Shaving requires some care to avoid the many complications that can come from a bad shave. Some common issues that you may encounter if you shave incorrectly are cuts, infections, bumps, burns, and other forms of skin irritation. To avoid these complications, one needs to understand the sensitivity of their skin and how best they should go about their shaving.
So, is it okay to shave with just water?
It depends. People with highly sensitive skin cannot shave with just water. Although shaving with water is doable, it is not the best. There is a reason shaving soaps and creams were invented in the first place. They provide your skin with much-needed lubrication and protection while you shave.
As well as lubricating and protecting your skin, don’t forget about the nice warmth and pleasant fragrance you get from shaving cream. There is also a moisturizing effect from most of them. They are mostly made with components that are good for the skin, so they pamper your skin and keep it fresh after a shave.
Advantages of Using a Shaving Cream
From what you’ve read so far, you may have a couple of clues as to how and why it is better to shave with shaving cream than using only water, but for better understanding, let’s look deeper into it.
- It gives the closest shave: Shaving creams have ingredients that soften the hairs more than ordinary water can. The softer hairs make it more manageable to shave. A good razor can easily finish off the job. It can shave off the hair as closely as possible without affecting the skin.
- Exfoliation of skin: The skin cells die from time to time and are replaced by newer ones. This dead skin remains on our skins and, sometimes, blocks the pores. Shaving creams offer superior exfoliation, which simply removes these dead cells and makes your skin smoother, softer and fresher.
- Lubrication: Shaving creams are more slippery than water, and that reduces the friction between your razor and your skin. Excess friction between skin and razor is the chief reason for the skin irritations that arise after a shave. The cream also creates a thin layer of protection between your hairs and the razor, which prevents nicks and cuts.
- Tracking: As you remove your shaving cream, you keep track of the sections you have shaved and the areas that still need attention. By doing so, you don’t miss any hair.
- Refreshing and soothing feel: If you have ever tried using a good shaving cream, then you can recall the soothing feel it leaves behind after every shave. You won’t get that feeling with just water.
- Nourishment of the skin: Even though it is not the main focus of shaving, you can benefit from some nourishment to your skin. This is especially important for areas where hairs are being cut from often. If not nourished properly, it may develop some form of discoloration that will leave you disliking your looks, especially if it is on your face.
For people who use traditional razors such as a cartridge razor, they know that oil, cream or soap is a necessary ingredient for a healthy, smooth shave. Without them, ingrown hairs and razor burns are common occurrences.
Some people prefer waxing to shaving since it lasts longer.
| Read How to Wax a Beard Off: Is it Better Than Shaving? to find out more about waxing. |
Best Shaving Cream You Can Buy
Are you confused about what shaving cream to buy? Here are a few suggestions:
You can try the Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream. It is a great choice for a shaving cream because it is made of plant-derived ingredients that are natural and safe. The cream prevents redness from appearing after a shave. It soothes the skin and moisturizes it. It also provides a good cushion which ensures a smooth glide, meaning you can finally say goodbye to razor burns.
Another great choice is The Art of Shaving Unscented Shaving Cream for Men. This cream has been clinically tested and approved as a good choice for even the most sensitive skin. It protects your skin against razor burn and other forms of skin irritation.
Can You Shave With Just Water?
When we say, “is it okay to shave with just water?” We need to draw a line between “okay” and “enjoyable.” A shave with just water might be okay, but it might not necessarily be enjoyable.
An enjoyable shave can be a pleasurable start to your day that will set the tone for the rest of the day. For such a shave, water alone is inadequate because it lacks the lubricating properties, smoothness, ease of use, and fragrance that makes for an enjoyable shave.
Shaving with Only a Razor and Water
If you have been using a razor and water for a while now and you are not ready to try out anything new, I will be sharing with you a few tips you can incorporate into your routine to make your water-only shave a healthier one. These can also come in handy for those times when you lack the luxury of grabbing a shaving cream and lathering up before a shave.
Here are my tips:
1. It starts with the razor:
- Since you are starting off without the lubrication that can compensate for a bad blade, your choice of a razor is everything. Whichever razor you are choosing should be sharp, and it should also be comfortable to hold. To ensure it is sharp enough, shave a section of your hair and note the number of strokes that were needed to get a clean shave. It shouldn’t be more than two. If it is, that means you may end up irritating your skin or cutting yourself if you go on with the shave because you will be applying too much pressure and going over sections too many times.
- When it comes to shaving with water, a disposable razor is the preferred option over straight, safety and electric razors. That is because you can dispose of them after a few uses since the water can affect their effectiveness through oxidation.
2. Razor should be clean and free from rust and residual hairs:
- If you notice any clogs, remove them by giving it a quick rinse with running water.
- After that, wipe it dry with a piece of cloth.
3. Wet up the section to be shaved with warm water and cover for a few minutes:
- You can place a warm cloth over the area for a few minutes. This warm water will open up your pores so that the hairs can easily pull out of their follicles when you start shaving. If you can exfoliate your skin before the shave, that is even better.
- If you can get water to be running on your skin as you shave, that is also good.
4. Press the razor firmly to your skin:
- This will ensure that you produce enough pressure to remove the hair at the follicle. However, be careful not to draw blood. For the best shave, angle your blade to 45-degrees.
- Keep the strokes short and smooth as it makes for a more precise shave while still managing to cut down on ingrown hairs and rashes.
- As you shave, rinse your razor between strokes. For best results, rinse under running water. This will unclog the blade and leave it free for a smoother shave.
Caring For Your Skin After the Shave
With your shave over, the next thing is to ensure you avoid skin irritation. Start by splashing the shaved area with cold water. This will clean up the loose hairs in the area and also close up your pores so that bacteria doesn’t get in. After that, dry your skin with clean cloth by dabbing the extra water from the shaved area.
Apply lotion or aftershave: This step is optional. It depends on the sensitivity of your skin. If your skin is easily affected by shaving, this extra step is necessary. Apply some lotion, aloe or any other aftershave that suits you. This will moisturize your skin and reduce the chance of issues arising. Besides, most of these aftershaves have antibacterial abilities that help save you from potential infection.
If in the process of shaving, you sustain a cut, use a clean cloth or tissue to apply pressure to the spot until the bleeding stops.
Conclusion
Shaving is often an experiment. You might try various techniques, tools, and styles until you find your look, and the best way to maintain it. Most people swear by using shaving cream, but some believe shaving with water is just fine. If you have tried shaving with just water before and you think that it suits you perfectly, then continue with it. Make sure to add my tips to your routine to help minimize irritation to your skin.
If, however, you have shaved with just water for a while now and you feel like something is missing, it might be time to check out some shaving creams and soaps. If you are confused about whether to use just water, or spend the money on shaving products, experiment. Shave with just water for a few weeks, then use a shaving cream or soap for a few weeks. Then decide which option suits you best.
Some people will even tell you they shave dry and it works for them. Others will tell you that all they need for a clean shave is some warm water. That it worked for them doesn’t mean that it will work for you. Try it both ways and make the decision for yourself. I can tell you from experience though, for the best results, there is nothing better than a nice shave with a quality shaving cream.