Be sure your beard is well soaked, at least a minute, preferably two or three. Some sort of prep will help, too ( I tend to use a pre-shave cream when i want a closer shave and less irritation, but I use glycerin soap, too at times, and get pretty good results, so I think the glycerin suggestion given is also worth trying, especially if you have glycerin or glycerin soap around already.)

For AS use something soothing and protective, and if you're really hard off, you might even consider a non shaving moisturizer, preferably a very mild unscented one.

YMMV, of course.