The first electric razor came on the market in 1915. Compared to wet shavers, dry shaving was not as thorough at first. However, for sensitive skin, electric razor is more suitable.
What is an electric razor?
Today, the most modern high-tech models of electric shavers include rotary shavers, dry shavers with density sensor, dry shavers with laser or the dry shaver with cooling. The electric shaver was patented as early as 1898. Then in 1915 the first dry shaver came on the market. However, it still worked on the basis of a mechanical winding motor, which drove rotating blades. Only in the thirties of the twentieth century were small electric motors developed for the razor. Dry shaving was then also called safety shaving, because the cutter block is protected by a shearing foil. Injuries could no longer occur. Later, Jakob Schick developed an electric shaver with an oscillating armature motor. This was an oscillating system. This device was introduced to the market in 1937 by the Remington company from the USA. After the Second World War, the rotating 3-blade shaver system developed by Philips in 1939 became popular. Today, the development of electric razors has led to a similar quality of shaving as with hand razors. Skin irritation even occurs less frequently with electric razors than with wet razors.
Forms, types and types
Electric shavers come in two varieties in the basic design. Thus, there are razors with several shearing blades that perform rotating movements. The other variant consists of shavers that have a shearing block. The basic structure of an electric shaver is very simple. It consists only of a cutting part and an electric motor. Today, there are razors that release built-in emulsions to achieve an even more perfect shave. In some cases, technology already allows shaving with electric razors to surpass wet shaving. In any case, the cost of shaving with electric razors is much lower than with wet shaving, because with the latter the blade should be replaced after 8 to 12 shaves. The most modern high-tech models of electric shavers today include rotary shavers, dry shavers with density sensor, dry shavers with laser or the dry shaver with cooling. Rotary shavers ensure effective skin contact through moving oscillating heads. With the dry shaver with density sensor, the beard hair density is determined and at the same time the vibration frequency of the shaver is adjusted to it. With the laser dry shaver, the exact cutting line is displayed, making the dry shave particularly accurate. With dry shavers with cooling, the skin is already pleasantly cooled during shaving. Among electric shavers, there are also special models for women. These devices are colloquially known as lady shavers. However, this is more of a marketing ploy than a need to develop shavers specifically for women or men.
Structure and mode of operation
Before shaving with an electric razor, the face should be thoroughly cleaned. However, it is important that the beard hair is also dry before dry shaving. The dry razor cuts most effectively on dry skin. The direction in which the razor is moved during shaving does not affect the shave. However, the most sensitive areas should be shaved first, because the apparatus warms up over time. Sensitive areas of the skin otherwise react with skin irritation when heated. After shaving, the use of an aftershave is recommended, as it refreshes the skin and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Usually the shave is not as perfect as with wet shaving, because the beard hairs are not cut directly on the skin. However, for sensitive skin, dry shaving is preferable to wet shaving. Dry shaving with an electric razor is also not as time-consuming as wet shaving.
Medical and health benefits
Shaving has mainly cosmetic significance, regardless of whether it is done with an electric razor or a wet razor. However, in a few cases, it is also medically indicated.This is especially the case when eczema develops under the beard or body hair, which can only heal on a smooth skin surface. However, health aspects very rarely play a role for a shave. Rather it is a matter of cultural, religious or ritual aspects. Also the current beauty ideal is decisive. The shave belongs with many men in addition, with women to the body care, in order to appear attractive. Mostly, however, its importance is not questioned. However, it is more important to question the influence of shaving on skin reactions. Sometimes it happens that skin irritations occur after shaving. Particularly sensitive skin can react with redness and itching. Mostly these skin irritations appear with wet shaves, because here the blade has rather skin contact than with a dry shave. Thus, if you have sensitive skin, shaving with an electric razor is more recommended. But even here, skin reactions sometimes occur. A good aftershave, however, can largely reduce the risk of skin problems due to its cooling and disinfecting effect. Some problems, however, already become apparent before shaving. For example, it can happen especially with frizzy hair that it grows into the skin. In this case, the end of the hair moves back as it grows and attaches to the skin. In these cases, regular exfoliation should be performed before dry shaving. This involves chemical or mechanical removal of the upper corneal layer, which, in addition to dissolving ingrown hairs, also removes horny scales, sebum and dirt.
