• You can take care of your skin without relying on a professional.skin image by Robert Kelly from Fotolia.com
  
  Every year, millions of men and women invest millions of dollars on cosmetic procedures and expensive skin treatments. However, you can properly take care of your skin at home. This is important because when skin is healthy it glows and recovers more easily from the effects of everyday life, including shaving.
  
  

Sun Protection

• Protect yourself from sunlight, which can cause premature wrinkles, age spots and crusty skin. Excessive sun exposure can also result in more serious ailments, such as melanoma and, in severe cases, skin cancer. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as that is when its rays are most powerful. If you can't avoid the daytime sun, make sure you wear sunscreen and protective clothing. Apply a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply it every two hours or after profuse sweating.
  
  

Healthy Diet

• A healthy diet promotes a healthy skin tone free of blemishes, so eat fruits, vegetables, legumes and lean proteins regularly. In addition, foods that contain antioxidants fight the damaging effects of free radicals, which can prematurely age skin. Consequently, add blackberries, blueberries and strawberries to your diet, as berries are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods available.
  
  

Skin Care Regimen

• Wash your face with a facial cleanser tailored to your skin type twice a day. If you have dry skin, use a cream cleanser infused with aloe vera, chamomile and humectants, which will lock in and attract moisture to your skin. If you have oily skin, use an oil-free gel cleanser infused with salicylic acid, which will slough off dead skin cells and help remove excess surface oils. In addition, apply skin cream specifically tailored to your skin type.
  
  

Soften Hair

• Soak the part of your body you intend to shave in warm water because that softens hair and will help a razor glide through it without irritating your skin.
  
  

Shaving Method

• Shave in the direction your hair grows, as shaving against the grain can irritate follicles and result in ingrown hairs, nicks and razor burns. Observe the hair before you shave. Keep in mind of the direction of the hair growth. Apply a generous amount of shaving cream and shave in the direction of the growth.