A Man's Guide to Grooming

6 Steps to a Great Shave:
1. The first step to a great shave is to open up your pores. If you don't shave in the shower, you can prepare the skin by running a washcloth under warm water. Then, apply the washcloth to your face for at least 60 seconds.

2. Clean your face by using an exfoliating scrub. Exfoliating scrubs are helpful for removing dead skin cells, which can block the blade. Rinse your face clean with warm water.

3. Next, use a preshave oil to help moisten your skin and soften the hairs. Then, massage your shaving cream over the beard and be sure to leave it on for a minimum of two minutes before starting to shave. Shaving cream needs time to do what it is supposed to do. If you leave it on for only 30 seconds and begin to shave, what you're really doing is shaving dry hair—which will increase your chances of getting razor burn.

4. Begin shaving with grain. Take two short strokes, and then rinse your blade clean. You will decrease your chances of nicks, razor burn and ingrown hairs. Do not apply too much pressure when shaving. Once you have finished shaving with the grain, you can now go against the grain for an even closer shave. To avoid nicks, pull the skin taut, especially around the nose and mouth area. Do not apply too much pressure when shaving.

5. Rinse with cool water to close pores.

6. Finish your shave by gently patting dry your skin and apply a moisturizer with SPF. If you enjoy using an aftershave, astringent or toner after your shave, do this first, and then apply your SPF moisturizer. It is very important to use an SPF moisturizer every day on your face in order to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

How to prevent razor burn, ingrown hairs and skin irritation