Taking Care of your Face for Shaving in the Winter

I don't think that there is ever a perfect season to shave. When the weather is humid, the skin can be oily, and you need to worry about breakouts. When the weather is cold, the skin is often dry, and shaving can lead to irritation and razor burn. So you need to make sure that your skin is ready to face the challenges of the season.

Here are some tips to prepare your face for shaving in the winter:
1) Stay Hydrated. Drink. Drink. Drink. 8 glasses of water per day is a challenge to keep up with, but you need to quench thirsty, winter skin.

2) Avoid over-washing. Don't wash your face in the shower and then again at the skin before shaving. Too much water and too much soap can cause excess dryness.

3) Skip the toner. Toners work well to remove excess oil from the skin. During the winter, the skin may be dry and need that extra oil to keep it in check. So the toner may actually lead to skin irritation.

4) Use soap-free cleansers. Soaps contain surfactants that can remove skin oils that you need to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Just like toners, soaps may be abrasive during the winter time. If your skin can't tolerate soaps, think about the non-soap cleansers which may be milder for you.

4) Don't forget pre- and post-shaving care. Whether it's winter or summer, soft bristles are easier to cut than hard ones, so shave after the shower. Use your shaving gel, take light strokes, and moisturize after you finish. Think about a heavier cream rather than a lighter lotion for your face. Your dry face may need some heavier oils that it would otherwise.