You asked J+J: Is post shave cream important + what should I use after shaving?

Thanks, Sandi Benedicta, for the image

When we’re young adults and start shaving, we’re often told (or shown on YouTube) how to do the daily ritual right. We hear that a good, clean blade is key and that a quality shaving brush will help soften and lift the hairs, creating a more comfortable shave. We might even be told about the so-called final step of adding ‘after shave’ to our skin as a fragrance. But what about post shave skincare? What about the conditioning of our skin that needs to take place after we’ve splashed it with cold water and dragged a razor across it? Here James + Jake answer commonly asked customer questions on the art of the post shave - what to do, which product to add, when to do it, and why.

What is a post shave skincare product?
A post shave skincare product for men is usually a targeted balm, cream or oil that counteracts the effects of using a razor on the face. They are designed to go on your skin after shaving. Whether you decide to go for a wet shave (water, cream and razor) or a dry shave (often using an electric razor directly on the skin), the stubble area takes a bit of a battering, especially if you shave daily. You might feel dryness from a combination of water and your shave foam or gel, redness from the harness of a blade or general irritation as some thicker beards really don’t like to be trimmed short. It can feel inflamed, sore, dry and generally uncomfortable. But whatever sensation you feel after a shave, there is probably a product out there to help.

Which post shave product is best for my skin?
You should choose your post shave cream or product based on your skin concern. Here are some common problems guys tell us about:

• Dryness

  If your skin feels dry, tight and uncomfortable after shaving, you’ll probably need to rehydrate the stubble area with a gentle post shave cream that doesn’t contain any harsh synthetic fragrance (which will often just make it even drier). Choose a cream or balm that promises to replenish lost moisture or an heavier, dense cream that can help to lock in the moisture for longer. If you know you have a dry skin type (this means the skin on your face is often dry throughout the day and not only when you shave), then you could be in need of some oil on the skin. Try choosing a cream that contains an almond or avocado oil. We recommend reading the labels on packaging to figure out what works best for you, but if dryness is a problem, a great place to start in the How Smooth Calming Post Shave Cream. It contains glycerin to hydrate, shea butter to help lock in the moisture throughout the day and vitamin E to condition.

• Redness and razor burn

  Most of the work you need to do to reduce redness and razor burn happens before you apply a post shave product. For example, you might want to try reducing the number of blades on your razor, or try changing the way you apply your shave cream - a shaving brush is designed to soften and loosen the stubble on your face, which can make for much softer, calmer skin at the end. Having said this, there are plenty of products available to help you reduce redness or the burning sensation at the end of your shave. The most important step is to use a cream or balm that contains minimal or zero fragrance. This is often labelled as ‘parfum’ on the packaging and although it’s not a dangerous ingredient, it’s not going to do your hot, red, irritated skin any favours right now. Think calming, cooling, gentle ingredients - possibly natural if you’re that way inclined. So we want to see cucumber, aloe, or avocado oil perhaps on the bottle or tube. We also recommend sandalwood as a great anti-inflammatory product.
  

Now that’s smooth. The James + Jake Calming Post Shave Cream

How long does it take for a post shave product to work?
This will depend on the type of product you use and the quality of its ingredients. However, it should start to work straight away. You can apply the cream or balm and it will dry naturally as you get ready for your day (or evening).

Can I still use after shave or cologne if I use a post shave cream or balm?
You can absolutely use an after shave or cologne along with a post-shave product such as a cream. But you should bear in mind that using a strong cologne or fragrance on your stubble area or face might exacerbate any redness or dryness you experience when you shave. If your skin is sensitive, best to keep the fragrance away from your face.

Find out more about the James + Jake post shave cream by following this link.