Men's Life Today: Expert Q+A

During the winter, my skin gets really dry. Is there a special way to shave dry skin?

The fall and winter seasons wreak havoc on our skin. Low humidity and heaters contribute to dryness, and less moisture means more trouble shaving. Moreover, skin retains less moisture as we age, so it’s only getting worse.

To prevent dry, irritated skin during the winter, follow this shaving guide:

1. Wash your face with soap-free cleansers to remove excess oil and dirt. If you have dry skin, prevent further irritation by avoiding abrasive soaps or those with surfactants, which strip skin of oil and contribute to dryness. Unless you really need it, stay away from acne washes, which can leave your skin thirsty. Also, use an exfoliant once or twice a week prior to shaving; it will remove dead skin cells and help prevent ingrown hairs in the process. This isn’t just great for the skin; it also gives you a smoother, more comfortable shave.

2. Apply shaving cream or gel, always. It hydrates the hair, making it easier to cut. Plus, it makes your skin slick so the razor can glide over it.

3. Shave with light, short strokes in the direction of the hair growth. Rinse the razor frequently to remove buildup of hair and shave gel, but avoid tapping it against the sink. (It can dull the blades and cause irregularities on the cutting surface.)

4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Especially in the winter, when your skin needs all the help it can get, moisturizers can help restore the integrity of the skin and prevent excess loss of moisture. -- Reviewed by Craig the Barber, a skin- and hair-care expert specializing in men of all ethnicities, and the editor in chief of the grooming blog TheMensRoom.com.