Thread: Irritated Pores?

I have shaved with a straight for a little over a month now and have recently had the same recurring issue.

The pores on my face, and only in certain areas (a patch here, a patch there), have a reddish, irritated appearance.

It seems to be something other than razor burn since I experience no pain or any discomfort and it seems to persist throughout the day.

No one seems to notice the problem--including my wife who is always quick to point out a scratch or a nick or other flaw--but I notice it every time I glance into the mirror.

Anyone ever dealt with the same issue? Any treatments?

Originally Posted by Rev

Anyone ever dealt with the same issue? Any treatments?

Chin area. Less pressure, better prep, extreme attention to cutting angle.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Chin area. Less pressure, better prep, extreme attention to cutting angle.

Gosh, I have no idea how I can improve my prep. I shave after a hot shower, apply a hot towel afterward, apply my lather, strop, shave.

As for my cutting angle, I keep it as close to thirty degrees or less as possible, and with my ATG passes the blade is well nigh flat. Perhaps I should omit the ATG passes for a while.

I'll keep the pressure in mind, though; although I thought I used the lightest pressure possible. The blade almost slipped through my fingers this morning.

Thanks for the response!

And then there is always the issue of sharpness...

Originally Posted by Rev

I have shaved with a straight for a little over a month now and have recently had the same recurring issue.

The pores on my face, and only in certain areas (a patch here, a patch there), have a reddish, irritated appearance.

It seems to be something other than razor burn since I experience no pain or any discomfort and it seems to persist throughout the day.

No one seems to notice the problem--including my wife who is always quick to point out a scratch or a nick or other flaw--but I notice it every time I glance into the mirror.

Anyone ever dealt with the same issue? Any treatments?

I think I have something similar, if not the same. Granted I'm still pretty new to straights as well, but I've tried various angles to no avail. My shaves are painless and my skin is smooth afterwards. I think I had the same thing when I was using cartridge blades. I can't do against the grain and I usually go 2+ days before shaving again.

Weird thing is that my pores look fine on my chin, neck and head, which I also shave with a straight. I have no known allergies and I've tried unscented soaps and aftershaves. Hot shower beforehand and I'll usually condition my whiskers, I've been using olive oil as a preshave, my lather is creamy and warm and massaged on thoroughly, and I always finish with a cold rinse and witch hazel (unscented or rose). Maybe I'll try adjusting angles again as last time I consciously experimented with that was when I first started out.

As a general rule I will;

- shave
- wash face with water
- dry face completely
- wet face lightly with water
- rub alum block over shaved area
- wait at least 60 seconds (usually while I clean up and put stuff away)
- wash face with water
- dry face completely
- apply some kind of moisturiser/skin food

The alum block is what takes my skin back to its normal self. The moisturiser takes the "raw" feeling out of my face.

Usually within 20 - 30 mins you wouldnt know I have shaved (and I have massive allergies and skin reactions to shaving).

Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by wedwards

As a general rule I will;

- shave
- wash face with water
- dry face completely
- wet face lightly with water
- rub alum block over shaved area
- wait at least 60 seconds (usually while I clean up and put stuff away)
- wash face with water
- dry face completely
- apply some kind of moisturiser/skin food

The alum block is what takes my skin back to its normal self. The moisturiser takes the "raw" feeling out of my face.

Usually within 20 - 30 mins you wouldnt know I have shaved (and I have massive allergies and skin reactions to shaving).

Hope that helps.

I use an alum block as well, and still the problem persists.

There could be a lot of things causing this. First of did you have it before the straight. 2nd did you change any thing else when you switched to a straight. I am pretty knowledgeable in the skin care arena but need more info? more the better.

Originally Posted by Don

There could be a lot of things causing this. First of did you have it before the straight. 2nd did you change any thing else when you switched to a straight. I am pretty knowledgeable in the skin care arena but need more info? more the better.

No, I never had the condition before using the straight. The only thing I changed when I went to the straight was the length of time I spend prepping.

If I examine my pores up close they have a slight, ever so slight raised look to them. The hair, though, is visible and above the skin. Otherwise I would assume I had ingrown hairs.

Originally Posted by Rev

No, I never had the condition before using the straight. The only thing I changed when I went to the straight was the length of time I spend prepping.

If I examine my pores up close they have a slight, ever so slight raised look to them. The hair, though, is visible and above the skin. Otherwise I would assume I had ingrown hairs.

I just reread your post, you mention this is almost unnoticeable to others so I assume it is a very light. I would lean toward a light razor burn. Which its called razor burn but does not have to hurt matter of fact most razor burns will not hurt unless you get yourself good. I tested a Livi the other day thats edge was much more aggressive then I thought and I got a little burn on my lower neck where I tend to get a burn if I am going to and it is what you described never hurts though like you said.
Razor burn is typically from pressure not angle. As you work your blade you might be light in one place but the other edge of the blade might be to much do to your face not being flat and the blade being 3 inches long.
I would give them time to heal and go away completely before you shave them again.
Continue your routine(to rule out any allergy) just do not shave that area or shave at all.
Then when gone shave that area first with the front of the blade nice and flat and light pressure and see if it returns.

Good Luck

Assuming the blade is sharp because it is a isolated problem and you did not mention shaving issues else where