Quote Originally Posted by jhenry View Post
Yes, you may be applying too much pressure to the blade against your face. If this is your first full shave as a newcomer to straight razor shaving, however, some burning might be expected as our face adjusts to the new/old shaving technology you are now using. ...

Your post doesn't mention any post-shave procedure. Consider applying a splash or more of cold water to your face after shaving. Then follow that up with some aftershave balm to your face after shaving to cool the burn.


Quote Originally Posted by Alembic View Post
Yep - those are my top three picks.

BTW, what is your post shave treatment. This is just as important as any other aspect of the shave.

I just started using Nivea Replenishing Post Shave Balm as a final treatment. This stuff is the cat's behind. And for $6.00!


+1 on what JHenry and Alembic said. Many things are probably at play here:

1. Pressure
2. Face adjustment, and
3. Post shave treatment.

As a noob to str8 shaving, I was having exactly that same problem. Lay off the pressrue...Let the weight of the blade do the job. Also, my face has more or less adjusted. Aside from that, I suggest the following post shave regimen to reduce the burning:

1. Warm water wash: Wash face with warm water and get "stuff" off (creme residue, pre shave oil, etc, etc,...).

2. Cold water wash: Wash with cold water to reduce inflammation and slow irritation.

3. NO ALCOHOL AS: Do not use alcohol AS after your shave. Even though it gives you the feeling of cooling and soothing, it is not...alcohol will irritate your skin as it causes dehydration and will lead to inflammation. This results in itching/burning. Instead use AS with moisturizers. I use NancyBoy Replenishing AS, it has Aloe Vera, and natural moisturizers.

4. Moisturize face: I use Trumper SkinFood + NancyBoy facial Moisturizer (you are good to go all day)

Just my 2 cents, but don't give up...it's a new method and your face doesn't know what to make of it yet. Give it ~2-3 weeks and you will be surprised.

Cheers,
-Robert