Men's Grooming Tips: Choosing Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is one of the tools men use to achieve a well groomed appearance, and minimize the dangers of emerging from our morning routine looking as if we just completed an undercover mission.A good share of men approach the selection of shaving cream with no more thought than what is at eye level in the grocery store.The time has come to eliminate that as your primary criteria and go for something that is actually good for you.By choosing a product that is right for you and your facial skin, you end up saving both time and money.

It is important to know the type of skin you have in your beard area.As an example, men with oily skin should look for a product that contains a mild astringent. Facial hair is already pretty tough, and too much oil combined with your beard can cause your razor to clog more easily.A clogged razor will not offer a clean shave, and will be more difficult to properly clean for the next use.A good quality shaving cream with a mild astringent will eliminate enough of the oil to prevent this, while still not leaving your face feeling like rice paper.

If your skin is at the other end of the scale, then you most likely need to shoot for a shaving cream that will provide some moisturizing during the shaving process.Dry skin will require something to help soothe the drag of the razor across your beard area.Use of a shaving cream that does not offer some degree of moisturizing protection will increase your chances of razor burn and increase your chances of nicking your skin.

If you are not sure of what type of skin you have in your beard area, or if you have a recurring skin condition that may result in a rougher terrain to shave, consult with a professional.A dermatologist or other skin care professional can give you expert advice about what elements you want in your shaving cream, and will save you money and a great deal of pain in the long run.

Regardless of your skin type, be sure to apply warm water to your beard before applying any product.The warm water will help soften the beard slightly and also help the product to adhere to the hair more efficiently. The water can be splashed on, or you may choose to use a washcloth that has been lightly wrung out.

Another factor in your selection is the scent of the shaving cream.Once was the day when choices were basically limited to two:regular and menthol.Those days are long gone.A trip to any retail outlet will provide the buyer with a wide selection of shaving products, scented with everything from trendy scents that remind you of air fresheners to more natural scents like cinnamon or bay rum to fragrances that mimic some of today's more popular men's colognes.Unless you enjoy smelling like the candle aisle in a grocery store, avoid all these.Go with something that is unscented or has a fresh scent that will not clash with your aftershave or cologne.

How you apply your shaving cream is also important to consider.Some men prefer to squirt the cream into their fingers and use a hand to apply the product.Others prefer to use a shaving brush.Either way, it is important to remember that you do not need to use half a can of product each time you shave.While most of us figured that out the first time our fathers caught us learning to shave, some guys have not woken up to the fact that more product does not mean a closer shave.All that is needed is a thin, even coat over the beard area.If you prefer to use your hands, you will most likely get a more even coat using a shaving gel that foams up as you apply it to your face.If you use a shaving brush, you will get better results using a canned foam shaving product.Simply squirt a dollop of the cream onto the tip of your brush and apply in steady consistent strokes until you have a thin coat.

Make sure that you always apply the product and shave in the direction of your hair growth.It is a myth that shaving against the direction of your hair growth will yield a closer shave.In addition, you run greater risk of razor burn, or finding yourself with unattractive razor bumps, which are essentially ingrown facial hairs.To achieve the shave you want, take your time.You are not hacking down shrubs on a deadline.Easy, consistent strokes, frequently cleaning your razor with warm water, will yield a close, event shave.

With careful selection and application of the right shaving cream, and a little attention to the way you shave, you will look professional and well groomed for your entire work day.