Skin Care Info

Step 1 and 2: Preparing and Applying the Lather

1. Preparation
One of the most important aspects of wet-shaving is preparation. Our beard doesn’t stubbornly grow only for the sole purpose of being shaved. I’m sure that an anthropologist can provide some more information on why we have a beard and its purpose. However, for the scope of this discussion lets just agree that our beards need some special treatment in order to get a baby-butt shave. Most people agree the shaving oil is a very good prep product. I personally notice a great improvement in my shave when I’m using shave oil, but not only oil. There are some other products out there, such as Proraso and Prep-Italy pre-post creams or Taylor of Bond Street Pre-shave Gel, only to name a few. Also, if you are stingy, a regular, oily face & body cream will do the trick. Vaseline creams worked very well for me until I discovered that they are “heavy” on petrol and not helpful to my long-term health prospects. 2. Applying the lather on your face
Some will write novels on how to obtain a good lather and the correct way of applying it on your face. I have more trust in people and I’m sure you’ll figure it out by yourself. Just some simple rules:
a) If the lather is too thin you have added too much water or you have a crappy cream or soap.
b) If you are using a canned gel or cream, you don’t know what you are missing or what a good shave is.
c) If the lather is too thick, don’t worry. There is not such thing as too thick a lather. You are fine.
d) You can create lather in a shaving mug or directly on your face. I for one, I prefer the mug.
e) If you use a brushless cream (i.e. Nancy Boy or The Art of Shaving) don’t try to create lather in a mug. Chances are you are going to fail. Instead apply the cream on your face and work it with a brush. This way you can fool yourself into believing those creams actually lather.

More steps to come……

Wet-shaving has transformed a dreaded routine into a ritual I look forward to every day. Through my blog I would like to bring this experience to more classic shaving enthusiasts around the world. http://fendrihan.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/four-or-so-steps-to-a-great-shave-part-1-1405017.html

Step 3: Shave

If you pay attention to what you are doing, this should be an easy and enjoyable process. As noted in a previous blog entry, the most important and greatly overlooked aspects of wet-shaving are the blade angle and the pressure applied on the razor.

The shaving blades are also very important. Blades can be sharp, dull, forgiving, smooth, cheap, expensive and overpriced (whenever you have a dull, expensive combination). The sharpest ones are the Japanese Feathers, with the Swedish Gillette’s , Derby and Dorco platinum tied for a close second. After that, you have the mild ones: Personna Super +, Merkur, Astra, Regular Dorco and Treet Platinum. Finally you have the rather dull blades: 7A.M, Red Personna, Lord, Sputnik and the list goes on.  Here it has to be noted that a sharp blade doesn’t necessarily translate into a smooth shave. You can get a good shave with a very mild blade as long as you prepare your beard properly and your stubble is not made of copper wires (I unfortunately, am not as lucky).

Step 4: Clean and Moisturize

After you finish shaving, using warm water, you should remove the remaining lather  and immediately follow with some cold water to close the pores. Some will use an alum block. They say that it will tell them how good the shave was. I guess the eventual nicks and stubble spots aren’t enough proof of a crappy shave. Your skin has to suffer even more from the burning inflicted by the alum block to convince you that your shave sucked.  Joking aside, an alum bloc is a very good way of closing the pores and sanitizing your freshly shaved face. Next, you can apply the –sometimes extremely expensive– balm or aftershave splash. I wouldn’t use aftershaves that are very heavy on cologne and alcohol (some alcohol is OK though). This for the simple reason that it will dry and harm your skin.

Wet-shaving has transformed a dreaded routine into a ritual I look forward to every day. Through my blog I would like to bring this experience to more classic shaving enthusiasts around the world. http://fendrihan.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/four-or-so-steps-to-a-great-shave-part-2-1405029.html

