I don't know about you but, despite the fact that I've been shaving for give or take 20 years, I still cut myself with alarming regularity. Yesterday, after getting a nasty nick near my Achilles, I decided to get on the horn and ask an expert how I can avoid these kinds of shaving pitfalls once and for all.

Here's what Claire Girdler, a Venus Scientist, had to say about why we cut ourselves (and what we can do to offset the nicks)...

The Cause: The use of inferior-performing shaving products, such as single or double blade razor
"Inferior-performing products, such as single blade razors, can cause nicks and cuts. However, a multi-blade technology, featured in all Venus razors, utilizes progressively aligned blades that helps to aid the reduction of drag on the skin. Each blade in Venus razors is spring-mounted, allowing each one to individually adjust to the curves and contours of the body, enabling them to stay in contact with the skin, even on tricky shaving areas such as the knees and the ankles." (Editor's note, try Gillette Venus Embrace, $8.)

The Cause: Shaving with an old, dull blade
"Make sure to change your blades regularly as blunt blades are not effective and may also increase the risk of irritation. Using a dull blade may result in you pressing harder during a shaving stroke which can also cause nicks and cuts."

The Cause: Razor slippage
Another reason for nicks and cuts is side-to-side razor slippage. The razor should only ever be moved in the direction perpendicular to the blades; never move your razor side-to-side over your skin. To prevent the razor slipping in your hands, use a razor with a handle designed to give greater control in a wet environment.

The Cause: Putting excessive pressure on the razor
Women occasionally apply too much pressure to their razor. To help prevent unwanted nicks and cuts, use a light touch, exerting as little pressure as possible, and shave in the direction that feels most comfortable.

Hooray -- with these tips firmly committed to memory now, I'm looking forward to a smooth, scab-free summer.

Want more shaving insight? Here's what my new BFF Claire had to say about getting your smoothest-ever bikini area shave.