pore-clearing ingredients.

For special occasions shave in two steps. First, shave with the grain using very light pressure. Second, reapply a coat of shaving cream and shave against the grain for close and smooth results. If you have a tough beard or sensitive skin, apply a layer of pre-shave oil to your face and neck. This will protect the skin by softening the beard and help the razor glide. You can use pre-shave oils by themselves or under the shave cream. Use your free hand to gently stretch and hold the skin on your face while shaving. This will provide a smoother glide surface for the razor and will make the shave closer.

For guys with sensitive skin, it is best to use creams, gels or lotions that are scientifically designed to be hypoallergenic and compatible with sensitive skin. These products should be 100% free of added fragrances, oils, dyes or other irritants commonly used in men's skin care and grooming products.

Menscience Androceuticals offers cutting edge grooming and skin care products scientifically developed for the unique needs and characteristics of men. Grooming formulas are based on professional and dermatological grade ingredients that deliver tangible benefits, while avoiding distractions such as fancy packaging or marketing fluff.

Another website that is tailored specifically for men is www.mugonline.com. You will find information about men's skin care, shaving and grooming, along with advanced tips for issues like dark puffy eyes, razor burn and acne.