Summarize:

You will significantly reduce your risk of skin irritation if you wash your arms before shaving your arms with a traditional razor blade. Remove any dirt and oils that have accumulated on your with a gentle cleanser. Rinse your arms thoroughly with warm water. Lubricants, such as shaving creams and gels, serve as a measure of protection against skin irritation and cuts. While you may coat your entire arm in shaving cream or gel, this may cause you to waste a large amount of the product. Instead, consider applying a lubricant to sections of your arms throughout the process of shaving. Once you have finished with a section, apply shaving gel or cream to an unshaven area of your arm. Divide your arms into small, manageable sections to shave.  Shave from the inside of your wrist, up the top of your forearm, and stop at your elbow. Gradually work your way across the forearm to the outside of your wrist, shaving in straight, even lines. Repeat on the other arm. Shave the upper part of your arm—from your elbow to your shoulder—in the same manner. Repeat on the other arm. Bend your elbow to tighten the skin. Slowly move the razor across the delicate skin of your elbow. Repeat on the other elbow. If you are shaving your arms for swimming, it is recommended that you do not shave the underside of your arms. The hair on this part of your body allows you to feel the water as you are moving through it. After you have shaved both arms, rinse them off under the warm water of your shower. The warm water helps to combat irritation. It may prevent the appearance of razor burn the next day.
Wash your arms. Lubricate your arms. Shave your arms. Rinse your arms.