Shaving brushes are essential for a complete shaving experience. A brush is the best way to apply the shaving cream or any other shaving product onto the face prior to the actual shaving. To ensure that you get only the highest quality shaving brushes, you need to familiarize yourself first with the types out in the market. The experience will be much more enjoyable with the right type of brush for your needs and preferences. Exactly how does a shaving brush work? Think of it as a sponge that absorbs water, which would then blend with the shaving cream before it is put on your face. The amount of water the brush absorbs would greatly depend on the type of bristles used, so choosing the material the bristles are made of will be one of the most important decisions you will make. The types of brushes are also divided into the material used for the bristles. Types of Shaving Brushes & the Hair Used Shaving brushes made of badger hair are some of the finest ones available in the market; shaving enthusiasts also claim that these brushes are an absolute luxury to use. The badger hair bristles are extremely soft to the touch, which is important for use on sensitive facial skin. These are also the most durable brushes, superior to the ones using synthetic materials for their bristles. Higher priced than brushes made of other materials, these brushes are still the best ones considered by wet shaving enthusiasts. Brushes made from Boar’s hair have a lower water-retention capacity, less than the ones made of badger hair; the smaller amount of water retained by the bristles results in a less effective lather. Boar’s hair bristles often feel prickly and stiff, a far cry from the soft and fine badger hair bristles. Synthetic fiber brushes are available in varying prices and quality, mostly depending on the specific synthetic material used and the durability. Some of these brushes are made purely from nylon; some are mixed with boar hair in hopes of making the brush more usable (which sort of defies the logic of having a synthetic brush in the first place, if you were looking for a vegan option, for example). These brushes are the least expensive kind, although they are also known to be the stiffest and prickliest; they also hold the least amount of water. Users who are allergic to animal hairs would benefit the most from using synthetic fibers. After establishing the different shaving brush types and the various materials used to make them, we can concentrate on the material most preferred by most wet shaving enthusiasts – brushes made with badger hair. These high quality brushes are further classified into the kind of badger hair used.

