Thread: Last resort.

If you message quickly I'll pop in one of my Ogallala soap samplers too. Those lather like crazy, plus you'll get a whif of that traditional Bay Rum scent too.

Originally Posted by JokiJo

I'm aware, but it can't be a ot worse then what's going on now.

First I shave, then I get razor bumps and acne, then I shave again and cut the tips off said shaving bumps and acne!

Hi JokiJo

Without a proper physical exam, neither me nor anyone else on this forum can say for sure whether what you have going on is acne or razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis) or a combination of the two. But to be safe its good to address both problems.

For acne, if its mild, then over the counter benzyl peroxide washes are a good treatment. These can range from inexpensive drugstore brand benzoyl peroxide wash twice a day to more highly packaged and expensive benzoyl peroxide products like Proactive. Also, its really important that you do not use any oil containing products on your skin. They will make the acne worse. If it says non-comedigenic, don't believe it. Only the term "oil-free' should reassure you that this will not worsen your acne.

If this does not stop the acne now, or later as you get older, then you would need to use some prescription meds, like antibiotics, or as a last resort accutane, which of course you should see a dermatologist for. The thing is, you want to make sure the acne does not get out of control, because it could lead to scarring that you will carry on your face the rest of your life, even after your acne finally goes away (which is it often but not always does when you get into your twenties).

For razor bumps/pseudofolliculitis, I hate to say it because I love straight razor shaving, but straight razors might not be for you. I know I might get flamed here for saying this, but I am not going to give you bad advice just to be popular on this forum. Anyway, pseudofolliculitis is caused by cut hairs looping back into the skin. The sharper the edge of the hair after it is cut, the easier it is for the hair to poke back into the skin. Unfortunately, a straight razor, a disposable razor, a double edge razor, all of these will produce a very sharp edged hair and all have similar likelihood of producing pseudofolliculitis.

It sounds like you are going to try straight razors, and really I hope they work for you, because there is nothing like shaving with one. But I worry that they might not work for you in stopping the razor bumps. It this happens, then the next alternative would be to try electric razors. They produce a much more blunt edge after cutting hairs, and many people who get razor bumps with blade shaving can get away with shaving with electric razors, the less close shaves being a compromise for at least not getting the bumps.

Some people with really curly hair find that even electric shavers do not prevent razor bumps. In this case its worthwhile to try chemical depillatories such as Magic Shave. Its kind of like Nair that women use for their legs, but marketed more for guys beards, and you can get it in most drug stores. The one problem with chemical depillatories is that, even used as directed, they can cause some irritation, so to counteract that you can use something to soothe your skin (that is oil free, remember), and if you want to use an old school shaving remedy like folks on this forum, you can try witch hazel to reduce the irritation.

Finally, if none of this works, then the only other alternative is to grow a beard. It does not have to be a long beard, a close trimmed one is fine. If while you are growing out your beard, you encounter some hairs trying to ingrow, you can gently try to remove them from ingrowing carefully, with a pin.

Working as a medic in the army, and then as a dermatologist and full time instructor both at the local university derm residency program and VA hopsital for many years has given me experience which I am glad to pass along in the hope of trying to help, not only you, but others on the forum with these problems.

Good luck and if you have further questions, let me know.

Pete

Originally Posted by JokiJo

Wow, I didn't realize this was such a common problem! Sounds like you guys had the exact same problem as I.

It's a VERY common problem, and not just here. It's a problem for men all over the world. It "tends" to be more common among certain ethnic groups, because having beard hair that curls tightly is a major contributing factor.


As others have pointed out, shaving with a straight is not a "magic bullet" to stop shaving bumps, but can be a big help for many people.

The other thing to keep in mind, is that you may grow out of it. As you've been quite up front about, your beard is still coming in, so in 10 years, you may find that your beard has changed, and you skin has toughened up a bit, and it's no longer an issue.

In the mean time, even if you find that a straight is not for you, wet shaving (shaving with a wet face, and using soap or real shaving creme with a brush) will probably help a great deal. At a minimum, you'll be spending more time taking good care of your face, and the change in razors may help as well.

I started wet shaving at 15, and I've never looked back.


Besides, even as a teenager, a little extra time grooming goes a long way with the ladies.

