Although men traditionally spend less time caring for their skin than women do, they spend more time damaging their skin through outdoor activities and hazardous work conditions.

Men’s Skin vs. Women’s Skin
Men’s skin is different from women’s skin. It’s thicker, has more collagen, and also tends to be oilier. This extra lubrication is important for beard growth, however, when mixed with dirt and dead cells, it can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Shaving 101
A bad shave can leave your skin looking and feeling sensitive, suffering from razor burn, nicks and ingrown hairs. To help clear existing skin problems and maintain skin health in the most efficient method possible, it is necessary to do more than glide a razor across your skin. To get the closest, smoothest shave, it’s best to avoid shaving very first thing in the morning. If possible, let your skin ‘wake up’ for a while. This allows the puffiness, which is caused by the fluids collecting in your skin during the night, to recede. Before shaving, use a facial scrub to get rid of any dead skin cells and open up your pores to prepare it for a close shave.

Shaving with the grain
In addition to using the correct products for your skin condition and beard type, it is crucial to use a sharp, clean razor and to shave with the grain (the same direction the hair shaft grows). Because each person has a unique grain pattern, it is critical to note the direction in the spots you are shaving. Often times, different parts of the face and neck may demonstrate a change in the pattern, where hair growth may shift direction. The most common places this may happen is at the chin, under the jaw line and on the lower neck. To do this simply run your fingertip down your cheek, does it feel smooth? Now run your fingertip in the opposite direction, does it feel like sandpaper? Shave in the direction that's smooth.

The right pressure for a close, pain-free shave
The pressure applied during the shave process is also critical to the prevention of nicks, cuts, razor burn, irritation and redness. Applying too much pressure won’t provide a closer shave: it will just facilitate the removal of skin cells, leading to irritation. If the razor is sharp enough, minimal pressure will be sufficient for removing hair. Use a steady, constant motion when shaving, making each shave stroke around 1 to 2 inches long. Ensure you rinse the blade(s) clean before each fresh stroke, which will also provide a closer shave.

So what's our pick when it comes to razors? The Goodfella Safety Razor.
Safety Razors, also known as de razors or double edged safety razors, are the best razors for anyone wanting the old school wet shaving experience that your grand father enjoyed. The Goodfella Razors have been developed with today's technology giving you the best razor possible to ensure that you get a great shave free from skin irritations thanks to the open comb design. Take your pick between the Original Chrome Goodfella Safety Razor and the Stylish Satin Black Goodfella.
Guys or girlfriends take note: Right now if you buy a Goodfella Razor and mention Beauty Bible on your order form you will get a FREE Primal Earth product & FREE shipping. www.goodfella.com

Also check out our top picks when it comes to mens skin care below:

Primal Earth:
Primal Earth co-creator Shane Young grew up with allergies, and to this day still suffers reactions to certain chemicals. Standard foams and face shaving creams have him breaking out with contact dermatitis that is red for weeks. With the same concern for fellow men and the lack of alternative solutions available, Young and friend Anthony Gadsdon were inspired to create a high-performance organic skincare range that was free of harsh chemicals. In order to create the purest products, Primal Earth makes use of the abundant natural resources on hand here in New Zealand. As a result, all products are a blend of certified organic, plant based, wild or locally harvested raw materials tailored to suit different skin types. Primal Earth’s preference for ingredients like Aloe Vera, which hydrates, Mamuku Fern which lubricates and Harakeke Flax Oil which heals and protects, proves there is no need to subject skin to unnecessary chemicals.

Dermalogica Shave:
For the first time, skin can meet razor with no fear of irritation, redness, razor bumps or burn. Dermalogica Shave's exclusive three-step regimen is the first in the industry to take into account beard type, hair growth pattern and skin condition for a shave that actually delivers the healthiest skin possible.

Environ Men:
Today’s modern lifestyle takes its toll on your skin, contributing to early visible signs of ageing. Environ, internationally renowned for their scientific developments in Advanced Vitamin Skin Therapy provides the solution with a high performance range of products formulated exclusively for men.

Men Expert:
L’Oréal Paris launched Men Expert in 2005 due to a growing trend toward men starting to take an interest in their skincare routine.  L’Oreal research discovered that men’s skin ages differently to women’s so borrowing their partner’s skincare was no longer cutting the mustard!  Men Expert is a made-to-measure range of skin care dedicated entirely to men and their specific skin concerns. L’Oréal Laboratories carried out an unprecedented investigation to further deepen their understanding of men’s skin and to ascertain its precise needs, at every age.  The Men Expert range contains three ranges targeted at the specific concerns at every age - Hydra Energetic, Hydra Sensitive and Vita lift.

Editors note: My boyfriend swears by Primal Earth because its organic and made in NZ. But the best bit? You can get it at the supermarket, which means, only one trip for all your food, beer and skincare needs.