The experts at Wilkinson Sword have compiled their top shaving tips so that you can experience silky smooth skin every day.

1. Invest in a good razor and use a sharp blade to prevent shaving burn. Newer blades reduce drag and pull on hair.
2. Replace the blade regularly, or as soon as you need to apply pressure to shave.
3. Don't start shaving as soon as you step into the bath or shower – wait a few minutes for the warm water to soften the hair, open the hair follicles and relax skin. Shaving wet hair also prevents your razor from blunting too quickly. However, soaking too long can cause the skin to wrinkle and swell slightly, making it more difficult to get a close, clean shave.
4. Try to avoid shaving when you first wake up, as body fluids make skin puffier. After twenty to thirty minutes the skin becomes more taught and the hair shaft is exposed.
5. Choose a direction to shave in and stick with it - either with or against hair growth. Against gives the closest shave, but you might want to go with the growth if you're sensitive to razor burn.
6. Get rid of all the dead skin cells that could clog up your razor and prevent a close shave by exfoliating or body brushing on a regular basis.
7. Don't wipe the blade with a towel or tissue as this can cause damage to the blade.
8. Don't go over an area repeatedly, as this can cause irritation. Instead, use tweezers for a stray hair you can't catch. Be especially careful of repeat strokes in sensitive areas such as the bikini line.
9. For the bikini area, use a fresh blade, a light touch, plenty of warm water and shaving cream. Shave horizontally from outside to inside of the upper thigh and groin.
10. Shave underarms from the bottom up, going over the area only once. Wait a while before applying your anti-perspirant or deodorant so it doesn't sting.
11. Be gentle when you get out of the bath or shower. Dab your skin dry and apply a moisturiser over your freshly shaven skin. An alcohol-free, unscented lotion without AHA's is a good choice.