Types of Badger Hair Used for Shaving Brushes

Silver Tip – these are the hairs from the badger’s neck, considered to be the softest and most luxurious. It is the most expensive kind of badger hair, because of its limited availability. During the colder winter months, the neck hair becomes very light-tipped. Brushes made from silver-tip hair are mostly hand-assembled or handmade. Some manufacturers are known to produce brushes made of a high-end variety, carefully selected two-band, silver-tip hairs: the now defunct Simpsons Manchurian and Plisson High Mountain White.
Super Badger – these hairs are almost like the silver tips, with the super badger brush tips having a silver, almost off-white color. The material is also very soft, almost as luxurious as the silver-tip. Best Badger – these are made from the badger hairs that are found in 20-25% of the animal’s body. The hairs are lighter in color and longer compared to the pure badger hair. Pure Badger – these are dark brown or black in color and are made from a more inferior grade of badger hair, which are from the badger’s underbelly. It is also more identifiable with its darker hair. Some shaving enthusiasts prefer this material for its stiffer qualities. Generally, most of the pure badger brushes are machine-made (i.e. Muhle pure badger shaving brushes). One notable exception is Vulfix, who still make their pure badger brushes by hand. After deciding on the material that you would like for your shaving brush bristles, it is time to look for the brush handle that would work best for you. Before discussing the different materials used for the handle, you should first consider the knot size, which is the diameter of the bristles at the end of the handle; this would give you a clear idea of how big the brush would be against your face. Brushes with a larger knot size would be able to produce more lather, but might pose problems for those with smaller faces. With everything considered, determining the best knot size would still depend on your personal requirements and preferences. Shave Brush Handles Brush handles should be closely considered to make sure you are getting the perfect shaving brush (at least for your personal use). Regardless of the material, the handle should feel perfectly comfortable in your hand, to eliminate or minimize any difficulties when you are maneuvering the brush prior to shaving. Plastic handles are very common nowadays, even in the most expensive shaving brushes. Aside from being a sturdy material which can withstand even the roughest handling, plastic also feels very comfortable when held. Users also encounter fewer problems with plastic handles in the slippery and wet environment of the bathroom, where the shaving is mostly done. Wooden handle brushes are also very versatile, and are also water-resistant. These handles give a more classic look to the shaving brushes, and if cared for properly, can give years of service to the owner. Those who opt to go for wooden handles should be diligent in taking care of them, as wood will weather over time; this process can accelerate if proper maintenance is not done. Metal handle brushes are very sleek and classic-looking. Some of the materials that can be used for shaving brush handles are gold, brass, chrome and nickel. Just like handles made of wood, those made of metal should be properly cleaned and taken care of to maintain their distinctive finish. Metal handles are great for those who want to have a brush with a unique statement; they can also be personalized and given out as presents. The drawback of metal handles is their weight; heavy brushes tend to be more difficult to maneuver. Other unique and exotic handle materials include tortoise shell and ivory, which give the brush a distinctive feel. However, it should be noted that the handle’s material does not affect the quality of the brush when used. You can turn to a number of reliable manufacturers to help you in your quest for the perfect shaving brush. Some of the industry’s most trusted brands include Edwin Jagger, Kent, Simpsons, Shavemac, Omega, Muhle, Plisson and Vulfix; these are the brands most known to wet-shaving enthusiasts from all parts of the globe. Most of these brands can be bought online at their respective manufacturers’ websites, or through merchant sites; both options provide clients with convenient shopping and delivery processes. If you are unsure of what brands to purchase, it would be best to look at the product reviews and testimonials from clients who want to share their views. This is a good way to start weighing the options, as you will get unbiased and straight-to-the-point comments from people who have actually used the products (compared to advertisements that, naturally, just focus on a brand’s positive features). Searching for the shaving brush that answers all your needs may require a considerable amount of time and effort; you may have to try a number of brushes first before discovering what brand or kind fits your requirements perfectly. When you finally find the ultimate shaving brush, expect your wet-shaving experience to be much more fulfilling. Plisson High Mountain White Shaving Brush
Silver Tip – these are the hairs from the badger’s neck, considered to be the softest and most luxurious. It is the most expensive kind of badger hair, because of its limited availability. During the colder winter months, the neck hair becomes very light-tipped. Brushes made from silver-tip hair are mostly hand-assembled or handmade. Some manufacturers are known to produce brushes made of a high-end variety, carefully selected two-band, silver-tip hairs: the now defunct Simpsons Manchurian and Plisson High Mountain White.
Super Badger – these hairs are almost like the silver tips, with the super badger brush tips having a silver, almost off-white color. The material is also very soft, almost as luxurious as the silver-tip. Best Badger – these are made from the badger hairs that are found in 20-25% of the animal’s body. The hairs are lighter in color and longer compared to the pure badger hair. Pure Badger – these are dark brown or black in color and are made from a more inferior grade of badger hair, which are from the badger’s underbelly. It is also more identifiable with its darker hair. Some shaving enthusiasts prefer this material for its stiffer qualities. Generally, most of the pure badger brushes are machine-made (i.e. Muhle pure badger shaving brushes). One notable exception is Vulfix, who still make their pure badger brushes by hand. After deciding on the material that you would like for your shaving brush bristles, it is time to look for the brush handle that would work best for you. Before discussing the different materials used for the handle, you should first consider the knot size, which is the diameter of the bristles at the end of the handle; this would give you a clear idea of how big the brush would be against your face. Brushes with a larger knot size would be able to produce more lather, but might pose problems for those with smaller faces. With everything considered, determining the best knot size would still depend on your personal requirements and preferences. Shave Brush Handles Brush handles should be closely considered to make sure you are getting the perfect shaving brush (at least for your personal use). Regardless of the material, the handle should feel perfectly comfortable in your hand, to eliminate or minimize any difficulties when you are maneuvering the brush prior to shaving. Plastic handles are very common nowadays, even in the most expensive shaving brushes. Aside from being a sturdy material which can withstand even the roughest handling, plastic also feels very comfortable when held. Users also encounter fewer problems with plastic handles in the slippery and wet environment of the bathroom, where the shaving is mostly done. Wooden handle brushes are also very versatile, and are also water-resistant. These handles give a more classic look to the shaving brushes, and if cared for properly, can give years of service to the owner. Those who opt to go for wooden handles should be diligent in taking care of them, as wood will weather over time; this process can accelerate if proper maintenance is not done. Metal handle brushes are very sleek and classic-looking. Some of the materials that can be used for shaving brush handles are gold, brass, chrome and nickel. Just like handles made of wood, those made of metal should be properly cleaned and taken care of to maintain their distinctive finish. Metal handles are great for those who want to have a brush with a unique statement; they can also be personalized and given out as presents. The drawback of metal handles is their weight; heavy brushes tend to be more difficult to maneuver. Other unique and exotic handle materials include tortoise shell and ivory, which give the brush a distinctive feel. However, it should be noted that the handle’s material does not affect the quality of the brush when used. You can turn to a number of reliable manufacturers to help you in your quest for the perfect shaving brush. Some of the industry’s most trusted brands include Edwin Jagger, Kent, Simpsons, Shavemac, Omega, Muhle, Plisson and Vulfix; these are the brands most known to wet-shaving enthusiasts from all parts of the globe. Most of these brands can be bought online at their respective manufacturers’ websites, or through merchant sites; both options provide clients with convenient shopping and delivery processes. If you are unsure of what brands to purchase, it would be best to look at the product reviews and testimonials from clients who want to share their views. This is a good way to start weighing the options, as you will get unbiased and straight-to-the-point comments from people who have actually used the products (compared to advertisements that, naturally, just focus on a brand’s positive features). Searching for the shaving brush that answers all your needs may require a considerable amount of time and effort; you may have to try a number of brushes first before discovering what brand or kind fits your requirements perfectly. When you finally find the ultimate shaving brush, expect your wet-shaving experience to be much more fulfilling.

