Today many men regard shaving as a daily chore ( a have to do) which must be completed as quickly as possible.
This is a shame as the benefits of a good traditional wet shave are many.
Shaving exfoliates the skin, removes dead skin cells and allows the skin to breathe.
The method also provides the closest possible shave with lasting results.
However, too often the result of shaving incorrectly provides discomfort in the form of razor-burn, rashes and dry-skin.
Preparation The key to the perfect shave is preparation.
If possible, shave after a shower or apply hot water to the face prior to shaving to soften the beard and open the pores.
Although shaving cream may be applied with the fingers.
A richer lather is achieved with the use of a good quality shaving brush.
The more thorough the lathering process, the better the shave.
Use a small amount of glycerin-based shaving cream and rub onto the wet skin by moving the brush in a circular motion and back and forth over the skin, against the grain of the beard to produce good lather.
Spend time on the lathering process, up to 2 or 3 minutes.
Shaving Always shave with the lie of the beard, never against.
Failure to do this is the major cause of razor burn.
Glide the razor gently over the skin, holding the skin taut with the free hand whilst shaving.
Keep the razor well rinsed to avoid clogging the blade and apply more water if necessary.
After the shave, apply cold water to the face to close the pores and pat the skin dry.
In the event of nicks or cuts, apply a moistened Block of Alum or Styptic pencil to stop the bleeding.
Apply a skin food or moisturizing balm to restore moisture and nourish the skin.
Care of the Brush & Razor Rinse and flick dry the shaving brush and razor.
Shaving brushes should always be allowed to dry naturally, with the hair pointing downward in a suitable stand, to prevent moisture seeping into the base of the brush.
Never store a shaving brush in a closed cupboard where mildew may form.
Block Out UV Rays • Cover up.
Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light.
Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of the clothing and a light source.
If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection.
• Use sunscreen.
A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays.
You want to block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer.
Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
• Wear a hat.
A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
• Wear UV-absorbent shades.
Sunglasses don't have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
• Limit exposure.
UV rays are most intense between 10 a.
m.
and 4 p.
m.
If you're unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the day's strongest Nail Care: Johnny Carson once quoted, "For days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off.
" Our nails are meant to be strong and healthy.
Follow these nail care hints: 1) Incorporate the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B, calcium and protein into your diet.
*Be sure to ask your doctor if you can do this.
We are all different.
2) Take a daily multivitamin to ensure that you are getting the proper amounts of other vitamins.
(*) 3) Do wear rubber gloves whenever you use cleaning products when your hands are about to get wet to protect your nails from chemicals and dirt.
4) Moisturize nail beds regularly (at least once a week) with a non-drying nail lotion.
Rub the lotion over the entire nail bed at least once a day.
5) Trim cuticles once each week.
Soften cuticles with a specialized cuticle cream and trim carefully with a cuticle clipper.
You should push your cuticles back and only trim where obvious.
It is best not to cut around your nail.
This can cause infection.
6) Clip your nails regularly in a rounded or squared shape.
The pointier the tip of your fingernail, the more likely it is to break off.
7) Give your nails a break from any polish (even clear) as often as possible.
The more time your nails spend are natural, the less they will dry and chip.
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth: No matter how old you are, you need to take care of your teeth and mouth.
When your mouth is healthy, you can eat the foods you need for good nutrition.
You will also feel better about smiling, talking, and laughing.
Teeth are meant to last a lifetime.
By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for many years.
Every day, a thin film of bacteria builds up on your teeth.
Over time, the bacteria can cause holes in the enamel and cause a cavity.
Brushing and flossing your teeth can protect you from tooth decay.
You can protect your teeth from decay by using fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once a day.
• Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Quit smoking.
Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.
Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums: There is a right way to brush and floss your teeth.
Every day: • Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.
• Take the time to brush carefully and gently along the gum line.
• Lightly brush your tongue to help keep your mouth clean.
You also need to clean around your teeth with dental floss every day.
Careful flossing will take off plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can't reach.
Be sure to rinse after you floss.
