I've been shaving long enough to know that I absolutely hate it. I've done every single thing short of use a brick to get rid of my stubble. However, to ease your pain there are a few things you can do first.
This is an insanely cheap beginning.
1. Hit your local dollar store or equivalent and find a bar of Pears Oil-Clear soap. No, I'm not advertising for them. This is the only soap that I find to be naturally derived, and so effective at removing oil. The original pears soap works almost as well, but I want to strip most of the oil away. Wash your face with it as soon as you step out of the shower (seems counterintuitive I know, but trust me) I guarantee you will feel an immediate difference.
2. While at the dollar store, purchase a bottle of Witch Hazel. Most of the dollar store stuff has ~14% alcohol in it, but trust me this stuff ROCKS. Cheap and efficient is the name of the game here. If you can get some Thayers, go for it. If not, be cheap.
3. Make absolutely sure you have some kind of aftershave, preferably an aftershave balm. I use one of those nivea products for the sensitive skin without alcohol.
4. Please purchase yourself some sort of shave brush. I cannot use boar brushes myself, but I went out of my way to get a tweezerman badger brush which is comparably priced and works better. While you're at it, get a good shave soap or cream. It makes all the difference in the world. If you're here, chances are this point is moot.
Proceed to shave according to the advice given here, preferably refraining from against the grain passes. If you've got insanely coarse beard hair like I do, the pears soap seems to REALLY get the water into the hair follicle, and makes for a more efficient shave. A good shave cream will provide a slick protective layer between blade and face, and will kick follicular buttock. After shaving nicely, an icy cold splash of water will do nicely. Follow up with the witch hazel (simply awesome) and the aftershave balm.
Hopefully this helps those of you with seriously coarse beards and really sensitive skin.
This is an insanely cheap beginning.
1. Hit your local dollar store or equivalent and find a bar of Pears Oil-Clear soap. No, I'm not advertising for them. This is the only soap that I find to be naturally derived, and so effective at removing oil. The original pears soap works almost as well, but I want to strip most of the oil away. Wash your face with it as soon as you step out of the shower (seems counterintuitive I know, but trust me) I guarantee you will feel an immediate difference.
2. While at the dollar store, purchase a bottle of Witch Hazel. Most of the dollar store stuff has ~14% alcohol in it, but trust me this stuff ROCKS. Cheap and efficient is the name of the game here. If you can get some Thayers, go for it. If not, be cheap.
3. Make absolutely sure you have some kind of aftershave, preferably an aftershave balm. I use one of those nivea products for the sensitive skin without alcohol.
4. Please purchase yourself some sort of shave brush. I cannot use boar brushes myself, but I went out of my way to get a tweezerman badger brush which is comparably priced and works better. While you're at it, get a good shave soap or cream. It makes all the difference in the world. If you're here, chances are this point is moot.
Proceed to shave according to the advice given here, preferably refraining from against the grain passes. If you've got insanely coarse beard hair like I do, the pears soap seems to REALLY get the water into the hair follicle, and makes for a more efficient shave. A good shave cream will provide a slick protective layer between blade and face, and will kick follicular buttock. After shaving nicely, an icy cold splash of water will do nicely. Follow up with the witch hazel (simply awesome) and the aftershave balm.
Hopefully this helps those of you with seriously coarse beards and really sensitive skin.
