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Men's Life Today

Shaving Your Wattle

By Dr. Josh Zeichner for Men's Life Today

Around this time of the year, you may hear the word "wattle" and think, “Turkey!” However, the skin and hair under our own chin deserves attention year-round -- especially when shaving -- because it’s different from the skin and hair on our faces.

First off, the skin on the neck is thinner than the skin on your face, so it may be more prone to irritation. When you shave, use light strokes so you don't put too much pressure on your neck. It’s also a good idea to wash your neck with warm water before shaving. The water not only removes dirt, but also softens up the bristles so they can be cut easily by the razor. Once you finish shaving, don't forget to moisturize: It’ll replenish your skin’s natural fats and water levels after they’ve been diminished by the washing and shaving processes.

Unlike the hair on your face, the hair on your neck tends to grow in several different directions. This can pose a challenge to shavers, and it can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs. Do your best to shave in the direction of hair growth. For me, this means starting at the jawline and shaving downward. If you see a swirl of hair growing in different directions somewhere on your neck, do you your best. Shave lightly when you get to those areas and be very careful: Shaving against the grain may give you a closer shave, but it can also lead to more irritation later.

Lastly, what should you do when you find ingrown hairs in your beard? If you can, gently lift the hair from the skin's surface using a clean needle. Make sure, of course, that your skin is clean as well! Plucking the hair out may lead to more problems, so don’t remove the hair completely. Once the edge of the hair has been cleared from the skin, you can go ahead and shave as usual.

If you follow these tips, hopefully the only wattle you’ll be worrying about this Thanksgiving will be that of your turkey!

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By Dr. Josh Zeichner for <em><a href="http://www.menslifetoday.com">Men's Life Today</a></em>
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	<p>Around this time of the year, you may hear the word "wattle" and think, “Turkey!” However, the skin and hair under our own chin deserves attention year-round -- especially when shaving -- because it’s different from the skin and hair on our faces. <br /> <br /> First off, the skin on the neck is thinner than the skin on your face, so it may be more prone to irritation. When you shave, use light strokes so you don't put too much pressure on your neck. It’s also a good idea to wash your neck with warm water before shaving. The water not only removes dirt, but also softens up the bristles so they can be cut easily by the razor. Once you finish shaving, don't forget to moisturize: It’ll replenish your skin’s natural fats and water levels after they’ve been diminished by the washing and shaving processes.<br /> <br /> Unlike the hair on your face, the hair on your neck tends to grow in several different directions. This can pose a challenge to shavers, and it can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs. Do your best to shave in the direction of hair growth. For me, this means starting at the jawline and shaving downward. If you see a swirl of hair growing in different directions somewhere on your neck, do you your best. Shave lightly when you get to those areas and be very careful: Shaving against the grain may give you a closer shave, but it can also lead to more irritation later.<br /> <br /> Lastly, what should you do when you find ingrown hairs in your beard? If you can, gently lift the hair from the skin's surface using a clean needle. Make sure, of course, that your skin is clean as well! Plucking the hair out may lead to more problems, so don’t remove the hair completely. Once the edge of the hair has been cleared from the skin, you can go ahead and shave as usual.<br /> <br /> If you follow these tips, hopefully the only wattle you’ll be worrying about this Thanksgiving will be that of your turkey!<a name="_GoBack"></a></p>
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