For so many men, a wet shaving session is the best part of the day. There’s something about this timeless grooming practice that feels therapeutic and relaxing. However, you really won’t get the most enjoyment (and the closest shave) out of your wet shaving session if your skin isn’t properly prepped beforehand.
Prepping your skin for a wet shave isn’t a complicated or time-consuming process. In fact, it’s pretty much required as skin that’s not adequately prepared can become irritated. So, if you want to enjoy the closest shave and the smoothest skin, follow this guide. We’re gonna walk you through every stage of the skin prep process so that you can take your shaving game to the next level.
Take a Nice, Hot Shower
We always recommend shaving right after a hot shower or bath. Besides the fact that it will get you nice and relaxed, a hot shower or bath will open up the cuticles and pores on your skin. This will make it easier for you to get a perfectly close shave.
You see, cold air causes our hair follicles and pores to tense up. This means that as you shave over your beard, your razor is more likely to pull on those hairs. When the pores and follicles are open, you don’t have to do nearly as much work.
Use a Soap-Free Cleanser
If you want to have a successful wet shave, clean skin is a must. The right cleanser will rid your complexion of grease and dirt that can get in the way of what your razor is trying to do. We always recommend using a soap-free cleanser as the harsh ingredients in soap can dry out your skin and cause irritation. An oil-based cleanser tends to be very popular among wet shavers these days because of how it hydrates the follicles while gently cleaning out the pores.
Moisturize!
If there’s one step that you absolutely cannot miss, it’s moisturizing. If your skin isn’t properly hydrated, you’ll end up irritating it with the sharpness of your razor blade. Moisturizer acts as a sort of buffer, preventing the abrasion of the blade from causing razor burn or ingrown hairs.
When it comes to picking out a moisturizer, opt for quality. You don’t want to end up with a cheap moisturizer that ends up clogging your pores and causing breakouts. The good news is that there are plenty of moisturizers out there that are made with excellent ingredients sold at very affordable prices.
Wet Your Face with Lukewarm Water
Lastly, it’s time to wet your skin. It’s very important that you use lukewarm water as water that’s too hot will dry and irritate your skin. Meanwhile, water that’s too cold will cause those follicles to close up, making the shaving process more difficult overall.
A Smooth Wet Shaving Experience Awaits!
By prepping your skin properly prior to your shaving session, you’ll be able to guarantee that your skin looks and feels great throughout the day.