Shaving Razors of Different Types

As we know, shaving is a part of daily routine of every man in the morning. Choosing the right type of razor is the most necessary step towards a close and cuts-free shave. There are so many kinds of razors available in the market today; it's difficult to choose which one is right for you. If you have general information about each type of razor available, making the choice becomes easy for you.

There are many different types of razors on the market for shaving unwanted hairs. Some razors are made of lightweight plastic and are disposable, some have heavy handles and only disposable heads and others come in the electric form. The one that is right for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you are in need of selecting a razor, here are some points to ponder in selecting the right razor for you.

Shaving has been going on for hundreds of years. Early men pulled out unwanted hair with their hands. Later, hair removal became a little less traumatic and blades were used for shaving facial hairs.

Picking a razor will mostly depend on your preferences. Some people prefer using a new razor each time they shave, so a disposable razor. Others dislike the cuts and nicks from blades and prefer an electric razor. There are razors of various sizes, colors and blade number. The main consideration when choosing a good razor is to find the one that gives you the kind of shave and results you want when shaving. Everyone has different hairtypes and skin types. What works for one person, may not work for another.

Blade razors:

Disposable razors: It might be the perfect choice for those looking for a close shave without the worry of changing out the head. These are inexpensive and come in all different varieties. If you are considering using a disposable razor, think about what you need in a razor. Some are very basic, offering just one blade. Others use new technology with up to four blades per razor head and swiveling heads. As a general rule, disposable razors with several blades offer the closest and smoothest shave.

Blades can be of different types, double blades or loose double blades are also used in these razors.

Traditional razors : These are often a little more expensive than disposable razors and often give similar shaves. Some people prefer these because the handles tend to be heavier and easier to manipulate with wet hands and skin. These razors also offer close, smooth shaves. These are very similar to disposable razors, but they handle is used over and over again and the heads are replaced with each shave.

Safety blade razor: There are traditional loose, double edged razors and single and twine-blade cartridge razor, some or which are adjustable for lighter or close shaves.

Electric Razors

These razors are rechargeable and some can even be used with water or shaving gel. For the most part, these give close shaves without the worry of nicks. Sometimes, electric razors do not give close shaves in areas that are bony, such as around the chin or knees. Electric razors are also good options for those who are on the go or who travel frequently and need a quick shave without the water or shaving lotion. These also come in all different brands and prices ranges. Still, these are good options for some.

Electric razors are also of different types.

Foil head razor : A foil head razor has a think flexible screen over the cutting head, which moves back and forth.

Rotary blade razor : This is less common and has spring mounted guards over the cutter.

Either types of electric shave have adjustable setting to regular the closeness of the shave.

Avoiding Shaving Rashes:

Razor burn does seem to be a minor issue, it actually is not, and you are actually tugging at sensitive skin. Curing razor burn is simple and easy; simply soften face with a light layer of moisturizer before applying shaving foam. Allow the cream to penetrate into the skin and then shave off. Your skin will feel softer and supple and no more rashes too.

To start with, ensure that the toiletries used for shaving are up to the mark; avoid using blunt blades as these give a poor shave.

Wash face with a facial wash as this will soften the beard and dislodge grime from the skin.

Shave in short strokes in the same direction as hair grows this avoids hair in-growth.

Opt for an after shave with soothing ingredients and natural fragrance.

The choice of razor is ultimately a matter of personal preference, with cost and convenience being the main consideration.

Shaving tips and Minimizing Side Effects of Shaving

Shaving is an integral part of a man's daily routine which starts as soon as his early teens. Getting a smooth shave everyday gives them the confidence to give a good start to the day ahead. These tips will help men get a smoother shave with minimum of problems.

It's best to avoid shaving the very first thing in the morning. If possible, let your skin wake up a while. This allows the "puffiness" you encounter from fluids collecting in your skin during the night to recede, thus allowing you to get a closer shave when you do begin the task.

Use an exfoliate such as a facial cleanser or scrub to eradicate dead skin cells and open up the pores of the skin to prepare it for a close shave.

Stubble should be wetted with warm or hot water before shaving. This swells the hair shaft allowing the blade to cut the hair, not your skin. So, first cleanse your face properly using warm or hot water (or if you are in a hurry, splash some hot water). It will soften the beard and help open up the pores.

Thoroughly massage shave cream into stubble. A vitamin and Aloe Vera based shave cream will provide a close soothing shave and protect against razor rashes and burns. Massage your shaving cream or oil into the area to be shaved. Shaving oil or cream will give you the best results and be a lot less drying.

Use a sharp blade. A dull blade is responsible for many shaving cuts as it drags over your face and catches your skin along with the hairs of your beard. For better shaving control, razor handle should be heavier.

Rinse the blade often in hot water when shaving and use slow short strokes. Take your time.

Always first, shave in the same direction as hair growth; this prevents in-growth to a large extent. Then re-lather and shave slightly against the direction of hair-growth for a closer shave.

Shaving with grain means shaving in the direction of how the hair grows on your face. It is always best to shave this way. Shaving against the grain can cause redness, rashes, razor burn and ingrown hairs, which are all painful.