Wet-shaving has transformed a dreaded routine into a ritual I look forward to every day. Through my blog I would like to bring this experience to more classic shaving enthusiasts around the world.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/all-you-need-to-know-about-shaving-brushes-sort-of-1375221.html

Shaving has ceased being just a daily, bothersome task; to some, this activity has evolved into an art form. And just like any form of art, you would need the perfect tools to be able to produce a masterpiece – a perfectly-shaved face. Let’s talk about the double-edge safety razors that are still being produced and are still available in the market today. Which one is the best product, you ask? Read on, and you can be the judge.

The Weishi Razor is a classic safety razor, nothing frilly or complicated about it. It is straightforward enough to be used by those who are just getting started on wet-shaving. Once you get the feel of how wet-shaving with a classic razor is like, you won’t have any problems with using this tool. The simplicity of the Weishi makes it very easy to use – you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out how it works. Your shaving prowess can be perfected using this razor, as it is not an aggressive one – the results lie on how well you actually do the shaving. The lightness of the Weishi will also be a delight to those who are not comfortable with a bulky, heavy razor close to their faces. The Weishi’s strengths can also be seen as weaknesses, depending on one’s point of view. With the results relying on the technique used instead of on the razor’s capabilities, it may defeat the purpose of buying a good quality razor in the first place. The light weight also has its disadvantages – you might not be able to control the amount of pressure needed to have the closest shave; coupled with bad luck (and unsteady hand), this can result to painful nicks and small cuts.

Merkur HD was regarded by many users as a bargain considering the results it brings. It used to be one of the middle-priced razors delivering results comparable to higher-priced products. You will know that you have a high-quality razor in your hands the moment you touch it – starting from the handle. The grooves on the handle provide a good grip while shaving, and while changing the blade. This razor is perfect for wet-shaving beginners and experts alike. With its rugged design and chrome finish, the Merkur HD is designed to stand the test of time. Those who have used the Merkur HD seem to have only good things to say about it. This was one product that seemed to have found the perfect balance in terms of quality and price, until Dovo decided to increase the price by 30%.

The Merkur 38C is a beautiful shaving tool. As with razors bearing the Merkur brand name, you are assured of the same high-quality results that their other products deliver. Aesthetically, the Merkur 38C is hard to beat. It has a lovely chrome finish, and the handle has a spiraled barber pole design. It gives an excellent close shave without causing irritating burns even on the most sensitive skin. This razor is built for long-term, heavy-duty use, like its other Merkur brothers.

Let’s now take a look at the Edwin Jagger Classic DE, a middle-priced razor that comes in different models (86, 89 and 89L). The main difference between the models is the way the handles are designed; all of these models basically have the same great features that users love and trust. One of the first things you will notice about the EdwinJagger Classic models is the awesome chrome finish. As soon as you hold it and try shaving with it, you will see that the great packaging is not everything it has to offer – the balance is good; the shaving aggressiveness even better. Changing the blades is very easy with all models, making it a good razor for both wet-shaving beginners and enthusiasts alike. The Edwin Jagger Classic razors are not adjustable – a drawback for those who want to have more flexibility in this department. There are also some instances when the handles tend to be a little on the slippery side – you have to thank the shiny chrome finish for that. The grooves and indentations on the handle that other razors have to provide a better grip are missing on most EJ classic razors (except for the lined chromed model).

Another quality product under the Merkur brand name is the Merkur Progress. This double-edged safety razor is built to last, with a few more tricks under its belt included. The Merkur Progress features an adjustable head which can be moved according to the owner’s preference. Adjusting the blade gap depth can result to a great shave with fewer burns and irritations. This is a must-have for those who are just starting to try their hand at wet-shaving. Users of the Merkur Progress have an issue with its handle, specifically with the grip – it tends to get slippery when wet. Changing the blades can also be challenging, the number settings will become misaligned if the head is not screwed back properly as per Merkur’s instructions. In addition, the Progress does not sport a classy look, unlike other double-edge safety razors available in the market.

