How do you shave without damaging your skin?

The trick to shaving without cutting yourself is simple, if you are willing to take the time. First - and this can be a financial pinch, I know - is to get rid of a shaving cartridge (or blade) the first time it begins to "pinch", if you have done the rest of your prep right (below).

The main trick is this: First, wash your face thoroughly with soap and warm water. Leave it wet. Then - you are reading this right - wash your face with soap and warm water a second time, and leave it wet. It is the second wash that is the charm. The first wash removes surface dirt and oil. The second wash removes oil in the hair follicles themselves. Then apply your shave cream, and shave away. Give the shave cream about two minutes to soak, and it will be even smoother and more comfortable. This is 45 years shaving experience talking here!

One other suggestion with any safety razor or cartridge razor: Never slide the razor sideways. Hard as it is to do, you'll cut yourself that way. Only straight down or straight up strokes.