The Importance of Resting Your Face

[Mythrol]

I've been DE shaving for about a month now and I've shaved every 24 hrs since I started. I've gotten some really good shaves but I always had problems with weepers and maybe a nick or two every few shaves. This past week I was so busy at work that I didn't take time to do my nightly shave (work is very lenient about facial hair - we had No Shave November Last Year) and while I missed the routine and the relaxation of my shaves I was very amazed to do my shave today with 4 day old growth and have my BEST shave so far.

Same razor, 3rd shave Feather (didnt even use a new blade), same shaving cream, same everything - but my best shave. Which got me thinking "Why?"

My face got a chance to rest. I was so intent on shaving and getting down the basics that I didn't give my face time to heal as I learned the mechanics of the shave. So I would just reopen weepers or nick already sensitive skin that hadn't had time to recoup from originally improper technique. Combined with proper face cleansing / moisturizing for the first time in my life, I can finally say:

I've had a razor burn free shave.

So, how many other people have had this same experience and gotten better shaves after a rest? Also what's some other tips and tricks people have for speeding up the recovery of weepers/nicks and sensitive skin?

 

[jkingrph]

I am almost 68 now, and started shaving at about 14 or 15 years. Later I spent 10 years active Air Force, a number of years out then 7 more in reserves, so in reality I have been shaving daily all my teen and adult life. I very rarely skip a day and when I do cannot tell a difference.

 

[Chris H]

I can see your point that when starting out, you need to give those weepers and nicks that are a part of learning technique a chance to heal. However, you will find that with time your technique will improve such that you won't have nicks every day and they will become the occasional exception. When you reach this point, shaving daily will become your normal routine and you won't feel like you need to rest your face. If you look around the forum, you will find a "365" thread for members dedicated to going one full year with daily shaves. Of course, most of us like to take an occasional day off for differing reasons. Whatever your preference is exactly that, personal preference. Find what works for you.

 

[Coler]

If I skip a day, the shave the next day is always doubly awesome. I never feel I need to skip so as to rest the face or whatever but perhaps this would be relevant if starting out.

 

[Toothpick]

I usually shave every other day just because I'm lazy. likewise if I shave every day it's cause i'm bored. I don't like skipping more than 2 days though. a full 3 day beard is to rough for me to shave.

The only difference I've noticed between every day and every other day was the audible feedback from the blade cutting the hairs.

 

[dadwasright]

I, too, get a closer shave if I let me face "rest" for a day. I don't have any weeper tips but would be interested in hearing from others that may.

 

[Ron Scott]

Shave every day first thing in the morning during a hot shower, not a problem.

I do think its good to wash the aftershave stuff off my face with cold water and by noon however and let the poor thing breathe for the rest of the day. Just sayin...

 

[The Dean]

I admit I get a better shave with a day or two off. Been that way all my life. But since taking up DE, I have shaved nearly every day--practicing and interesting. No irritation or anything, but some days the shave is better than others. I think having a bit more beard to shave is a good thing, though.

 

[Nomad1600]

btw, not shaving during November is called "Movember", and its done in support of prostrate cancer.

http://us.movember.com/

 

[Clanmac]

I agree a couple of days off results in a cracking shave, especially for us new boys, but heck I like shaving too much, no pain no gain!!!!

 

[tubaguy]

btw, not shaving during November is called "Movember", and its done in support of prostrate cancer.

http://us.movember.com/

No Shave November IS different; No Shave November means you don't shave in November; Movember is to grow a MOustache for...

 

[Mythrol]

Thanks for all the responses. One question I would like to pose to those everyday shavers who don't have any issues is, "How thick is your beard."

I have a feeling that those of us with big thick coarse beards might fair better with a rest day. Might be because we're more prone to ingrowns/razor burn?

Im definitely sure that as time progresses and skill does too that I will be able to get this kind of shave every time.

 

[John Von Wuggz]

I had the same experience at first. As you solidify your technique there won't be as much damage for your face to recover from. At this point daily shaving works just fine.

 

[Lmarkow]

I don't think a properly prepared and used razor cares how thick we think our beards are; everyday shouldn't be an issue either.

 

[Goggles]

My workplace is also pretty tolerant of stubble, therefore, I frequently shave every 36-48 hours. My shaves are greatly improved as a result. Good OP.

 

[TallyShave]

Thanks for all the responses. One question I would like to pose to those everyday shavers who don't have any issues is, "How thick is your beard."

You are pretty new around here, but you will quickly learn that everyone here has the thickest, toughest, fastest growing, steel-cable beard known to man....also known as an average beard.

 

[Chadao]

I used to skip days when I was a cart user because my face absolutely needed a rest. But since going regularly to DE shaving I did not take a day off until two days ago because I was ill. And my shave was worse...of course it was my first shave with new razor...but seems to me there are a bunch of reasons including YMMV.

 

[musicman1951]

I shave every day. 36 hours seems to be a good interval for me between shaves - but that is most difficult to orchestrate. When I get the occasional weeper (please, shaving gods - not too often) I hit it with the alum and it's no problem the next day.

Two or three days growth is not as comfortable for me.

If you're getting nicks (I got one the first week I started shaving and it was unpleasant enough to inspire me to be careful/afraid enough to not repeat the process) you can uncover them after lathering and go gently around them.

 

[EloquentRune]

I have to shave everyday for work (minus my van dyke). I don't think I get any better of a shave if I take a night off from it, however getting rid of that stubble is all the more rewarding. It is getting to the point, since I've started wet shaving, that I can't stand the scratchiness of the 24hr growth.

 

[Whiskey Badger]

Back in my days of using cartridges I would feel like I was getting a better shave if I would go 36 as opposed to 24 hours go by without a shave. I would also find some gnarly ingrown hairs the next morning because of the pull and tug of multi blade carts.