For a large portion of the population, shaving is something that’s done each and every day. In fact, more than one-third of people in the United States alone report that they shave at least once per day, while more than half shave at least once per week. 

Because of this, the razor industry is surprisingly large since you can find them in just about every household. You’ve likely seen a few different types of razors in your lifetime, too. What are all the razor types, though? Here’s a guide that shows the five types of razor blades that are used every day:

Cartridge Razors

For those that want a permanent handle that they’re comfortable with but want to use new blades, the cartridge razor is the way to go and it’s among the most frequently used types of razors. With these razors, there are several cartridges with blades that come in a package and one handle to house them.

When the blades start going dull in one cartridge, a user simply pops the cartridge out and replaces it with another one. About half of people who use razors each day opt for the cartridge type compared to the other forms due to the cost and convenience.

Disposable Razors

There was a time when almost everyone you knew had a disposable camera and used disposable razors. Though disposable cameras are almost nonexistent these days, there are still plenty of people who use disposable razors. This is one of the cheapest options for shaving and comes through in a pinch when you’re traveling.

Disposable razors typically aren’t the sharpest and come with a plastic handle, making them easy to simply throw away after they’ve been used a few times. Also known as shavettes, disposable razors became popular in the mid 20th century, but are being used less frequently.

Straight Razors

Perhaps the most nerve-wracking type of razor to use is the straight razor, which is only fitting since another name for it is the “cut-throat razor.” These blades that can be folded back into their handles were the standard for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt. It wasn’t until the 17th century that they became commonly manufactured, though.

Straight razors are the most effective way of shaving, even if it is a bit more anxiety-inducing compared to other razors. Outside of shaving, straight razors have been used in pottery and leather crafting, but aren’t nearly as popular as they were hundreds of years ago.

Electric Razors

An electric razor will be handy for those who don’t need to be shaven but want to get the job done quickly. There are a few different types of electric razors, too, with some designed with rotary blades while others are foil-type. There are also different parts of the body on which electric razors focus.

This can include the top of your head for people who want to go with a buzzcut, all the way to nose hair trimmers and beard shapers. The original electric razor might be older than you think, too, with the patent first being granted in 1898. It wasn’t until 1915, though, that the electric razor became fully operational and exploded in popularity throughout the mid-20th century. Now, about more than one-third of men use an electric razor each day.

Safety Razors

Not all of us have a steady hand and are able to use a straight razor, and for that, we thank the inventors of the safety razor. Equipped with a guard between the edge of the blade and a user’s skin, a safety razor prevents amateur shavers from cutting themselves with the blade. 

While they were introduced in the 18th century, it wasn’t until King Camp Gillette’s version in the early 20th century that they became popular. This is especially true in the 1970s, with safety razors becoming the standard when used with disposable and cartridge razors.

Let’s face it: Not everyone was blessed with naturally beautiful glowing skin. Most of us have to work for it. 

But with the myriad of creams, serums, balms, exfoliators, rollers, lights, and other products out there … it’s hard to know what actually works.

Below, we’ve outlined 5 fundamental tips for good skincare. These are the tried and true tips — the tips you need when all others fail, the first tips you should learn if you are a total skincare newbie, the tips that will make you look your best. 

Let’s get started. 

1. Wear sunscreen every day. 

The simple act of wearing an SPF every day can keep some of the most common skin issues at bay. It will prevent fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots and aging spots, sunburn, and (most importantly) skin cancer.

If you don’t like the idea of applying a separate SPF product every morning, consider purchasing a moisturizer that has sunscreen already in it. Most dermatologists recommend an SPF of 50 or higher for the face.

2. Always wash your face at night.

Although it probably often seems easier to just go to sleep without washing your face, don’t make this mistake. This is especially true if you wear makeup.

Leaving your makeup on all night can clog your pores, exacerbate acne, and cause other skin issues. If you just hate washing your face at night, consider purchasing some makeup remover wipes, which are easier and faster to use. 

Even for those who don’t wear makeup, it’s still important to wash your face before bed as sweat, oils, and pollution from the day can build up and also cause skin issues. Even just giving your face a quick splash or two with cool water is better than doing nothing.

3. Cleanse and moisturize morning and night.

If you only do two things to your face every day (other than applying sunscreen), make them cleansing and moisturizing. You need to do this every morning and every night.

You don’t need fancy cleansers and moisturizers. In fact, you want something quite simple that your skin can rely on. Take a look at what type of skin you have (dry, combination, or oily), and find a simple cleanser and a simple moisturizer that are made for that type of skin. 

