Editor’s Note: Does your man hate to shave? I know mine does. With his sensitive skin, a razor blade only leaves redness, bumps and ingrown hairs. But his sensitive skin isn’t the only reason for his shaving discomfort, he needs to be using the right skin care and shaving products to help protect his skin from this daily chore. Gents, a cruelty-free skin care line dedicated to men, is making sure no man has to needlessly suffer from shaving.

Here, Gents founder, esthetician Nicole Sommers, shares her tips on taking the burn out of the razor. Read on, then go make the man in your life read it too.  –Lea

When is the best time to shave?

The best time to shave is in or immediately following a shower or washing your face. Wash your face with a natural cleanser like Osea Ocean Cleanser. A warm moist face equals easier hair removal. Alternatively, you can apply a warm moist towel to the face for 2 to 3 minutes prior to shaving in order to soften the skin. The warmth of the towel swells the hair shaft, allowing the blade to cut the hair, not your skin. Never shave cold or with a dry face!

What is the best type of shaving cream to use?

Massage a quality shave cream, like Earth Science Shave Cream into the skin with upward motions. The best products will lock moisture into your whiskers and do not foam up – foam is merely soap filled water. Work that shave cream into your beard well to make sure your whiskers are softened into submission. Dry, rough beard hair can easily get entangled into your razor. Leave on one to three minutes before starting to shave.

How often should a man change his razor blades?

No matter how much you believe your razor is good enough for 1 or 2 more runs, any sight of rust is a bad sight. Always use a sharp blade. A dull blade is responsible for many shaving cuts as it drags over the face and catches the skin along with the hairs of the beard. Replace the blade every three to seven shaves.

In what direction should you shave?

Shave with the grain of your hair growth – this can be in different directions on your face versus the neck area. Shaving against the grain causes ingrown hairs (razor bumps) and is advised only as a way to donate blood. Using short strokes, and using your free hand to pull your skin taut and flat. Start your shave with the sideburns then move to the cheeks and neck. Finish with upper lip and chin last, since whiskers are heaviest in this area. Do not apply too much pressure – razor burn is no one’s friend.

What is the best post-shave care for your skin?

Rinse your face with cool water and pat dry with a towel. Never rub. Shaving can remove up to two layers of skin which is why it’s important to use a quality after-shave moisturizer. The best products like Lev8 replace lost moisture and soothe, cool and refresh the skin. Forget alcohol heavy concoctions – they’re all pain, no gain.

Guest blogger Nicole Sommers is founder of Gents, a company which provides esthetician-endorsed shaving and skincare products for men. Practical solutions in the way of grooming packages are offered to enhance what is truly a man’s business card – his face. Her dynamic personality and proficiency in skin care has garnered a dedicated clientele of professional athletes as well as captains of industry.