Sensitive Skin Straight Shaving

I am wanting to get into the straight shaving game, but I have VERY sensitive skin. Like I'm talking getting razor burn on my neck almost every time I shave.

I am looking into straight razors, soaps and aftershaves. I plan on doing as much research as possible before making any decisions on a razor, soap or aftershave. I guess my main questions are: Does the size, or shape of a razor help with sensitive skin? Are there any soaps that are better for sensitive skin to prevent razor burn? And are the any aftershaves that are better for sensitive skin?

I am open to any suggestions and information.

Thanks,

Dalton

adaltonr, razor can be any size or shape. The problem lies in several areas. Razor burn usually is caused by too much pressure of the blade against the skin. Old saying, Shave the Lather, Not the Skin. A lot of stretching of skin as you shave also helps alleviate razor burn. Go for unscented soaps/creams where possible. A couple that come to mind (and that I use) are, Aveeno Theraputic Shaving Cream, Coate's Lavender Shaving Cream for sensitive skin, Mitchells Wool Fat, Maca Root. Nivea Aftershave Balm for sensitive skin is my standout balm. But, as a beginner, I'd say your biggest problem is learning to lighten the pressure used. If you were using a multi horror razor before you were pressing it in to your skin. With a straight razor with stretching you are raising the stubble so that you are only cutting the hairs.
Hope this helps.

Also, if you list in your bio where you are located local members might contact you for one on one sessions where hands on can teach you a heck of a lot more than posting. Also you should be able to find a mentor in your area who is definitely more than willing to help you get started the right way.

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Originally Posted by adaltonr

... I'm talking ... razor burn ... almost every time I shave.

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Shaving with what, D'ton?

I have super sensitive skin too. I recently switched to straight razor shaving and I currently use Porasso white. I still get a bit of razor burn most likely cause I need to work on technique more, but I'm never going back. I used get burn and bumps so bad I couldn't shave for a week or two after. Now I shave every other day with no issue and my skin is left feeling nice.

Razorfeld,

I think I mislead you, I have not yet started straight shaving, just started research to figure out what would be the right stuff for me before making any purchases (not wanting to waste what budgeted money I have). I'm not sure if the same thing applies to shaving with disposable razors, but I will try it and see what comes of it.
Thank you for the suggestion and tips.

Dalton

I have sensitive skin and the highest factor in avoiding irritation is maintaining the edge. A sharper blade means very little pressure and fewer strokes are required and it glides through the lather.

My skin has cleared up very nicely since i started straight shaving, I just have extra incentive to maintain the edge!

The key to sensitive skin is shaving in a sensible fashion. That means minimum pressure and proper angle and a sharp razor and the skill to wield it.

+1 on the comments above. One possible additional piece: a number of users here find that they get less irritation from a cold shave. Or, at least, that going overkill on hot water, hot towels, etc, can court irritation.

But light blade pressure and other elements of shaving technique come first, for sure.

[Qshave the lather. good to know, and make it simple.

When used properly a straight razor is actually the best razor for sensitive skin because it is the ultimate adjustable razor where you control all the variables. Of course the problem is reaching that level of proficiency.

Razor burn was never really an issue for me but razor bumps were. After I switched to a straight and learned how to shave properly those bumps are now all but a memory.

I have sensitive skin as well. To echo others, a properly honed, sharp razor is your best friend for avoiding irritation as you do not press too hard when shaving.

I would add a few other recommendations:

1. Use a soap with glycerin in it. I have gotten good results with Mama Bear soaps as well as Mystic Waters (which also has tallow) soaps. These soaps are a little harder to lather, but they keep your skin more moisturized while shaving. Overall, this results in less iritation.

2. Use alum post shave. The alum helps close cuts, close up pores, and soothe irritation. Alum blocks are cheap, and I find them superior to alcohol based after shaves.

3. Finish the shave off with a simple moisturizer. Coconut oil is also an excellent alternative (I've been using it lately, to good effect).

