Shaving instruments have advanced nicely past the disposable pink razors for girls. Right now, there’s a variety of razors available on the market designed for a smoother shave, with many specializing in decreasing cuts and irritation, reminiscent of security razors.
Because the title suggests, security razors are designed with a protecting guard to protect the pores and skin from harm throughout shaving. They’re usually sharper than conventional razors and tackle points like razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks, so correct use is necessary to keep away from hurt. Under, we requested two board-certified dermatologists to elucidate how one can select the precise security razor, use it safely, and keep and clear it successfully.
What Are Security Razors?
In response to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, security razors are designed with a protecting guard to protect the pores and skin from harm throughout shaving. They use a single blade, which gives an efficient shave and gently exfoliates the pores and skin. Razors with a number of blades could be extra more likely to irritate the pores and skin and improve the chance of ingrown hairs. Whereas single-edge razors could be costlier, they usually have a shorter studying curve in comparison with double-edge razors. For individuals who are environmentally aware, selecting a razor with a sturdy, sturdy deal with and replaceable blades is a good choice.
The way to Select the Proper Security Razor
Selecting the best security razor is essential for reaching a clean, comfy shave whereas minimizing the chance of pores and skin irritation, cuts, and ingrown hairs, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. James C. Collyer. He explains that the advantages of utilizing an acceptable razor embrace a more in-depth shave, decreased pores and skin irritation, fewer nicks and cuts, and total higher pores and skin well being. Deciding on the precise razor depends upon particular person wants, reminiscent of facial hair sort, pores and skin sensitivity, and most popular shaving technique. Different elements Dr. Collyer suggests to contemplate embrace:
- Deal with Design and Grip: A cushty deal with with a great grip is important for management and precision, decreasing the chance of slipping and reducing the pores and skin.
- Variety of Blades: Extra blades can present a more in-depth shave however may additionally improve irritation. Single-blade razors, like security razors, are typically gentler on the pores and skin.
- Blade High quality and Sharpness: Excessive-quality, sharp blades supply a cleaner lower, minimizing the possibility of pulling hairs and inflicting irritation.
- Ease of Blade Substitute: Razors with simply replaceable blades are extra handy and guarantee constant shaving efficiency.
- Extra Options: Options like pivoting heads enable the razor to observe facial contours whereas lubricating strips might help soothe the pores and skin throughout shaving.
The way to Put together to Shave With a Security Razor
Utilizing a security razor for the primary time could be intimidating. “The blades in security razors are sharp, so there’s a danger of nicking and reducing,” says Dr. Camp. It is necessary to train warning, however fortuitously, security razors usually include directions on how one can maintain and place the razor, in addition to tips about shaving to attenuate the chance of harm. There’s additionally some prep work concerned: “Exfoliating and cleaning the pores and skin earlier than shaving softens coarse hair, reduces friction, and gives a more in-depth shave.” Moreover, contemplate the next preparations:
- Facial Hair Sort: Coarse, thick hair could require a extra strong blade or a number of blades for efficient reducing. Nice hair may be adequately managed with a single-blade razor.
- Pores and skin Sensitivity: Delicate pores and skin advantages from razors with lubricating strips and fewer blades to attenuate irritation.
- Desired Shaving Technique: Conventional moist shaving could also be greatest suited to security razors, whereas comfort may lead you to decide on electrical razors.
The way to Use a Security Razor
Step one is to make use of a cleanser with heat water to take away extra oil, particles, and lifeless pores and skin cells from the pores and skin’s floor, says Dr. Camp. “Exfoliating additionally helps remove lifeless pores and skin cells and reduces friction throughout shaving, making the method smoother.” You should utilize a bodily, chemical, or combined exfoliant whereas showering.
Basically, Dr. Camp recommends tilting the razor at a 30-degree angle and dragging it within the path of hair progress with out making use of extreme stress. “Utilizing a security razor usually requires observe; mastering the approach entails studying to carry the razor on the right angle to the pores and skin.”
Dr. Collyer advises shaving within the path of hair progress. He explains that hair grows in several instructions on varied elements of the physique, so modify your approach accordingly. A better shave will increase the chance of creating razor bumps, that are ingrown hairs unable to pierce the pores and skin floor as they regrow. To attenuate this danger, depart some hair barely above the pores and skin floor. Whereas pulling your pores and skin taut may give you a more in-depth shave, it additionally raises the chance of razor bumps as a result of the blunted hair finish could not penetrate the pores and skin floor because it regrows, inflicting it to twist underneath the pores and skin.
Set up a Put up-Shave Skincare Routine
Your shaving routine doesn’t finish whenever you step out of the bathe. There’s an artwork to the post-shave skincare routine. “Making use of a moisturizer or post-shave balm helps the pores and skin get better from the abrasive results of the razor. These merchandise restore the pores and skin barrier, assist it retain moisture, and will cut back the chance of razor burn,” says Dr. Camp. He recommends searching for substances like aloe vera, lipo hydroxy acid, willow herb extract, and vitamin E, which may hydrate the pores and skin and deal with or forestall razor bumps and razor burn. Merchandise containing olive extracts, tea tree oil, and lavender oil are additionally helpful, as they assist forestall ingrown hairs, bumps, and razor burns with their light-weight, fast-absorbing formulation.
The way to Preserve and Clear a Security Razor
Clear Your Razor
- Cartridge Razors: Rinse totally underneath heat water after every use. Faucet the razor gently to take away hair and particles.
- Security Razors: Disassemble and rinse every half underneath heat water. Use a brush to take away any residual hair.
- Electrical Razors: Observe the producer’s directions, which generally contain eradicating the top and brushing out trapped hairs. Dr. Camp advises cleansing the razor after every stroke to take away hair particles that accumulate underneath the blade, which may have an effect on its effectivity.
Dry After Every use
- Guarantee razors are utterly dry earlier than storing them to stop rust and bacterial progress. Shake off extra water and pat dry with a towel.
Correct Storage
- Each consultants recommend storing razors in a dry place, away from the bathe or any damp surroundings. Think about using a razor stand or case.
Blade Substitute
- Dr. Collyer recommends changing blades often in accordance with the producer’s tips or whenever you discover a lower in shaving efficiency. For security razors this can be each 3-6 shaves.
The Closing Takeaway
Security razors are designed to cut back irritation and pores and skin injury, that includes a protecting mechanism between the blade and the pores and skin to attenuate the chance of cuts. To get the most effective outcomes, cleanse and exfoliate your pores and skin earlier than use, apply the correct quantity of tilt and stress, and shave within the path of hair progress. Correct cleansing and storage are additionally essential. The frequency with which you need to substitute the blade can differ primarily based on hair thickness and shaving frequency, however a great rule of thumb is to switch it after each 3-6 makes use of.