For a task many men take on every day, shaving can be fraught with risks. Nicks, cuts, razor burn and ingrown hairs can all be par for the course, especially when you're using a disposable razor with drying, chemical-laden aerosol shaving products. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the worst of these afflictions, especially ingrown hairs and razor burn. Wet shaving goes a long way, but choosing the right products can make all the difference.

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WHAT IS SHAVING OIL?

A close shave with no irritation depends on a few factors. First, the whiskers you plan to remove need to be soft and supple, which can be achieved through exposure to hot water and steam in the shower or the application of a hot, damp towel. Lubrication and moisture are also vital, which is where the aerosol products used by many men can be a major factor in shaving-related irritation. These products may make the razor move across your skin more easily than pure water, but they're drying enough to cause irritation anyway.
Shaving oil can be used as a stand-alone product, but it works best when applied under lather produced by a high-quality shaving soap or cream applied with a shaving brush. By moisturizing your skin and making it easier for a razor to glide over its surface, shaving oil reduces the chance of shaving irritation, ingrown hairs and razor burn. Used in conjunction with all-natural creams or shaving soaps, a great shaving oil also eliminates harsh chemicals from your daily grooming routine. For men who shave part of their face while maintaining facial hair in other areas, shaving oil also doubles as a moisturizing product for your beard or mustache.


HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHAVING OIL

High-quality shaving oils will contain natural products like jojoba or argan oil, along with essential oils for their natural fragrance and positive skin effects. To choose a shaving oil, the first thing you'll want to do is make sure the product you're considering contains essential oils, not synthetic fragrances. Synthetic scents can contain drying chemicals you don't want to apply to your face, and may increase shaving irritation, rather than reducing it.
Second, it's also a good idea to try a few different products in order to find the scent and consistency that best suits your personal preferences. Within a single product line may be several different scent variations, so if you love a particular product but aren't wild about the scent, there's always another option. One of the best ways to choose the right shaving oil for you is to invest in a sample pack; a small amount of beard and shaving oil goes a long way, so you'll be able to try each product several times in order to make an informed decision.
Don't let your daily shaving routine wreak havoc with your skin. Using a shaving oil, either alone or under a natural shaving product, can make all the difference in your skin's health and appearance.