The Benefits of Shaving: Improving Skin Health and Appearance for Men

As guys age, their skin can become rougher and more easily irritated. But guess what? Shaving is like a secret weapon to your grooming routine that brings a ton of perks! This article dives into the amazing benefits of shaving, showing how it smoothes and revitalizes facial skin. Shaving covers you, from exfoliating and unclogging pores to reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

• Beard Vs. Clean Shave
• How Shaving Benefits Your Skin
• Top Tips to Enjoy the Benefits of Shaving
• Final Reminders

Beard Vs. Clean Shave

Lots of guys see facial hair as a symbol of masculinity and ruggedness.¹ But you know what? A clean-shaven face can also be attractive and professional. It's important to consider the context when deciding whether to grow a beard or opt for a clean shave. For example, a beard may be appropriate in a more casual setting, while a clean-shaven face may be more suitable for a job interview or a formal event.

Attractiveness

Some women prefer men with clean-shaven faces over those with beards. Personal taste is a big factor in this decision. Some women may associate a clean-shaven appearance with notions of trustworthiness, professionalism, or a preference for a smoother texture during physical contact.² If you go for a clean shave, it's important to use the right tools and techniques to get a close shave while minimizing the chance of skin irritation.

Hygiene

A clean-shaven beard is more hygienic than a beard that isn't. Beards can trap dirt, dust, and other debris, leading to clogged pores, acne, and dandruff.³ You can help keep your skin clean and clear by shaving regularly.

Professionalism

A clean-shaven face is an advantage in many professional settings over being a bearded man. If you're interviewing for a job or meeting with clients, a well-groomed look can help you make a good impression and have more confidence.⁴

How Shaving Benefits Your Skin

Since shaving disrupts the skin, you may have once asked yourself "is shaving your face bad?" On the contrary, regular shaving offers numerous benefits for your facial skin, contributing to its overall health. Let's delve into some of these advantages:

Exfoliates facial skin by removing dead skin cells

Shaving helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which can leave it looking dull and flaky. By removing these dead cells, you can reveal smoother, healthier, and younger skin.⁵

Helps unclog skin pores and prevent breakouts

Dead skin cells and other debris can also clog your pores, leading to acne and other skin problems. By removing these impurities through a regular shave, you can help keep your pores clear and your skin healthy.

Promotes smoother skin texture and tone

Shaving can also help promote a smoother skin texture and even skin tone. The razor removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells, making your skin look rough and uneven.

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Regular shaving can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By exfoliating the skin and promoting cell turnover, you can encourage the growth of new, healthy skin cells that can help minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles.⁶

Helps prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps

Using multi-blade razors may increase your risk of post-shave irritations.

Ingrown hair and razor bumps can be painful and unsightly side effects of shaving. But you don’t have to worry about it. You can prevent these problems by using the right techniques and products.

Enhances Skincare Product Absorption

When you shave, you essentially exfoliate the skin and remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This can help improve skincare products' effectiveness, as they're better able to penetrate the skin and deliver their nutrients to the underlying tissues.

Anti-irritation, antibacterial protection

Facial hair can harbor bacteria, leading to skin irritation and inflammation. By shaving regularly, you can help reduce the risk of bacterial growth on the face and prevent these issues.

Top Tips to Enjoy the Benefits of Shaving

Shaving benefits facial skin the most when following wet shaving techniques using a straight razor.

Using the right techniques and razors is important to enjoy the benefits of shaving fully. Here are some top tips to help you achieve a clean, smooth shave while keeping your skin healthy and free from irritation:

Prepare your skin

Before shaving, ensure your skin is clean and free from dirt and oil. Use warm water to open up your pores and soften your facial hair. You can also use a pre-shave oil or gel to help lubricate the skin and prevent razor burn and feeling itchy after.

Use the right technique

Using a light grip and letting the razor do the work is important when shaving. Use short, gentle strokes toward hair growth, and avoid going over the same area multiple times. You can shave against the grain⁷ for a closer shave, but be careful not to irritate the skin.

Use quality shaving products

Investing in high-quality shaving products like organic soaps and sharp, clean tools can enhance the effectiveness of your shave and create a more enjoyable and indulgent experience. Well-chosen shaving cream or soap combined with single-blade razors, like straight and safety razors, can make a noticeable difference in your shaving results.

Know when to shave

Shaving every day can be too harsh on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or a lot of facial hair. Decide on a frequency that works for you, and consider using beard oil or balm to keep your facial hair soft and healthy between shaves. Do not scratch itchy skin to avoid irritating it.

Take care of your skin

After shaving, rinse your face with cold water to close up your pores and prevent irritation. Apply a moisturizer or aftershave balm to help soothe the skin and prevent razor burn.⁸ And don't forget to wear sunscreen, as a clean-shaven face is more susceptible to the sun's rays.

Final Reminders

Shaving is a good thing when done right. It can provide many benefits for your skin, including a smoother texture, a youthful glow, and reduced risk of acne and ingrown hairs. However, using the right technique and tools is important to avoid skin irritation and inflammation.

At Naked Armor, we take pride in offering a wide range of premium shaving products designed to enhance your grooming experience. From our precision-crafted razors to our luxurious shaving creams and balms, we have everything you need for a superior shave. Add them to your cart below:

More Essential Reads:

Benefits Of Straight Razor Shaving: Pros, Cons, Costs
5 Benefits of Wet Shaving: Why You Should Give Yourself One
Shaving Without Shaving Cream: Is It Okay and Best Alternatives

References:

1. C. Oldstone-Moor. How beards put a brave face on threatened masculinity. Big Think. https://bigthink.com/the-present/beards-and-masculinity/. July 25, 2020
2. N. Roy. 10 Reasons Why Girls Absolutely Love Clean Shaven Men. Mens XP. https://www.mensxp.com/grooming/shaving/28692-10-reasons-why-girls-absolutely-love-clean-shaven-men.html. February 7, 2017
3. How to Treat Beard Dandruff. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/how-to-treat-beard-dandruff. April 27, 2023.
4. JSP Safety. Why is a clean shave essential for a proper tight-fitting respirator seal? Can I have a beard? LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-clean-shave-essential-proper-tight-fitting-respirator-seal. April 13, 2023
5. Skincare 101: The Guy’s Guide To Exfoliating. Khiel’s. https://www.kiehls.com/skincare-advice/facial-exfoliator-for-men.html
6. G.S. Brown. Why Women Shaving Their Faces Is Now a Thing. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/women-shaving-faces-now-thing/story?id=28059763. January 8, 2015.
7. Guide To Traditional Wet Shaving. Grown Man Shave. https://grownmanshave.com/blogs/guides/a-grown-man-s-guide-to-wet-shaving.
8. What You Need to Know About Aftershave. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-does-aftershave-do