Give these initial products a try, and if they don’t work, move on to other products until you find a cleanser and moisturizer you like. 

4. Periodically exfoliate.

Once or twice a week, use an exfoliator. Do not use an exfoliator sponge or brush, and do not use an exfoliating cleanser with microbeads. Use a chemical exfoliant — a skincare product with exfoliating properties. One with AHA or BHA as the main active ingredient will work best.

5. Change your skincare with the seasons.

Finally, keep in mind that you should switch skincare products and routines as the seasons change. Our skin tends to be drier in the winter and more oily in the summer, so adjust your products accordingly. 

You may also want to skip using your cleanser in the mornings when it’s winter. Your skin shouldn’t need it, and that extra cleanse can be extra drying.

As you can see, most people don’t need fancy serums, expensive injections, and special lights to have a strong, solid skincare routine. What it’s really all about is a few simple products, consistency, and trial and error when necessary. Whether you’re new to the world of skincare or just want to get back to the basics, use these fundamentals to build a skincare routine you can feel good about.

Your skin can make up to 15% of your body weight, and a lot of people forget that it’s the body’s largest organ. Not only does your skin kind of keep things like your muscles, bones, and other organs all held together, but it’s also the key factor in regulating your body’s temperature. 

 

Your skin is also full of nerves, which is important for us humans to feel and touch things too. 

 

Needless to say, your skin is a pretty important part of your body, but not all skin is the same.  

 

There are actually five different skin types and the more you understand what type of skin you have, the better you can take care of it and keep it healthy.

 

Normal

 

Normal skin is what it sounds like. It’s not too dry, it’s not too oily, and it functions, looks, and feels the way it’s supposed to. People with normal skin do not tend to have dermatological issues, their skin is clear from blemishes and other irritations. 

 

Normal skin is smooth and generally just needs a minor level of cleanliness, attention, and care. 

 

Dry

 

People who have dry skin tend to be more susceptible to factors like climate, weather, elevation, and dehydration. Things like a dry environment, low air humidity, or high elevation can cause skin to dry out at an alarmingly fast rate, causing physical cracking and even bleeding if not addressed immediately. 

 

People who are in certain jobs that expose them to chemicals, hot water, or constant washing of hands will also notice their skin becoming drier and drier if they are not careful. All of these factors strip away natural skin oil meant to protect the skin from drying out. 

 

Dry skin is itchy as well and often feels tight and rough to the touch. 

 

If you suffer from dry skin, physical hydration is key both in terms of water consumption and additional moisturizing throughout the day. If you deal with hot water or chemicals, wearing protective gloves might also help.  

 

Oily

 

Oily skin is typically genetic, but it is also connected to age and puberty. Excessive skin oil is caused by sebaceous glands’ overproduction, and people with oily skin tend to battle acne more so than others. 

 

Someone with oily skin can physically feel a sheen or layer of oil on areas like their face, for example, and their skin tends to be shinier. People with oily skin tend to need hygiene products that help dry their skin out and need to be more aware of washing away dirt and grime to avoid things becoming trapped in their pores which leads to breakouts. 

 

Oily/Dry

 

A combination of oily/dry skin means that certain areas deal with the dry features discussed in #2 while others deal with the oily features in #3. 

 

People with combination skin need to have a skincare routine that is different based on the area being addressed as the relief for dry skin is not the relief for oily skin and vice versa. 

 

Typically, if you have a combination of oily/dry skin you will notice patches of dry areas and areas that are excessively oily. You might also notice that your skin pores vary in size based on the location on your body, in particular your face. 

 

Sensitive

 

Sensitive skin is also genetic, but it can be caused by external factors such as medication. 

 

This type of skin is extremely susceptible to irritation, redness, and other dermatological issues like blotchy skin, itchy sections, rashes, eczema, and even allergy-like symptoms.  

 

People with sensitive skin often need specific body and hygiene products that are free of chemicals and certain ingredients. They also might need special detergents for fabric, clothes, and sheets. 

Skin Health

 

While skin type is primarily determined by your genetics, there are other factors that affect how your skin looks, feels, and functions:

• Hygiene Habits
• Hydration
• Moisturizing Habits
• Exposure to Sun
• Exposure to Chemicals
• Diet
• Hormones
• Medication 

It’s also recommended to schedule routine appointments with a licensed Dermatologist to ensure that you have the correct skin hygiene routine in place.