After shaving, apply an oil-free moisturizer to soothe and protect the face. If you prefer an after-shave, check the label for alcohol. Dryness and stinging sensations are by-products of most after-shave products whose primary ingredient is alcohol. It may feel good at the time, but alcohol based after-shaves are actually irritating to many complexions. In the last, use a moisturizer over the face and neck to keep the skin firm and supple.

Be wary of mentholated shaving products. Although the "cool" sensation feels good on the face, menthol, like alcohol, can be irritating to the skin.

A lot of foam or lather is not needed. Many grocery and drug store shave creams contain skin irritants such as Sodium Laurel Sulfate, which are formulated to "foam up" the product. However, these irritants may be the cause of your skin problem.

Side effects of shaving:

Shaving can have numerous side effects, including cuts, abrasions, and irritation. Some people with curly hair have an adverse response to shaving called pseudofolliculitis barbae, or "razor bumps" due to ingrown hairs. Many side effects can be minimized by using a fresh blade, plenty of lubrication, and avoiding pressing down with the razor. Some people choose to use only single-blade or wire-wrapped blades that shave farther away from the skin. Others cannot use razors at all and use depilatory shaving powders to dissolve hair above the skin's surface.

Many people traditionally believed that shaving would cause the hair shaved to become thicker and darker. However, this bit of conventional wisdom has been disproved. The resulting stubble only makes the hairs seem to be thicker, as a shaved hair has a blunt end as opposed to the tapered end of an unshaven hair, and because hair is often darker in color near the root. Clinical studies have demonstrated that shaving does not have an effect on hair growth rates or density.

Cuts from shaving can bleed for about fifteen minutes. Common methods used to stop bleeding include putting alcohol on a cotton swab and pressing it onto the cut until the bleeding stops, as well as tearing off a small piece of toilet paper and placing it onto the cut. The latter method, however, can be undesirable for aesthetic reasons. Products such as styptic pencils can also be used to stop bleeding. Placing a small amount of petroleum jelly on a cut after most of the bleeding has ended can stop the bleeding without forming a scab. Shaving in a cold shower can help prevent bleeding as well, because blood flow to the skin is reduced in these conditions due to vasoconstriction caused by the cold water.

Skin Care Tips to Make Skin Beautiful

Men are now warming up to the idea of taking proper cares of their skin and grooming their looks, which was a distant thought some time ago. Skin care for men is growing in popularity among ethnic men as well. The first thing anyone notices is the face, be it a man or a woman. Healthy skin is the most important element of a great looking face.

Here we discuss some basic tips and guidelines to encourage healthier skin.

Cleansing your face:

Men have approximately 15% oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women do. Basically, this means they get dirtier. It is very important; no matter what skin type they have, to clean the face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good.

Cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Deodorant soaps shouldn't be used on the face. They cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind. This may irritate the skin and will clog your pores. Go natural.

Soap strips your skin of natural oils, and your glands react by producing even more oil. Try a gentle foaming cleanser or milk cleanser if this problem is mild. If you need something stronger you could always try a cleanser or spot treatment with salicylic acid and beta hydroxyl.

A good scrub is essential for healthy clean skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of the face. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. They will tear and damage the skin. A good scrub will invigorate the skin, not hurt it.

Moisturize it:

Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on the face after cleansing and shaving and don't forget the neck!

For an intensive moisture treatment, men can use pure vitamin E, or aloe Vera oil. It is available in liquid form, or just break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin. This is a great under eye treatment. Remember it is very important to moisturize this sensitive area of the face. It is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin secretes no necessary oils on its own.

Keep your skin toned:

Environmental debris and pollutants are more a factor to the men's skin's health. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm. As skin ages, it needs to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxyl acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They are aggressive and have quick results. Remember to look for a product that is not photosensitive (sensitive to light).

Treating the skin:

Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or combination) and the time of year, there are different products that treat and enhance your skin. Different treatments will have very different results. It is important to know the skin's needs.

All types of skin need to be exfoliated. This is the removal of dead skin cells that form daily. This is an essential part of skin treatment. After shaving, moisturizing the skin with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it is important. Avoiding heavy fragrant after-shave products is good as they can irritate the skin.

Skin that is too shiny doesn't look healthy, just greasy. Blot the excess oils away. Blotting papers or a light powder that will give the skin a more natural finish, are both good options to try.

Don't forget about the lips. Find a balm that has an SPF of at least 15 in it. Peppermint oil has a nice feel and keeps the lips looking luscious.

Some Protective measures:

Healthy skin is young looking skin. There are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep it looking its best longer.

Avoid over exposure to the sun. Sun damage leads to hyper pigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use an SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on the face.

Staying in shape should be high on your list. Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which keeps skin looking young.

Eating right is also very important as, what you eat will eventually show off on your skin too. Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regimen. Drink at least 2 liters of water throughout the day. This will flush out the toxins and keep the skin cool. Vitamin C, E, B and zinc are important components of a healthy skin. Make sure that you include these in your daily diet.

Everything in moderation. Too much of anything is never a good idea. Stay away from excessive alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging; they also decrease facial circulation making you look older.

Men are also entitled to have beautiful skin. Taking proper daily care the skin and sticking to healthy habits will ensure that.