Is it normal for my skin to be irritated when I first begin shaving?

I'm using a safety razor, and it's been about a week. I use a great shaving cream, a shaving brush, and a wonderful aftershave. Still, my skin is a bit red, and I've had a few blemishes on the areas I've shaved, especially my neck. I'm not pressing down to hard I don't think. It it normal to have irritation in the beginning or am I doing something wrong?

Is it normal for my skin to be irritated when I first begin shaving?
Yes, as this is an "unnatural" activity, and you are running a blade across your skin. Your skin will slowly become accustomed to the activity, but softening the skin with a warm washcloth, and using shaving gel or shaving crème will help reduce the irritation and improve the results.
Reply:Yeah that's pretty normal. You should try applying Aloe Vera to the freshly shaved area...it's very soothing and should help with the redness/irritation...
Reply:Shave after showering, don't dry your face after getting out of the shower, just apply the shaving cream and then wait a minute or two (brush your hair or whatever) this waiting time lets the shaving cream soften and clean the hair that is to be shaved. Use a good clean razor. Shave down, not up. Shaving up cuts the hair below the skin, this gives a smoother shave but the hair can iritate the skin as it comes through the skin surface, causing bumps or blemishes. Skip the aftershave, this can also bother skin that is new to shaving. Try rinsing with cold water instead.

paper bush