Shaving and beard care for mature skin

There are simply some things in life you can't do much about. As you get older, your skin changes too. It often becomes thinner and drier, and the beard hairs can be coarser. Do you recognize that? Until recently, you had no irritation during or after shaving at all. You could freely use a scented alcohol aftershave. But suddenly you have red spots or a burning sensation after shaving. Or your skin starts to irritate after the aftershave? Or the skin under your beard itches after using your favorite scented beard oil. What the older man's skin especially needs is hydration, protection, and careAn effective care routine is essential to keep the skin healthy and comfortable.

Facial care for mature skin: protect and hydrate

The big advantage of men's skin is that it is thicker compared to women's skin. Men also develop wrinkles at a later age. But as you get older, there is an increased need for targeted care to combat deep wrinkles and dryness. If you shave weekly, there is a higher chance of irritation or dry skin. Even if you have a beard, older skin is more sensitive to dirt that can remain trapped in the beard. So beard wearers also benefit from good care of the skin under the beard.

• Always use a mild cleansing gel instead of regular soap, which can dry out the skin. Cleanse your face with lukewarm water and avoid hot water.
• Optional weekly scrubbing: scrub no more than once or twice a week. A scrub removes dead skin cells and makes the skin healthier. Note: never scrub right before or after shaving to avoid irritation.
• Hydrate your skin:
  • Use a hydrating moisturizer that suits your skin type.
  • For outdoor activities, a cream with SPF factor (sun protection) is highly recommended, as older skin is more vulnerable to sun damage.
  • Optionally use an anti-wrinkle cream daily after shaving or in the evening, after cleansing the skin.
• Stop using perfumed and alcohol-containing shaving products. Unfortunately, that wonderfully scented shaving soap or beard oil is better to discard. You benefit greatly from a neutral and fragrance-free shaving or beard care product. Also, alcohol in care products can unnecessarily dry out the skin and cause irritation. Switch to a soothing and nourishing aftershave balm.

Perfect and irritation-free shaving

Shaving is the most frequent 'skin care routine' for many men and can be a source of irritation for more sensitive, older skin. Good preparation and aftercare are crucial. What does the ideal sshaving routine for older skin?

1. Warm Preparation: Shave immediately after showering or hold a warm, wet towel against the face for a few seconds. The heat opens the pores and softens the beard hairs, making them easier to shave. The softer the beard hairs, the less pressure you need to apply with the razor.
2. Pre-Shave treatment: Apply an unscented pre-shave oil or gel on the area to be shaved. This creates an extra protective buffer between the razor blade and the skin. This reduces the chance of irritation during and after shaving.
3. Shaving product: Apply a moisturizing shaving cream or shaving soap. Preferably use a shaving brush to massage the product in with circular motions and to lift the hairs. Let the shaving foam work for at least one minute to soften the hairs well. The longer you lather the shaving soap on the face, the fuller and richer the foam becomes. This creates a nice protective layer and the razor glides better over the skin.
4. The Shaving Technique:
   • Shave with a clean and sharp razor blade. Replace razor blades on time; if the blade pulls or drags, it's too late.
   • Always shave with the direction of hair growth to minimize the chance of ingrown hairs and irritation.
   • Apply no pressure out; a sharp razor does the work. Keep the skin taut with the free hand.
   • Shave with slow and smooth movements and avoid shaving the same spot on the skin too much. 
5. After shave treatment:
   • Rinse the skin with cold water to close the pores and prevent irritation.
   • Soothe the skin with an aftershave balm or a moisturizing cream. Avoid 'fresh' aftershaves with alcohol, as they irritate the skin after the microdamage caused by shaving.

Which razor is suitable for older skin?

If you experience shaving irritation, you can't avoid switching to a safety razor. An important cause of a raw or burning sensation during and after shaving is the razor blade. Because older skin is thinner and more sensitive, you are more likely to experience irritation from the razor. 

Beard Care

The skin under the beard also becomes more sensitive to dirt, perfume, and beard care products. This skin becomes drier and can start to flake. Below is the best care routine for a beautiful beard without skin irritation.

• Cleansing: Wash the beard regularly with a neutral unscented beard shampooThis helps keep the hairs soft, which prevents irritation of the underlying skin. Do not wash the beard too often with beard shampoo. 
• Beard oil: Beard oil softens the beard hairs and at the same time can nourish the dry skin. This reduces the chance of dry and flaky skin under the beard. If possible, use an unscented one. Do not use too much; massage the beard oil well and then brush it thoroughly with a beard brush to distribute it evenly. Brushing massages the skin, removes skin flakes, and optimally spreads the beard oil.
• Beard contours: The skin around the beard edges can also become irritated. You need to protect this skin area well during shaving. To shave the beard contours neatly and sharply, you want to have a clear view of exactly where to shave. A transparent shaving gel optimally protects the skin while still providing good visibility of the beard edges.