The key is to make sure your facial hair is well softened and your pores opened -- either by showering or a good face wash/hot towel. I'm a before-bed shaver so I opt for the latter. A good scrub with glycerine soap and a face cloth followed by a thin application of baby oil gets the skin ready. Baby oil (or even olive or walnut oil provides a thin layer of lubricant that counters water-based soaps). I prefer soap in a scuttle to cream (the extra brushwork to build a lather exfoliates the skin and stimulates the hairs).
Once you're done, a bracing rinse of cold water to close the pores and a swipe from an alum block (which acts as an astringent). I highly recommend an alum block.
After the face is dry, a small dollop of ordinary skin cream (such as Lubriderm) soothes the skin. You can opt for a pricier shave balm, but skin cream basically does the same thing.
For nicks, try the Proraso Styptic gel over the pencil.
I used to have a full beard for many years, because of my sensitive skin. Now that I've embraced single blade shaving I have to say I enjoy the daily ritual.
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