Hi there, I'm new here but I've been sly for a few years now.
I can't answer all of your questions, but the main thing that seems to work for me is to avoid all chemical and unatural products. I use an essential oil tea tree wash, followed by a shaving brush lather of a good quality cream. I use Geo F Trumper or Penhaligons.
The tea tree oil is a natural antispeptic. Try using an astringent after your shave to close the pores and prevent infection, such as tend skin or clinique scruffing lotion. Then use a really light unperfumed moisturiser, not too much though just enough to rehydrate the skin.
Shower or wash the scalp twice a day, each time with a tea tree oil wash.
Hope this is some help, Good luck mate.
