Blade razors
Single blade, double blade or triple blade the choice is up to you. The more blades, the closer the shave (the hair is cut off at a lower level). Using warm water on your beard prior to shaving gives the whiskers a chance to swell up a bit. This softens the whiskers and allows them to be removed more easily.
Shaving in the shower with a non-fogging mirror allows you to swell the whiskers more thoroughly, which is a big plus if you have a tough beard. Shaving cream provides a smooth glide for the razor and when combined with warm water, allows the razor to glide smoothly and meet less resistance as your remove your whiskers and produce a clean shave with minimum discomfort.
The debate whether cream, gel or foam produces a smoother shave is really a matter of personal preference. Generally, if your skin is very sensitive a cream or gel will work better (it provides a bit more slide) and if your skin is fairly dry (or dry in the bead area) avoid foam.

Whether you use long or short strokes when you shave is really a matter of individual style but you get better shaves if you replace your blade on a regular basis. However if you rinse your razor blade thoroughly after every shave it will last longer.
Blade replacements range from after every shave to when the blade draws blood. Certainly a happy medium exists but the key issue is the amount of discomfort the shaver is willing to put up with. The sharper the blade the more quickly the whisker is cut and less likely it is to pull or tear the hair causing both bleeding and ingrown hairs.

Once you are finished shaving, rinse your face with either cold or lukewarm water depending upon your preference. Most after shave lotions contain alcohol which is responsible for the stinging effect. They also dry your face and contribute to dehydration of your skin. We recommend that you avoid alcohol related products on your skin after shaving.

Electric Shavers
An electric razor has the advantages of not requiring shaving cream and eliminating the need for a wet shave. They come with rotary or circular heads. The rotary shaves up and down while the circular, as the name implies, shaves in a circular motion. There are no real advantages or disadvantages to either type choice is up to you.

If your skin is becoming irritated you may be applying too much pressure with the razor against the skin. Try using less pressure and if you are still suffering from razor drag, then your skin may be too sensitive for an electric razor. Usually the tougher the beard the less satisfaction with the results of an electric razor shave.

Eliminating facial oils when using an electric razor is essential. The dryer the face the better the shave with an electric razor. Cleaning your razor on a regular basis will also contribute to a better shave. Even electric razor blades get dull and if you feel the razor pulling, check the blades because it might be time to replace them.

Hot Water and a Sharp Blade
Effective blade shaving requires two simple things. Hot Water and a Sharp Blade. Shaving at the end of a shower ensures that your pores are open and the hair is softened. Using a shaving brush with a shaving soap allows you to lather twice once when you apply the cream to your face and again when it's on your skin. This gives hair more lift. Shaving against the direction of hair growth provides the closest shave, however, if your skin is sensitive, you'll do better to shave with the grain to reduce any further damage to your skin.
The single most important factor in getting a smooth, comfortable shave is using a sharp blade. This will give you a closer shave and minimise drag against your skin. A blade should be replaced BEFORE it starts to irritate your skin, particularly in tender and more sensitive areas like your neck. Also, remember to thoroughly clean your razor (blade or electric) after every use. The reason cleaning is so important is that hairs, shaving cream and dead skin cells accumulate on the blade, reducing it's sharpness. A sharp blade is the best tool for obtaining a close shave with a minimum of discomfort.

• Razor Bumps/Ingrown Hairs
  Even with good preparation and a sharp razor, men with coarse and/or curly beards are going to have a harder time shaving. Razor bumps or ingrown hairs can occur causing pain and irritation, and if left untreated can result in scarring. Razor bumps are caused when the tip of the shaved hair curls back on itself and penetrates the surface of the skin. If you suffer from razor bumps you may do better with a single blade razor or electric razor.
  To help prevent razor bumps, regular use of a skincare program will help keep your skin in the best condition. Frequent use of an exfoliant will also benefit you and help prevent razor bumps from occurring. Exfoliants include: the Honey Almond Scrub, Fruit Enzyme Peel and Therapeutic Buffing Creme. Exfoliants should be applied in a circular motion. These help remove dead surface cells from your skin that can accumulate and block hairs trying to break through the surface of the skin and will also dislodge hairs starting to grow in the wrong direction. Exfoliants can be used with both electric and blade razors. If you shave with the grain and maintain a light pressure you will also help prevent razor bumps. If you do suffer from razor bumps, a clear shaving oil will allow you to avoid shaving over ingrown areas and prevent further injuries that can result in scarring.

Integrating your shaving program, whether blade or electric, into your morning Skincare Routine reduces the negative effects of shaving and allows your face to benefit from a total care program.

A cleanser removes surface impurities, excess oils and dead skin cells that accumulate overnight and sets the scene for your shaving routine. You should cleanse your face before shaving, regardless of the type of shaving you do.

A toner completes the cleaning process after shaving, removes residue, refines pores and tones skin so that a moisturiser can be easily absorbed by the skin. You should use your toner after your shave. This serves the purpose of aftershave by closing the pores, without the use of alcohol which can overdry your skin.

The moisturiser adds a protective layer that makes the skin look and feel softer and provides a barrier against the environment and pollution we encounter every day. This also softens and smoothes your skin to help prevent razor irritation and sensitivity.

Your skin is an investment and like any investment it benefits from the amount of care you give it. A program like the one described above adds only five minutes to your morning shaving program. Ask yourself, Since I can't replace my skin doesn't it make sense to take care of it?