Thread: Last resort.

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