Choose the appropriate shaving implement and learn how to use it properly.
Wash and exfoliate the area with warm water and soap immediately before shaving. This helps slough off dead skin cells, so that you don't end up using blades to move them aside when they could be focused solely on cutting hairs. The warm water softens the existing hair and encourages the pores to open, making for a closer shave. The warmth of the water also helps remove oils that may be harboring dead skins cells or other foreign matter than can clog pores or interfere with shaving. The soap eliminates bacteria, which is itching to get into your freshly shaven pores and cause irritation or even infection.
Apply some kind of lubricant, preferably shaving cream. Shaving skin directly with a razor is a no-no. The razor should never contact your skin without some kind of lubricant mediating the encounter. Otherwise, the blade will drag the skin rather than skim along its surface.[4] Apply shaving cream liberally in small areas at a time so that the foam stays thick and doesn't run off before your done. Shaving cream softens the hair and moisturizes the skin, but if you're in a pinch, you can also shave with conditioner or even with soap (only if you're really in a pinch).
Pat dry and moisturize. Don't rub with a towel, as that can irritate the freshly shaved skin. Use a generous amount of moisturizer that is free of perfumes and other potential irritants (e.g. baby oil). Never apply deodorant, anti-perspirants, perfume, or anything that stings on just shaved skin. Click on the last slide to get more tips from a video in the web.
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