Moving on, the Merkur Futur is considered by some to have the sleekest look among Merkur’s double-edge safety razor line. Aesthetics aside, this razor can hold its own among its contemporaries. Its stability allows you to use the slightest pressure when shaving; you can let the razor’s weight do most of the work. This adjustable razor lets you move the head according to your preference, and this proves handy when you need to reach a specific area on your face. As sleek as it is, the Futur’s handle lacks the steady grip associated with those that have indentations; it is very easy for a hand to slip on the sleek, shiny handle. The head may be a bit too big and bulky for some users, which makes for a challenging shaving maneuver. When adjusting the razor, the finger also comes perilously close to the blades, exposing the user to a higher risk of injuring himself. The reviews here are made with the purpose of guiding you towards the best double-edge safety razors in the market today. There is still no better way to judge a product than actually giving it a try, to see for yourself how you respond to you (and vice-versa). You cannot truly say that you have found the “best” razor if you haven’t tried the others yet, right?

Wet-shaving has transformed a dreaded routine into a ritual I look forward to every day. Through my blog I would like to bring this experience to more classic shaving enthusiasts around the world.
Merkur razors

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/most-popular-doubleedge-safety-razors-1375259.html

One of the most challenging things for men is to shave on acne-inflicted skin. While shaving is an essential daily regimen, the razor moving on acneic skin can serve to make the condition worse and damage the skin further.

However, with effective skin care and correct shaving techniques, you can get a smooth shave without harming the pimples and causing future breakouts. Here are some tips that will help you get a smooth shave:

Use Acne Skin Care Treatments

In order to reduce acne on your skin, it is important to eliminate the acne causing bacteria from within the skin pores. Therefore, in addition to cleansing your skin effectively, start using professional acne skin care products and acne skin treatments. Look for active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, triclosan that help eliminate P. acne bacteria and keep the skin clean.

Product Suggestions:

Skin Care Heaven Basic Acne Clarifying System
It reduces and restores blemished skin while dramatically improving the overall texture and tone of the skin. This is the perfect system for acne prone skin. The system includes:

Resurfacing Cleanser
It cleans the skin by unclogging the pores and prevents future breakouts.

Resurfacing Toning Pads
It gently exfoliates and rejuvenates acne-prone skin.

Clarifying Acne Gel
It is an anti-bacterial spot treatment to reduce breakouts.

Chemical-Free SPF 30
It moisturizes the skin while protecting against harmful UV-Rays of the sun.

Obagi Tretinoin Cream USP 0.025%
It is an effective solution for acne, scaly skin, fine lines and wrinkles. It is a derivative of Vitamin A . This helps to stimulate cell turnover. This product also stimulates the growth of healthy skin. It is the starting strength for Tretinoin cream that should be used. It is used to treat acne and scaly skin problems as well as has anti-aging benefits to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Be patient as it can take up to 12 weeks to see results. There may be slight discomfort or peeling when using this product. Acne may worsen in the initial few weeks of using the product but will subside. You can step up to a stronger strength after you have been using this product and have not had any harsh or adverse reactions.

Soften your Stubble

The best time to shave is immediately after a warm shower. This is because heat and moisture make the hair softer. At other times, you can soak a washcloth in warm water and hold it against your face for a while in order to infuse the heat. This will make your stubble soft and you will be able to shave effortlessly.

Use a Good Blade

One of the most common reasons for a bad shave is using dull razors which pull at the hair strands instead of cutting them cleanly. This can further cause irritations on your skin as well. Therefore, inspect the razor blade carefully before you shave and make sure there are no nicks. Also consider trying out new varieties of razors to see what suits you best. Generally multiple blades work better and give you a smoother shave than single blade razors.

Shave with the Grain

Most men shave against the direction of hair growth. However, this often causes ingrown hairs and makes acne worse. Therefore, use short, light stroked and shave in the direction of hair growth.

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is very important to slough off dead skin cells from the surface and reveal new healthy cells. As a result, it helps to decrease acne and razor rash. Try Skin Care Heaven Anti-Aging Exfoliating Scrub. It gently removes dead skin cells and excess oil by delivering a soothing wave of heat, leaving the skin soft with a youthful glow.

Naomi Andrews is a professional esthetician and skin care professional, she has worked with several medical spas in the tenure of her career and developed an in-depth knowledge about various skin care processes including mens skin care. She has worked with popular brands like Obagi and iS Clinical.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/how-can-men-shave-with-acne-without-harming-the-skin-1608645.html