You shave, and an hour later your skin feels tight, rough or flaky. It's one of the most common grooming complaints, and it's usually down to a few small habits rather than your skin being difficult.
Why shaving dries skin out
A razor doesn't just take off hair. It also scrapes away a thin layer of the skin's surface, which is part of what keeps moisture in. Add hot water, a foaming wash, going over the same patch several times and an alcohol-heavy aftershave, and your skin's had a rough morning before you've left the house.
Before you shave
- Shave after a warm shower or wash, when hair is softer.
- Use a shaving cream or gel, not just soap.
- Use a sharp, clean blade. A blunt one drags.
While you shave
- Go with the direction of growth, at least on the first pass.
- Don't keep going over the same patch.
- Rinse the blade often.
After you shave
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Don't rub.
- Moisturise straight away, while the skin's still slightly damp.
- If your aftershave stings every time, try one without alcohol.
Keeping a beard and shaving the edges?
If you shave your cheek line or neck to keep a beard tidy, those edges get the same treatment as a full shave, and the skin just under the beard line often gets missed. After shaving, warm the oil between your palms before you work Druff Anti Dandruff Beard Oil into the skin under your beard while it's still slightly damp, then through the hair. Use a moisturiser on the freshly shaved skin.
Shaved head?
Same principles, bigger area. Our guide to dry skin on a shaved head covers cleansing, moisturising and sun protection for an exposed scalp.
Coming soon from Druff
We're working on Hydration Oil, a new formula for dry skin and beards. It's coming soon. We'll share the details when it's ready.
If it's more than dryness
Painful razor bumps, a rash that doesn't settle, or skin that cracks or bleeds isn't everyday dryness. Stop using anything that stings.
The short version
- Warm shower, shaving cream, sharp blade.
- With the grain, don't go over the same patch.
- Rinse, pat dry, moisturise straight away.
- Keeping a beard? Warm the oil between your palms before working it into the skin under your beard after you've shaved the edges.