A little Burning now

[rahimlee54]

So I have started practicing stretching my face and switching hands, that way I can get comfortable for when I step up to a straight. The shave is closer for sure even with my mach 3 turbo, but now my face is burning after I shave. I am wondering why this is so I'll let you know what I do: Shower, dry, shave gel in hand, add water apply liberally, and shave. I read about how much everyone loves the nivea AS balm so I went and got some of that and it helped alot, which leaves me to believe it is just lack of lubrication from the shave gel. I didn't really have a burning feeling when I used to shave minus the stretching, the shave wasnt as close though.

Any thoughts or suggestions as to if I will have this problem when I switch and how to make it go away?

[Stubear]

I have quite sensitive skin and the more I stretch, the more irritation I get. If I really go for it I can actually get quite bad razor burn..!

The reason for this is that the combination of the stretching plus the razor breaks up the surface of the skin more than normal, leading to increased irritation.

You could try using a hot towel before you shave to further soften the beard, or maybe a pre shave oil. I would also recommend avoiding alcohol based aftershaves as these can really make razor burn worse. I only use Trumpers sandalwood skin food after shaving, as its really soothing and reduces any irritation.

Another option is to try out some old school shaving soaps as these really do improve the glide of a shave, far better than the canned stuff. They are even (arguably) better than the creams. Even though the lather is thinner, its really slick and glidy and helps to give a smooth shave. You might want to try something like Tabac, as this is a favourite amongst members here and gives an excellent shave.

Good luck!

[ben.mid]

Firstly, as Stu say's, change the gel. It's just not good enough. Good soap or cream need not be expensive, & the brush can cost very little. Look in the review's & you'll see a whole range of creams are favoured. Check the archive too, so you get to see them all.

Other things to watch are that the blade is still shave ready.
Poor stropping can rob a shave ready blade of it's keenness.
Ensure you're not using too much pressure.
Ensure the angle is roughly correct. Two spines width from the face is a good marker.

Check these things & you should see some improvement. If not, we'll have too look a little deeper into it.

[dannywonderful]

Ben, the OP is still using a Mach III razor, he hasn't started using a straight razor yet.

I think Stubear and Ben have given you the best advice though, use a better product than the gel, ideally a good quality shave cream, or soap with a brush.

[rahimlee54]

Thanks guys, I figured that was what the deal is. Cost isnt really a problem I just wanted to use up what I had, after the holidays I'll order up a brush and some soap and cream to try both. I just cant go on with the all day burning.

[ben.mid]

Ah, yes. The opening sentence eludes me again! Thanks Danny.
So the only difference is the stretching? Odd. Maybe it's just the extra closeness then, especially with the three blades raking over your face with each pass.
Meantime, get hold of some Vitamin E oil. Seriously, if i ever get burn, using this soothes it in under a minute. Fantastic stuff & kicks off the healing process too.

[rahimlee54]

You think witch hazel would be enough or should I go straight up vit E? I saw Vit E listed as an ingredient in the WH, so I was going to pick some of that up at some point.

[ben.mid]

I find witch hazel a good aftershave, but to relieve irritation & burn almost instantly, the Vitamin E is the way to go, in my opinion. They're both inexpensive.

[Malacoda]

Even with it being a cartridge razor (in this case a Mach III) I'd say pressure may still be playing a part as well. Press those blades against the skin a bit and it can cause the same irritation that too much pressure with a DE or straight can...

...especially if you have a tough beard and are pressing (consciouly or subconsciously) to get through it.

So, on top of a bit less stretching and better lather, it may also help if you try going with a lighter touch as well.

[rahimlee54]

I have been making an effort to put no pressure, I used to push in really hard. The new aftershave really helped it is only a mild burn, I think a little vit E and a good lather will get me through. I'll make sure there is no pressure and more lather next time. The beard was actually pretty tough today, so that could play a part as well. Thanks for the advice.

Jared