After shaving, the blades raze off the top layer of the skin at a microscopic level and that causes a loss of moisture that resides on the skin. As a result, one can notice redness, dryness, itchiness, and inflammation if they do not compliment the lost moisture. Applying a moisturiser immediately after a shave is the best way to recover the lost moisture on the skin after shaving.
In this article, we have explained why should you moisturise after shaving and some best practises so that one does not experience skin issues later on.
Table of Contents:- Part 1: What Is the Need to Moisturise After Shaving?
- Part 2: How Long After Shaving Should You Moisturise?
- Part 3: Types of Moisturisers for Different Types of Skins
- Part 4: How to Moisturise After Shaving?
- Part 5: Common Moisturising Mistakes After Shaving and How to Avoid Them
Part 1: What Is the Need to Moisturise After Shaving?
Shaving cuts off hair at the skin’s top level and exfoliates the skin in the process. It also completely removes the moisture that stays on the skin in general. One doesn’t normally lose all the moisture all of a sudden unlike in the case of shaving, which is why it becomes very important to compliment the lost moisture with the help of a moisturiser after shaving.
Benefits Of Moisturising After A Shave
Hydrates Skin & Prevents DrynessMoisturisers provide immediate hydration and moisture that one loses during shaving. As a result, moisturisers prevent the skin from getting dry if one applies it just in time.
Makes Skin SofterWhen the skin gets enough moisture, it can become soft and very tempting to touch. Also, it feels very lovely to touch the skin that one has just shaved and moisturised.
Maintains & Improves Skin Texture
One can improve their overall skin texture because the skin gets all the nutrients and moisture that it needs to retain the best texture.
Gives A Refreshed Touch & Feel
The skin will feel very pleasing and refreshing when someone touches it if the skin has been just shaved and moisturised well.
Provides A Friendly Barrier To The SkinThe moisturiser does not necessarily absorb in the skin entirely and a layer of moisturiser can sit on the skin that gets absorbed when the skin needs it. Till then the moisturiser acts as a barrier to the skin against the foreign particles and lets it stay fresh.
Allows Skin To Heal QuicklyIt is very common to damage the skin at a microscopic level when shaving and the right moisturiser can allow one’s skin to heal quicker than normal.
Eliminates Redness & Skin IrritationRedness and skin irritation occurs when the skin loses moisture for quite some time. But if one applies a moisturiser in time, they can avoid any redness, inflammation, skin irritation, or other skin issues that could have otherwise risen due to dryness.
Part 2: How Long After Shaving Should You Moisturise?
In general, one should moisturise within the next 10 minutes after shaving so that the skin does not have to thrive for the lost moisture much. One should first pat dry their skin and ensure that there is no water sitting on the skin. Then apply the right moisturiser with gentle hands.
Also, a person can moisturise multiple times in a day after shaving if the skin still feels itchy or dry. They can moisturise once right after shaving and once again at night. One should avoid applying too much moisturiser at once.
Part 3: Types of Moisturisers for Different Types of Skins
A lot of people in the UK have a question- what moisturizer should I use because there are different moisturisers for different types of skins.
- Dry skin: cream-based moisturisers
- Oily skin: gel-based moisturisers
- Sensitive skin: hypoallergenic moisturisers (fragrance-free)
- Normal skin: water-based moisturisers
- Acne-prone skin: Non-comedogenic moisturisers
- If the skin needs to be exposed to sun: moisturisers with SPF
Part 4: How to Moisturise After Shaving?
- If shaving before a bath, one should moisturise after it. Pat dry skin with a terry towel first and make sure that the skin is fully dry.
- If shaving after a bath, one should wipe all the cut hair and make sure that the skin is completely clean and dry.
- Take some moisturiser on the palms enough that it doesn’t overflow and rub it between the palms.
- Apply moisturiser with gentle hands and light pressure all over the shaved area until it spreads evenly.
- If the shaved area is large, apply moisturiser in a small area first.
- Then take more moisturiser on the palms, rub it, and apply on the remaining portions evenly.
- After applying, see if the skin still looks dry or if it feels itchy or red anywhere. If one finds any of these symptoms, apply some more moisturiser in that area.
- Let the skin absorb the moisturiser for a few minutes. If one has applied in excess, pat dry with a towel so that the skin does not get irritated.
Part 5: Common Moisturising Mistakes After Shaving and How to Avoid Them
Using Wrong Type Of Moisturiser Based On Your Skin Type
They design moisturisers for different types of skins and using the wrong one is very common especially among men. One must choose the right moisturiser, especially if they have sensitive skin. To find the right moisturiser, one should look at the product’s label.
Being Harsh To The Skin
Being harsh to the skin when applying a moisturiser is a very common mistake, especially among men. Apply moisturiser gently and rub softly. Some people rub the skin harshly and because shaving can damage skin at a microscopic level, rubbing moisturiser swiftly and roughly can further damage the skin.
Not Letting The Skin To Dry Before Moisturising
It’s important to dry the skin before applying a moisturiser. One can either pat dry with a terry towel or let it air dry if that does not take too long. Applying a moisturiser on dry skin will let it absorb in the skin quickly and give better results overall.
Applying Moisturiser With Dirty Hands And On Dirty Skin
Sometimes people shave and apply moisturiser with dirty hands and/or on their dirty skin, which is a major blunder in their routine. Never should one put moisturiser on dirty skin and with dirty hands. If shaving before bathing, apply a moisturiser after bathing and drying the skin. If shaving after a bath, wipe off all the hair and wash hands before applying a moisturiser.
Over Moisturisation
Moisturiser in excess per application is a waste of the product. Skin can absorb a limited amount of moisturiser per application and the remaining will sit on the skin that can feel greasy and very uncomfortable. It can spoil the clothes and look very dirty.
Conclusion
Moisturisers are a must after shaving for all types of skin. If one has coarse and dense hair, then using a moisturiser immediately becomes a must because such skin is easily irritated after shaving that has thick and coarse hair. Moreover, one may find some moisturisers with anti-ageing properties in the UK market that is great if they are ageing. If possible, use a moisturiser with SPF, especially if there one needs to go out under direct sunlight for a long time. Skipping moisturisers after shaving can leave one with skin issues that can take some time to heal.
