Zoot: The irritation of shaving

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As the colder season starts rolling in, so does the dry weather which means your skin needs to be taken care of. Most men do not have a skincare regime, nor do they protect their skin at all. Men's face and neck areas are more susceptible to dry skin and irritation since they shave and tend to use shaving creams containing alcohol which just further dries the skin. According to an American Academy of Dermatology's poll, about 78 per cent of men said shaving irritates their skin. There are many products available to help keep the skin moisturized and protected throughout the colder seasons.

Avène is a line of skincare products for those who suffer from sensitive skin; they use minimal ingredients and avoid the use of harsh chemicals that can ruin the skin after long term use. Their shaving products are all alcohol free, hypoallergenic and have an antiirritating element added to them to avoid razor burn and break outs. After shaving, it is recommended you use their cold cream moisturizer, to help protect, soothe and hydrate the skin. These products can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart and range from $15 to $20.

Vichy also has a specific line designed to fit the needs of men's skin concerns called Vichy Homme. Their purifying shaving foam is thick in texture to protect the skin from razor burns and is also hypoallergenic. However, this product also does contain a small percentage of alcohol and fragrance, so it is definitely not recommended for anyone with sensitive skin. Their Normactiv Cg purifying hydrating fluid is the perfect moisturizer to be applied after shaving as it supplies the skin with eight-hour hydration. These products also range from $15 to $35 and can be purchased online or at a drugstore.

La Roche-Posay is another brand that has a line of products for men whose skin becomes irritated after shaving. Their shaving gel, XY Homme Shaving Gel: Microexfoliating Emollient, is concentrated with softening agents to bring hairs to the surface to prevent ingrown hairs and irritation. This ultra-dense product is soap-free and anti-bacterial. It not only provides a clean shave, but also exfoliates the skin at the same time. Their anti-redness balm can be applied after shaving to soothe the skin and also helps create a stronger barrier against the elements. This product also contains ingredients that heal minor cuts from shaving as well as strengthening the blood vessels to reduce the appearance of redness.

With all the advancements in technology, there are many products that can actually help cure skin problems and irritation. Even though the colder seasons are coming, and the weather may be becoming a lot rougher on our skin, there are many products now available to help keep the skin healthy and protected. With a proper skincare regime and proper shaving cream, the deathly cold of fall and winter don't stand a chance against your properly treated skin.