Let me clarify this a bit,- My acne is NOT serious. In fact, beginning sometime around last Christmas I've been acne free completely, except when I shave or if I can't or haven't been in access to a place with a shower and some soap.

The trouble is, if I shave everyday, my skin gets sooo irritated, I get a small break out and I have to stop until it goes away or it will get worse.

I've tried electric razors also, and they're not nearly as bad, but then it's not really a close shave and it's hard to keep my side burns how I like them and some parts of my face smooth.

Don't get me wrong- I hope straight shaving helps my skin, but I'm also doing it because I think it's not only a useful skill, but it's something fairly unique and rewarding to do just because you can.

If I were doing simply because I was desperate to get rid of my acne I think I might have chosen an entirely different route. In fact, as you said, I'd stop shaving all together if my acne were serious enough for prescription drugs and I thought it'd help.


What I want to get out of straight shaving, is a smooth shave, a unique skill that I can be proud of, and (this is a huge part right?) something to soak up the extra gallons of testosterone floating around!


I don't need to mention all the other advantages to straight shaving, since most of you already know. So all in all, I'm looking forward to a great shave, great skin, a lot of fun.

Originally Posted by JokiJo

The trouble is, if I shave everyday, my skin gets sooo irritated, I get a small break out and I have to stop until it goes away or it will get worse.

Don't get me wrong- I hope straight shaving helps my skin, but I'm also doing it because I think it's not only a useful skill, but it's something fairly unique and rewarding to do just because you can.

Well, I'm no dermatologist, but that just sounds like good old fashioned razor burn to me.

IME, a straight gives a shave with the least possible razor burn AFTER you have learned to use it. My first shave with a straight left me pretty much raw, but after only a few weeks I was getting amazing shaves and hardly ever any razor burn.

Originally Posted by VeeDubb65

Well, I'm no dermatologist, but that just sounds like good old fashioned razor burn to me.

IME, a straight gives a shave with the least possible razor burn AFTER you have learned to use it. My first shave with a straight left me pretty much raw, but after only a few weeks I was getting amazing shaves and hardly ever any razor burn.

That's the plan!

And I agree with you. I don't think it's even acne, cause there's no white heads or anything. I think it's just razor burn, irritated skin, and maybe ingrown whiskers.

I'm totally okay with a rocky start, and confident it'll get better. I'm just waiting on a paycheck and a trip to wally world to grab a visa gift card.

sounds like a great plan to me. Keep us updated and let us know how it goes.

Also, let me add one more vote for keeping an eye on the classifieds for a good deal on an ugly razor with a good edge. You'll behappier with than than a very pretty shavette.

Ok! I got my paycheck and I'm ready to buy.

I need a razor, strop, and brush. A hone can come later right?

Now, I checked a razor and strop a guy had locally and the blade was rusty and dull so I passed it up.

So, I was wondering if anyone had anything I could possibly buy with a money order since I don't have access to a credit card?

I have a little more to work with then the $60 I said, but not very much, because I still have to buy some school clothes and some parts to get my truck running so I have something to drive. However if the deal is right I'm sure I can scrounge some more up. Ahh, the joys of being semi unemployed.


Also, I was thinking of making my own strop. There's plenty of belts at the thrift store and I'm pretty handy with tools and I have plenty around to work with. If someone could tell me what side belt or leather I need I might could make something work. If I could get a strop it'd be pretty easy to find a good razor for $50 and buy a cheap brush at wal-mart.

Thanks!

Josh

Hone, yes, this can wait. In fact, you don't ever "need" to get one. Plenty of people simply send their razors out to be honed when needed. If you treat it with care, that might be only once a year. If you get a pasted strop, it might be only once every couple of years.

As for the brush, I HIGHLY reccoment heading to your nearest wal*mart to pick up the VHD set with a brush, bar of shave soap and a bowl. It's nothing fancy, but will get the job done for only $10.

There are a couple of really good straights in the classified for $50 and under. Once you've got one of those, all you need is a strop.

If there's a saddle shop near you, just go in and tell them you need a 2 foot scrap of latigo leather. Shouldn't cost much. There are MANY options for home-brew strops, but others can help more.

Well, my main dilemma will be buying online without a credit card. I would probably have already bought off the classifieds but I think everyone is using paypal.

There is a saddle store nearby, but as far as I can tell they only sell premade saddles. Suppose they'll have spare leather anyways?