Once you’re done with the shaving process, do you have to wash off shaving cream? This is a common question among men who shave on a regular basis. If you are reading this article, you must be wondering the same thing.
There isn’t a definite answer to this question because each person has different preferences for the shaving routine. However, you should keep certain tips in mind to take the best care of your facial skin after shaving. Let’s find out what they are!
Do You Have To Wash Off Shaving Cream?
Yes, you should wash off the shaving cream.
While some people find it enough to just towel the shaving, most feel more comfortable with rinsing it off their faces.
Wiping off shaving cream with a towel can’t completely get it off your skin. There will be residue on your face, which can cause irritation when it dries.
Rinsing shaving cream with water is the best way to clean your face thoroughly and prepare your skin for aftershave care.
What To Do After Shaving
Rinse Off Shaving Cream
You can either let the running water wash off the shaving cream or use a wet washcloth to wipe it off. You should use your hands and rub gently on the area that has shaving cream to make sure it’s removed completely.
In most cases, rinsing with warm water will open the skin pores. It helps you remove all the remaining foam on the skin. Then, rinse again with cold water to seal your pores.
If you feel irritated, you should rinse with cold water. It will soothe your pores and make you feel more comfortable.
Towel Dry Your Skin
After rinsing off the shaving cream, you need to dry your skin by patting a towel on your face. Remember to do it slowly and gently because your skin becomes more sensitive after you shave.
It’s recommended to use microfiber towels for this step as they are less likely to itch your skin.
Apply A Moisturizer
This step is meant to keep your skin soft. Apply a moisturizer or baby oil to the shaved area. Using lotion with aloe vera can ease razor burn, especially where your skin is more sensitive.
It’s worth noting that you should not use products with fragrance in this step because their harsh chemicals may sting razor-related cuts and dry your skin.
Besides, you should opt for a water-free moisturizer as it helps your shave last longer and makes your skin smoother.
Lastly, avoid all alcohol-based moisturizers and aftershaves. Such products will burn and dehydrate your skin, which prolongs the recovery process.
Apply Aftershave
Take a few drops of aftershave, and pat them on the shaved area. This step is not a must for everyone, but it helps seal your pores and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
However, note that aftershave may burn or sting a little bit after being applied to your skin. There are two types of aftershave for you to choose from:
Aftershave splash
It is usually in the liquid form, containing 70% alcohol, while the rest is glycerin and allantois. These products have toning, astringent, and antiseptic properties, which nourish your skin, reduce skin inflammation, and improve skin moisture.
Aftershave splashes are suitable for those with oily skin and living in warmer climates.
On the other hand, the alcohol in these product makes your pores tight, allowing for ingrown hair. Hence, they may cause a tingling effect along with invigorating sensation to people with sensitive and dry skin.
Aftershave balms
Aftershave balms contain natural ingredients such as glycerin, allantoin, aloe vera, coconut, jojoba, and castor oils. These products are thicker than aftershave splashes with a semi-solid form.
Aftershave balms soften your skin and facial hair, offer a greater moisturizing effect and irritation relief from razor bumps. They are perfect for the cold, dry weather.
Aftershave lotions
Aftershave lotions balance the aftersgave splash and aftershave balm. They are creamy but not runny. These products are made of mineral oils, glycerin, myristyl, water, aluminum starch, propionate, and fragrance.
They seal your pores, moisturize your skin, and tackle with skin dryness. They also act as a skin conditioner.
It’s worth noting that aftershave lotions are not suitable for acne-prone skin as they can make the condition worse.
Extra Tips To Treat Your Skin After Shaving
Sun Protection
As your skin is more sensitive after shaving, it’s more prone to damage under the sun. Therefore, you should put on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outside.
That said, you should wait for at least 24 hours from the shaving time to put on sunscreen and go out.
Take A Break
Shaving every day gives your skin little time to recover from the influence of shaving cream and the razor. Depending on how fast your bread grows, you should shave from a few times a week to once every few weeks.
Also, on your shaving days, do it only once. Don’t shave again immediately just because you are not happy with your beard. Shaving twice a day will dry your skin and make it worse.
Replace Old Razors
If you don’t replace your old razor in a long time, it can do harm to your skin. Old razors are rusty and may have dirty buildups that contain bacteria. As a result, you will likely get skin issues from old razors.
It’s time to buy a new razor when there is a gunk or waste accumulated in the equipment that can’t be rinsed off with water. Other signs include rusty blades, lower cutting effectiveness, etc.
Final Thoughts
Washing off shaving cream from your face is not mandatory, but this is something you really need to do. This is not only makes sure your skin is cleansed thoroughly but also allows for proper skin care after that.
Simply wiping off the product with a dry towel may leave residue on your face. It can cause discomfort when it dries and may not be good for your skin.
Finally, after shaving, you should always cleanse your face, apply supporting products to moisturize, and soften your skin.