If you are in the job market, you need to be well-groomed, that is, if you want to get the job!
This is a shame as the benefits of a good traditional wet shave are many.
Shaving exfoliates the skin, removes dead skin cells and allows the skin to breathe.
The method also provides the closest possible shave with lasting results.
However, too often the result of shaving incorrectly provides discomfort in the form of razor-burn, rashes and dry-skin.
Preparation The key to the perfect shave is preparation.
If possible, shave after a shower or apply hot water to the face prior to shaving to soften the beard and open the pores.
Although shaving cream may be applied with the fingers.
A richer lather is achieved with the use of a good quality shaving brush.
The more thorough the lathering process, the better the shave.
Use a small amount of glycerin-based shaving cream and rub onto the wet skin by moving the brush in a circular motion and back and forth over the skin, against the grain of the beard to produce good lather.
Spend time on the lathering process, up to 2 or 3 minutes.
Shaving Always shave with the lie of the beard, never against.
Failure to do this is the major cause of razor burn.
Glide the razor gently over the skin, holding the skin taut with the free hand whilst shaving.
Keep the razor well rinsed to avoid clogging the blade and apply more water if necessary.
After the shave, apply cold water to the face to close the pores and pat the skin dry.
In the event of nicks or cuts, apply a moistened Block of Alum or Styptic pencil to stop the bleeding.
Apply a skin food or moisturizing balm to restore moisture and nourish the skin.
Care of the Brush & Razor Rinse and flick dry the shaving brush and razor.
Shaving brushes should always be allowed to dry naturally, with the hair pointing downward in a suitable stand, to prevent moisture seeping into the base of the brush.
Never store a shaving brush in a closed cupboard where mildew may form.
Block Out UV Rays • Cover up.
Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light.
Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of the clothing and a light source.
If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection.
• Use sunscreen.
A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays.
You want to block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer.
Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
• Wear a hat.
A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
• Wear UV-absorbent shades.
Sunglasses don't have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
• Limit exposure.
UV rays are most intense between 10 a.
m.
and 4 p.
m.
If you're unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the day's strongest Nail Care: Johnny Carson once quoted, "For days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off.
" Our nails are meant to be strong and healthy.
Follow these nail care hints: 1) Incorporate the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B, calcium and protein into your diet.
*Be sure to ask your doctor if you can do this.
We are all different.
2) Take a daily multivitamin to ensure that you are getting the proper amounts of other vitamins.
(*) 3) Do wear rubber gloves whenever you use cleaning products when your hands are about to get wet to protect your nails from chemicals and dirt.
4) Moisturize nail beds regularly (at least once a week) with a non-drying nail lotion.
Rub the lotion over the entire nail bed at least once a day.
5) Trim cuticles once each week.
Soften cuticles with a specialized cuticle cream and trim carefully with a cuticle clipper.
You should push your cuticles back and only trim where obvious.
It is best not to cut around your nail.
This can cause infection.
6) Clip your nails regularly in a rounded or squared shape.
The pointier the tip of your fingernail, the more likely it is to break off.
7) Give your nails a break from any polish (even clear) as often as possible.
The more time your nails spend are natural, the less they will dry and chip.
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth: No matter how old you are, you need to take care of your teeth and mouth.
When your mouth is healthy, you can eat the foods you need for good nutrition.
You will also feel better about smiling, talking, and laughing.
Teeth are meant to last a lifetime.
By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for many years.
Every day, a thin film of bacteria builds up on your teeth.
Over time, the bacteria can cause holes in the enamel and cause a cavity.
Brushing and flossing your teeth can protect you from tooth decay.
You can protect your teeth from decay by using fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once a day.
• Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Quit smoking.
Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.
Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums: There is a right way to brush and floss your teeth.
Every day: • Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.
• Take the time to brush carefully and gently along the gum line.
• Lightly brush your tongue to help keep your mouth clean.
You also need to clean around your teeth with dental floss every day.
Careful flossing will take off plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can't reach.
Be sure to rinse after you floss.
If you are in the job market, you need to be well-groomed, that is, if you want to get the job!
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