Tiredness

We all get tired, so how much do you think it effects our skin on our faces, thus effecting the outcome of our shaves?

I happen to work 24hours a day on random shifts and have noticed a big difference in the end results depending on how tired I am. Obviously the more tired I am the less likely it is that my shave will leave me with perfect feeling skin.

Discuss....

Agreed. I shave at night and when I'm feeling really tired after a long day I usually go for creams. Easy to make lather and almost fool proof. I wouldn't even give my MWF a second look.

The brush I go for is either a badger or a Plisson type synthetic so no soaking needed.

Never really thought about this before. But I suppose it’s clear that fatigue, hydration, the amount of time in the sun/wind/cold and a number of other factors affect skin feel, elasticity, etc.

I’m tired most of the time, because of frequent difficulty sleeping, but what I’ve noticed is that shaving often makes me “feel like a new man”. The process seems to have a rejuvenating effect — not just on the skin — and often makes me feel better physically (probably through some sort of mental relaxation and enjoyment of the senses during a good shave). A few days ago, when I told my wife “shaving makes me feel like a new man,” she just gave me a weird look… I don’t think she quite gets this wetshaving thing.  

I also occasionally work ridiculously long hours and for me I feel that my shave is sub-par do to my technique not being on point. At the point of exhaustion the attention to detail isn't there for me which is why I usually catch a power nap in my recliner then shower and shave and go to bed. I also think working outdoors in extreme conditions has an effect on one's skin e.i. dryness, sun burn, wind chap, profuse sweating causing pores clogging or overly oily skin. All of which in turn affect the skins reaction to the products we use and the act of shaving itself. I follow a pretty good skin care routine to try and keep my skin in tip top shape depending on the seasons.

I'm retired now, so I'm very rarely exhausted, and my skin generally is always in good condition. This is just accentuated by my shaves, which leave my skin so soft and smooth that my wife comments frequently about it. But back many years ago when I was a medical resident in training, sometimes working very stressful 36-48 hour shifts in the hospital, my skin got blotchy, rough, and alternately very dry and very oily - the outer me reflecting pretty accurately my inner condition. At that time I was using canned shaving foam and a cartridge razor for my intermittent shaves, which did little for my skin condition. But I doubt that even my current top-quality hardware and software would have made much difference.

Never really thought about this before. But I suppose it’s clear that fatigue, hydration, the amount of time in the sun/wind/cold and a number of other factors affect skin feel, elasticity, etc.

I’m tired most of the time, because of frequent difficulty sleeping, but what I’ve noticed is that shaving often makes me “feel like a new man”. The process seems to have a rejuvenating effect — not just on the skin — and often makes me feel better physically (probably through some sort of mental relaxation and enjoyment of the senses during a good shave). A few days ago, when I told my wife “shaving makes me feel like a new man,” she just gave me a weird look… I don’t think she quite gets this wetshaving thing.  

Matthew, wait until your wife sees how young you start looking in a few years, then, she might understand.

I also get rejuvenated after my morning shaves! I haven't noticed fatigue leading to bad shaves, for me, though.

I'm retired now, so I'm very rarely exhausted, and my skin generally is always in good condition.  This is just accentuated by my shaves, which leave my skin so soft and smooth that my wife comments frequently about it.  But back many years ago when I was a medical resident in training, sometimes working very stressful 36-48 hour shifts in the hospital, my skin got blotchy, rough, and alternately very dry and very oily - the outer me reflecting pretty accurately my inner condition.

Matthew, wait until your wife sees how young you start looking in a few years, then, she might understand.  

I also get rejuvenated after my morning shaves! I haven't noticed fatigue leading to bad shaves, for me, though.

John, the working hours (or shifts) in the medical field are often absolutely gruesome. Sometimes I put in almost similar stints, thankfully not on a regular basis, though. I am so glad to hear that the effects of such times can be successfully tended to later on. Therein lies my hope…

Celestino, . I’m with you on this — even if I’m dreadfully tired, my shaves are usually good, and help improve the way I feel. Shaving truly seems to improve or even vitalize my entire being.

A fellow on a Finnish shaving forum recently said something profound. He basically said that wetshaving is not just for the beard, but for the brains. Today’s multitasking environment is not good for the brains, which wish to focus on only one thing at a time. Moving the hands and arms also activates the brains in a positive manner. Therefore, long, enjoyable shaves can actually help improve our overall health.

Amen to that.

Simplicity and patience! What life used to and should be all about.

I don't notice a huge difference, even with fatigue but do use the shave as my "zen" moment of focus in the morning.

Provides some amount of clarity, even through the fog of sleep deprivation

If I'm too tired, I just don't shave. luckily I'm in a field where being 100% clean shaved is not an issue.

I will say though, maybe 6-8 months ago, I was NEVER keeping my face as moisturized as I do now. my skin thanks me...