Whether a clean-shaven face is a personal preference or a requirement for your 9-to-5, or you’re just shaving your neck and cheeks, you’re still prone to all the same issues. Redness, irritation, and even razor bumps can occur if you haven’t perfected your routine. Even worse, you can suffer from dry skin after shaving. You know the sensation—when your chin starts to feel like sandpaper. But, instead of suffering through the discomfort, fill your arsenal with the right men’s shaving products and revisit your process.

What causes dry skin after shaving?

A range of issues can lead to your dry skin. Shaving too frequently can leave your skin in a vulnerable state. Each shave essentially has the effect of exfoliation, removing that top layer of dead skin cells in addition to your facial hair. Thus, shaving too often, or even taking too many passes, leads to inevitable irritation. Also, soaps or washes with detergent or alcohol strip your skin of its natural oils. Those natural oils offer a protective layer for your skin, and they keep your face hydrated. The wrong men’s shaving products dehydrate the skin and make it more susceptible to common shaving issues.

Clean your face before shaving

The perfect shave calls for the perfect conditions. And one of those conditions is most certainly a clean face. You need to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and anything else that might be lurking around before the razor touches your beard. If you don’t remove these particles, they essentially create an additional layer for your razor to cut through. That means more passes and drier skin. To ensure a clean mug, use a gentle men’s face scrub that acts as a mild exfoliator and cleanser all in one.

Lather up

Though some tough guys prefer to shave without any lubricant on their face, this approach isn’t suggested. It increases the likelihood of nicks and cuts, and it just isn’t comfortable. You need to ensure your face has a nice, slick surface to glide your razor across. Smooth skin guarantees smoother passes and less of them. Trade out the gels and foams for shaving soap. It gives you an old-fashioned lather without the hassle of the bowl and brush. Our tea tree & peppermint shaving soap is made with several natural ingredients, including coconut oil. Coconut oil helps soften the hair prior to your shave and lifts the hair up from the skin for more precise shaving

After your shave

Once you’re done shaving, your work isn’t finished. The key to avoiding dry skin after shaving is moisturizing. Immediately after you shave, splash your face with cold water to close your pores and rinse off any remaining shaving soap. Then, apply a moisturizing aftershave. This helps heal the skin post-shave, and keeps your skin hydrated. Remember, shaving leaves your skin vulnerable. A moisturizing aftershave ensures you have a protective layer immediately after your shave.

Additionally, maintaining moisturized skin involves some daily practices. You should keep your skin clean by rinsing with a gentle cleanser in the morning and just before bed. Also, applying an oil-free moisturizer twice daily is a surefire way to prevent issues with dryness or itchiness.

Though your dry skin is related to the way you’re shaving and the products you’re using during your shave, you don’t have to keep suffering. Update your routine and your bathroom cabinet with the right essentials. And, take care of your skin every day. With the right daily habits and a long-term care plan, dry skin will be a part of your past—just like your facial hair.