While most articles and guides focus on pre-shave prep and shaving technique, a post-shave treatment is often treated as an afterthought. And this is particularly common in the context of electric shaving as most men seem to think that a post-shave routine is not necessary anymore.
And for some lucky few this can be the case and they can get away without doing anything at all once the shaving is completed. But for the majority of us, a simple post-shave routine can be highly beneficial.
In this article I’ll go over what I consider to be the pillars of post-shave skin care that will make a big difference without adding too much extra fuss.
Let’s face it (pun intended): nobody likes to do extra stuff. That’s probably one of the reasons you switched to electric shavers. No more blades, lengthy prep, messy lathering and tedious shaving sessions.
And here I am telling you that you still have to follow-up your shave, even though you’re now using an electric shaver, with the blades safely kept behind a metal guard.
But bear with me, as it’s going to be short and sweet.
Why is a post-shave treatment still needed when using an electric razor?
While electric shavers are gentler to the skin compared to a blade, some micro cuts on the skin can still occur. This unfortunate and painful situation is often the result of applying excessive pressure. Small bits of the skin, particularly the ones around the hair shaft that seem to cling to it, actually enter through the perforations in the foil and get cut by the blades. A soothing, calming aftershave balm is highly recommended.
An exfoliation of the skin still takes place, even though not to the extent of what happens in the case of traditional wet shaving. A superficial layer of skin cells is scraped off and keeping the skin hydrated and nourished is the single most important thing you can do.
Excessive heat during operation or applying too much pressure can cause razor burn. A quality aftershave balm will soothe the skin and reduce the discomfort.
Treat your face right: a dead easy, simple and effective 3 step post shave routine
1. After completing the shave, wash your face with cold water.
Cold water has a calming effect, closing your pores, tightening the skin and relieving the pain caused by razor burn. If you use shaving cream with your wet/dry electric razor, I recommend washing any leftover lather with warm water and then splashing your face with cold water. The calming and refreshing sensation is quite amazing.
2. Use a clean, soft towel to PAT dry your skin.
Note the pat part; do not rub your face with it and only use it on your face.
3. Apply a hydrating, moisturizing and calming aftershave balm.
A quality aftershave balm will calm the irritations of the skin, keeping it hydrated and well nourished. Stay away from the ones that contain alcohol and nasty chemicals, like parabens and phthalates.
My personal favorites are the Proraso Sensitive Post Shave Balm, Truefitt & Hill Authentic No 10 and the Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm. Here is an article I wrote that goes over some of the best aftershaves you can use with your electric razor.
And that pretty much wraps up your post-shave routine after shaving with an electric razor. If that’s not short and sweet then I don’t know what is.
Final word
A post shave routine is not only about the immediate comfort. Well, that too, but most importantly it will have a great contribution towards a healthier skin.
And having healthy skin will indirectly lead to a more comfortable, close and enjoyable shave.
The three simple and quite trivial steps presented above are enough for an effective post electric shave routine. That’s really all it takes, so make sure you’re not skipping it.
And for some lucky few this can be the case and they can get away without doing anything at all once the shaving is completed. But for the majority of us, a simple post-shave routine can be highly beneficial.
In this article I’ll go over what I consider to be the pillars of post-shave skin care that will make a big difference without adding too much extra fuss.
Let’s face it (pun intended): nobody likes to do extra stuff. That’s probably one of the reasons you switched to electric shavers. No more blades, lengthy prep, messy lathering and tedious shaving sessions.
And here I am telling you that you still have to follow-up your shave, even though you’re now using an electric shaver, with the blades safely kept behind a metal guard.
But bear with me, as it’s going to be short and sweet.
Why is a post-shave treatment still needed when using an electric razor?
While electric shavers are gentler to the skin compared to a blade, some micro cuts on the skin can still occur. This unfortunate and painful situation is often the result of applying excessive pressure. Small bits of the skin, particularly the ones around the hair shaft that seem to cling to it, actually enter through the perforations in the foil and get cut by the blades. A soothing, calming aftershave balm is highly recommended.
An exfoliation of the skin still takes place, even though not to the extent of what happens in the case of traditional wet shaving. A superficial layer of skin cells is scraped off and keeping the skin hydrated and nourished is the single most important thing you can do.
Excessive heat during operation or applying too much pressure can cause razor burn. A quality aftershave balm will soothe the skin and reduce the discomfort.
Treat your face right: a dead easy, simple and effective 3 step post shave routine
1. After completing the shave, wash your face with cold water.
Cold water has a calming effect, closing your pores, tightening the skin and relieving the pain caused by razor burn. If you use shaving cream with your wet/dry electric razor, I recommend washing any leftover lather with warm water and then splashing your face with cold water. The calming and refreshing sensation is quite amazing.
2. Use a clean, soft towel to PAT dry your skin.
Note the pat part; do not rub your face with it and only use it on your face.
3. Apply a hydrating, moisturizing and calming aftershave balm.
A quality aftershave balm will calm the irritations of the skin, keeping it hydrated and well nourished. Stay away from the ones that contain alcohol and nasty chemicals, like parabens and phthalates.
My personal favorites are the Proraso Sensitive Post Shave Balm, Truefitt & Hill Authentic No 10 and the Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm. Here is an article I wrote that goes over some of the best aftershaves you can use with your electric razor.
And that pretty much wraps up your post-shave routine after shaving with an electric razor. If that’s not short and sweet then I don’t know what is.
Final word
A post shave routine is not only about the immediate comfort. Well, that too, but most importantly it will have a great contribution towards a healthier skin.
And having healthy skin will indirectly lead to a more comfortable, close and enjoyable shave.
The three simple and quite trivial steps presented above are enough for an effective post electric shave routine. That’s really all it takes, so make sure you’re not skipping it.