I believed that I had really sensitive skin, too, until a wise old barber (my grandfather!) straightened me out with these pearls of wisdom:

• Beard prep is crucial - shaving after a shower is best
• Always use a light hand - the edge does the work, not you
• A dull edge is irritating - you'll tend to use more pressure with a dull blade

And one of my own that's a corollary to the last one:

• Trying to save money by squeezing extra shaves out of a cartridge merely means that you're undoubtedly using dull blades

i think you'll be pleased. I started with double edge and had to try to learn straight shaving. I get a lot less irritation than with double edge shaving. I only get irritation when I do a third pass against the grain. Jump in

My razor burn issue went away when I figured out what no pressure really meant. I had a tendency to try get most of my beard on the first pass. Do not do that. The other mistake I made was not re-wetting between lathering. It was not about pre and post product for me. It was about technique.

You might also consider using some sort of pre-shave treatment, such as Proraso white label. There are
many other concoctions available, at various price points. Likewise, there are many brands of post-shave
balms and lotions for sensitive skin.

But you've already gotten the best advice: use a truly shave-ready blade with a very light touch.

I'm a recent convert to Maca Root shaving cream from The Body Shop. Amazing lather, great lubrication, doesn't dry out the skin, and the fragrance is nice. It's really cut down my razor irritation.

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Originally Posted by adaltonr

Razorfeld,

I think I mislead you, I have not yet started straight shaving, just started research to figure out what would be the right stuff for me before making any purchases (not wanting to waste what budgeted money I have). I'm not sure if the same thing applies to shaving with disposable razors, but I will try it and see what comes of it.
Thank you for the suggestion and tips.

Dalton

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As others have mentioned, there are soaps/creams and aftershaves/balms specially formulated for sensitive skin. Silvertip badger is the softest brush. Buy a razor that is shave ready, because that enables the razor to do the work so you don't have to apply too much pressure to your face.

I have sensitive skin, too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by adaltonr

I am wanting to get into the straight shaving game, but I have VERY sensitive skin. Like I'm talking getting razor burn on my neck almost every time I shave.

I am looking into straight razors, soaps and aftershaves. I plan on doing as much research as possible before making any decisions on a razor, soap or aftershave. I guess my main questions are: Does the size, or shape of a razor help with sensitive skin? Are there any soaps that are better for sensitive skin to prevent razor burn? And are the any aftershaves that are better for sensitive skin?

I am open to any suggestions and information.

Thanks,

Dalton

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Straight razor shaving, when done right, will be the least irritating form of shaving. The most important thing to remember is to have your razor be honed so that it's really sharp. The second most important thing to remember is the angle: 30 degrees.

I would watch many videos on YouTube on how to start shaving using a straight razor. But no matter how good your technique, a dull blade will scrape your face and make it irritated.

A common beginner's mistake is stropping your razor dull. Practice stropping, watch some YouTube videos on stropping, practice again. Lay the razor flat on the strop (the back of the razor should never be in mid-air).

Last thing I would mention is that a lot of times, "factory shave-ready" is not sharp enough to be "shave-ready." Either hone the razor yourself when you first get it or send it out to be honed by a professional.

About using minimal pressure. When you are shaving as light as you can with no pressure lighten up some more. That's all.

When you start your journey you'll learn exactly what causes your razor burn. For me, it was the razor. My neck is very sensitive, but not necessarily towards products. I've only used one product that irritates my neck. Find a friend that is doing this, or at least wet shaves, and trade products back and forth. It'll save your wallet while allowing you to try a lot of different soaps and creams and after shaves. To start, I'd stay away from the after shaves that burn, and use ones like the ogollala brand. Just my two cents. Either way, enjoy the journey and pursue a comfortable shave first, close shave second.
Cheers

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Originally Posted by spacex

The second most important thing to remember is the angle: 30 degrees.

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The 30 degree angle(about 2 spine widths of the razor from the face) is for the WTG pass only, I find.

7-15 degree angles are for the XTG and ATG passes.

You will have nothing but problems and crazy irritation if you attempt XTG and ATG passes at 30 degrees. Be warned.

Regards,