Less razor burn from electric razors

I've said in lots of places that if you use an electric razor and suffer from razor burn, bumps or rash, my advice to you is to get a double edged safety razor. When I use an electric razor, the underside of my chin is covered in razor rash. But nowadays I use a double edged razor and I virtually never get any at all.

But I know not everyone is willing to make the switch - electric shavers seem so quick and handy.

So here are some tips on reducing razor burn whilst sticking with the electric:

• First of all, wash first - have your shower before you shave. (But make sure you dry off properly!) When I first started shaving, I was told to shave before I showered so the hairs stuck up stiffer. But it only makes it harder to cut them - which means more burn. If you don't want to shower first, at least wash your face in good hot water.
  
• If it's really bad, use a pre-shave lotion. If you're in the UK mention I some places you can get them in the report you can download from the right. But make sure you get one for electric shaving.
  
  
• Make sure the blades in your shaver are clean and sharp. To clean them, take them off and use a little brush - one should have come with the shaver. Get it really clean of shaving dust. And every so often, when it stops shaving so well, replace them or use a little gadget to sharpen them.
  
• While you're shaving, be gentle, move the shaver slowly so it doesn't tug and use a mirror so you can see what you're doing and be precise. It makes more difference than you'd think.
  
• Afterwards use a good after-shave balm. Not an alcohol based one. One that moisturises. Or if your shaving burn is particularly bad one day, try a witch hazel based lotion of some kind or other. It'll sting at first but will actually help to heal your skin.
  

That's my advice, if you must stick with electric.
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This article (c) 2009 A Smoother Shave
See www.asmoothershave.com for more help & advice and a free razor burn report.