The Tribune

Skin Care

By Sarah Beek

For a great shave and healthier skin, you have to go beyond gliding a razor over skin. Combine these tips with the right pre-shave, shave and post-shave regimen for the ultimate shave:

• Shave after showering to pre-soften the skin.

• Pay attention to hair growth direction: The best time to determine the pattern of your beard is to run your hand along beard growth approximately one to three days after shaving.

• Avoid alkaline-based products and soap, which can dry skin.

• Avoid after-shave lotions containing alcohol; they not only cause pain, but contribute to irritation and fail to replace the skin’s natural protective barrier.

• Shave with the right pressure; pressing hard won’t deliver a closer shave, just more irritation.

• Use a steady, constant motion when shaving, making each stroke around one to two inches long.

• Rinse the blade clean before each stroke.

• Use a sharp, clean razor and shave with the grain.*

• If you have a heavy, coarse beard, shave against the grain only after first shaving with the grain (when the hair is shorter and less likely to curl back in on itself). Re-apply all necessary shaving mediums before shaving against the grain. 

• This information was taken from www.dermalogicacaribbean.com. Sarah Beek is a professional skin therapist at the Dermalogica Skin Centre in the Old Fort Town Centre. For more information or to make an appointment, call 377-SKIN (7546), e-mail appointments@dermalogicaskincentre.com, or visit www.dermalogicaskincentre.com.