Winter brings a whole list of new skin concerns, some of which can be especially difficult when you’re shaving. Dry skin, flaking and irritation can make removing hair a struggle during the cold winter months. With our guide, you’ll learn how to shave in winter without aggravating skin woes.

1. Prepping is just as important as shaving. Before you even think about shaving, make sure that you exfoliate with a scrub such as glo minerals Body Smoothing Salt Scrub. The formula removes skin cells from around hair follicles to prevent irritation, razor burn and ingrown hairs.

2. Turn down the heat. Whether you’re in the shower or at the sink, avoid using hot water on your skin. Hot water strips essential moisture, which leads to irritation when you’re shaving.

3. Replace essential moisture while removing hair. Use LATHER Almond Shave Crème to create a rich lather on the skin. The formula contains soothing and hydrating ingredients that not only soften hair, but also hydrate skin. The extra hydration keeps skin comfortable in winter.

4. Use products with soothing ingredients in them. Look for hair removal products that contain gentle and soothing ingredients in them such as Elemis Time for Men Skin Soothe Shave Gel. This shaving gel contains aloe vera and jojoba oil which hydrate and nourish skin to reduce irritation and prevent razor burn.

5. Shave in the direction of hair growth. If you properly exfoliate skin, you can achieve a close shave even when you shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain aggravates skin and causes bumps so learning how to shave with the grain can save you some irritation. Use the sleek and smooth eShave 5-Blade Razor.

6. Moisturize immediately after showering. After you cleanse, exfoliate and shave in the shower, apply a moisturizer within a couple of minutes of getting out. This is the time when skin optimally absorbs moisture so applying a cream such as Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion will lock in moisture, which your skin desperately needs in winter.

Share with us your tips on how to shave in winter in the comments section.