Thread: ummm.......... well now the acne is setting in...

well, ive been str8 shaving for about three weeks, and its been great, but today after i shaved i got a very bad bit of acne on my neck. So Have i been lucky and this sort of thing happens.... or is alum block after every shave a bad idea? Im kinda stumped.....i haven't done anything different as far as i can tell...

I'd be happy for someone to correct me, but it seems that I read that the way alum blocks work is by leaving behind plugs in something or other. Sure isn't what I'd recommend to anyone suffering from acne, if that's really the case.

On the other hand, after only three weeks, it's likely that you're causing mechanical abrasion by using too much pressure. Does it feel like the shave is particularly rough on your neck?

Until someone shows up who knows more about this stuff than I do, I'd also cover all the bases by mentioning that other factors can cause acne to flare up (diet, stress, sleeping patterns, etc.).

EDIT: I've also heard that skin can be irritated if you don't thoroughly rinse away the soap/cream when you've finished. That might be harder to do in the neck area, so you might have left some there. Just a thought.

It could have been a couple of things. You may have got your angle slightly wrong this time and scuffed up the skin, your skin may not like the cumulative effect of alum every day (my skin really doesnt like alum!) or you may have used a little too much pressure this time, again scuffing the skin. Or your skin doesnt like the cumulative effect of the soap you are using each day. All of these things could potentially lead to the acne you mention.

The best thing to do is, if you can, not shave for a couple of days to give the skin time to recover. When you start shaving again, keep the pressure really light and take special care on the problem area.

Avoid the alum for a couple of days as well, and see if that helps. If neither of these things work, it may be worth trying a new soap to see if that helps.

If you want to see how your skin reacts to your soap, try dabbing some lather on your arm and leave it for a few minutes. If the area goes red, itchy or swollen then you need a different (or hypoallergenic) soap.

If that still doesnt clear it up, then its probably a good idea to see a dermatologist for advice.

Hi madwolf,
+1 with the above -However I notice you do not say what skin prep you do both preshave & postshave apart from alum.
I use a very popular preshave skin compound called proraso.I also use aftershave balm.There are many such products on the market.I think if you research these you may find your answer.
Good luck and happy shaving
regards
Noggs

My Preshave Prep is always a long hot shower............ I have been using Van der hagen Shea butter Soap, and alum block to finish with 4711 aftershave.... I just shaved again and theres no real irritation........ well except where i gouged myself under my nose......... but that was all me..........

Originally Posted by MadWolf

well, ive been str8 shaving for about three weeks, and its been great, but today after i shaved i got a very bad bit of acne on my neck. So Have i been lucky and this sort of thing happens.... or is alum block after every shave a bad idea? Im kinda stumped.....i haven't done anything different as far as i can tell...

Acne or a rash or razor burn or reaction to product.

My guess is that your razor is a bit dull and you
are using more pressure. Since it has only been
three weeks try more time on the canvas side
when stropping (perhaps a visit to a balsa hone
or finishing hone).

Do you have a second razor? A DE, or some of the BiC yellow
handle single blade tossables to shave with for a couple days to
see if it is a sharpness issue.

For me alum is drying, harsh, irritating yet a bit antiseptic.
It does not work for a lot of folk so I would set it to the
side and see if it is giving you a rash.

Once you anger your skin and it begins to erupt
it takes a very gentle hand and very gentle products
for it to calm down and heal. Skipping days when
you can is a good thing when skin needs to mend.

well this morning i shaved again and no real irritation, and its now smooth.......... im thinking that maybe since the new W&B i just got is a quatrer ground and I'm used to my frameback, maybe i was applying too much pressure..... I didnt think anything of it i guess because i shaved with a hollow ground and it was fine.

heaver blade I guess. Now its all back to feeling good.