There is no overstating the importance of perfect grooming. In fact, it is the single most important thing one can strive to achieve in a short amount of time.
By now, you probably think you know all you need to know about grooming in general. And you should. You might find that constantly improving and bettering yourself is difficult. But difficult could turn into impossible if you disregard important rules.
Take shaving, for instance. Most men think they have it all covered. But as with most things in life, there is always room for learning. And being adamant about improvement and learning via new skills is the make or break quality for all of us. As an Iconic Man, you need to be on top of your game, and at your most presentable every day of the week. And that includes not worrying about the results of shaving.
So let’s take a look at the best tips you can get, to make sure that your shaving techniques match your skin type. Because what is considered good shaving etiquette can differ a lot from one person to another. And determining and knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your skin type can be detrimental in getting perfectly groomed.
Men skin types
Depending on who you ask, and judging by their characteristics there are five main skin types.
Normal, combination, oily, dry and sensitive. Each of them has unique attributes that make them instantly noticeable.
-Normal skin
Basically the DNA jackpot winners. If you are among them your face will have barely visible pores, a radiant complexion, very few imperfections, and no major sensitivities.
– Combination skin
The most common skin type that somebody can have comes with a few problems because your skin will need specific care in different places. It can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others. You usually have to pay special attention to your nose, forehead and chin, or what constitutes the T-zone.
– Oily skin
This one requires more attention and is one of the most problematic. You have to deal with enlarged pores, Blackheads, pimples and other skin problems, as well as a shiny complexion.
– Dry skin
Dry skin is not free from issues either. If you have this skin type you may have to trade your almost invisible pores for more visible expression lines, red patches, and a rougher complexion. You are predisposed to a lot more cracking and scaling than people with other skin types.
– Sensitive
Unlike other skin types, sensitive skin can be the result of the body reacting to particular cosmetics or climatic related conditions. It can be categorized by redness, itching and sometimes large areas where the skin loses moisture.
Best Shaving Tips
Shaving tips for Normal Skin
Your skin helps you to get away with almost anything. It’s not too oily or too dry. But if you want to avoid any problems, you need to use good quality shaving cream instead of a foam or gel. And the reason is simple. Your skin might be great but in time using subpar shaving products will turn even the best normal complexion into a sensitive one.
To prevent this you also need to splash some hot water on your face before you apply moisturizer. The hot water will open up your pores and ensure the skin maintains an optimum level of hydration and suppleness.
Shaving tips for oily skin
When it comes to shaving, your oily skin has an interesting advantage. The fact that it has more natural oil than other skin types, makes it easy to take care of from a razor perspective. You can basically use any razor type or brand because your skin will be less likely to collect cuts. The secret is that the hair follicles associated with oily skin types are more malleable and easier to take care of.
To make for an even better shave you must have a regular maintenance program. Make sure you don’t use a scrub when cleaning your face. Use aftershave products that don’t dry out your face. Drinking enough water will also help you keep in check the oil levels, between shaves.
Shaving tips for dry skin
For a dry skin complexion, make sure you use the best razors on the market as your skin tends to irritate more easily. Put that in conjunction with a thick beard, and you could be in for eternal shaving problems. Luckily there are enough grooming tips to help you get past most of the discomfort of shaving. The best one is to always try to shave immediately after showering. Your skin will be better moisturized and more prepared for the entire process.
Water and steam will make your hair follicles softer and easier to shave off. Likewise, you will have to use pre-shave oils or creams that can assure a better glide, because when you have dry skin it matters not how thick the foam is but how slippery the surface.
After completion, try to avoid aftershaves and go for products that will help you hydrate. The added moisture will sooth everything down and make sure you don’t end up with any red spots. One other tip is to avoid washing your face with soaps, especially deodorant soaps, between shaves. It will only make your skin dryer and harder to protect.
Shaving tips for sensitive skin
This skin type is often prone to breakouts, razor burns, bumps, and cuts. Your best defence against that is to look for specialized razors that are specifically designed to deal with sensitive skin. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, just make a mental note that in your case more blades mean more chances of hurting your skin. Going for 5, or 6 cartridge razors will only deprive you of more natural oil, as they will take off too much skin in one go.
To actively improve your skin condition before, and after shaving, you must lower the number of cosmetic products you use daily. At the same time, be very gentle yet serious about cleaning your face every day.
You literally do not have the face type that allows you to get away with washing your face only when you shower. Be very wary of any alcohol-based aftershaves. They will seem to work at first, only to give you all kinds of breakouts afterwards. Finish your shaving ritual by applying some thermal water and a bit of moisturizing cream.
Another good grooming tip to use between shaves, is to stay clear of direct sunlight in the summer.
Being that combination skin is usually a mixture of oily skin and one of the other skin types you should take your tips according to the skin type that matches your current complexion.
Make sure you use these grooming tips, that focus your specific skin type, to actively deal with the everyday displeasure of dealing with the aftermath of shaving. They will have a big impact on the way you feel and on your efforts to actively improve as a man. Getting rid of all shaving related unpleasantness will give you more confidence, and allow you to concentrate on the things that help you improve and become more Iconic.
Author Profile:
Iconic Man is a journal dedicated to all men who yearn for an iconic lifestyle. Our mission is to help men becoming legendary, and take everything in life to the next level. We want to enrich and improve men’s lives and above all help them to become a better version of themselves with every passing day. And we endeavor to do that quickly, efficiently and with all the verve required so that they can become as Iconic as they can be!
