Thread: Pimples irritation and razor burn. Technique? Blades? Soap/Aftershave?

Hey Dinerroll,

May I suggest that this is likely due combinations of your shaving soap, aftershave and sensitive skin areas. You may have to switch it up until you find an optimum, less oily substitute. Scrubbing your face in a pre-shave shower also helps.

good question!

pimples are a small infections right? or a small gland that is full of goo?
Maybe it's a hygienic issue with the blade, towel or hands.

It bothers me sometimes too, mostly in the neck.
I'll try to continue this train of thought (infection) after work hours, in the meantime, feel free to chip in. I'd like to solve this too.

Hi,
I've experienced exactly what you are talking about, and it was my technique. Too much pressure. As I learned to lighten up, that problem faded.
My upper lip was a bad area, because I wanted BBS there, and my chin is still showing a bit of razor rash, mostly because i tend to make too many passes in that area.
Hang in there; you've chosen a very unforgiving shaving system, and it'll take a while to get it just right. FWIW, I've got a shavette, it sits unused because of that reason.
One thing that worked for me was to "cork" my blades before shaving with them. It seemed to smooth them out just a tiny bit, though it reduced the number of shaves I got from a blade.
Good luck, and remember, your shaves WILL improve!

Originally Posted by wdwrx

FWIW, I've got a shavette, it sits unused because of that reason.
One thing that worked for me was to "cork" my blades before shaving with them. It seemed to smooth them out just a tiny bit, though it reduced the number of shaves I got from a blade.

wdwrx, thanks for your comments, they're very intriguing. I was busy crafting my earlier reply when you posted. I had two questions for you. First, what do you mean by corking the blade? And second, would you mind elaborating on that comment about your shavette? Is the shavette the unforgiving shaving system or is it straight razor shaving in general?

Hi,
The whole shavette thing is generally considered unforgiving. Straight razors tend to be a little more forgiving of poor technique. Most Barbers use this style of shaver on other people though, so it can't be that hard to figure out, it certainly defeated me though.

As for corking, just draw the blade edgewise through a piece of cork (real cork, not the new plastic corks) just enough to bury the very edge. There may or may not be any benefit to this.... reviews are mixed. It may help to smooth out the very edge of the blade, it may also slightly dull it and remove the protective coatings on the blade... worth a try though. If it doesn't feel smoother, or starts to pull, don't bother.

If you do have a real straight, send it out to be honed and try it. I found that there is no comparison to the quality of shaves.

Now that I've become fairly good with my straights, I keep intending to try my shavette again, but somehow I just can't be bothered.....

Avoid oil containing moisturizers, as balm, ointments, etc. on your face and the whiteheads will improve.

1066,

The lesions you describe are an inflammatory process caused by one or more of the following:

*Mechanical irritation caused by the blade or a hair follicle 'pricking' as it grows back through the skin.

*Chemical irritation from soaps, oils, and aftershaves.

*An immunological reaction to chemicals (see above)

*Primary bacterial infection or secondary infection caused by inflammation described above.

Solution?

*Prep technique: Avoid extremes in water temperature and scrubbing the face.

*Shaving technique: Shave with the grain. Use less pressure and avoid multiple passes. A sharp edge will make this easier.

*Chemicals: Use a hypoallergenic shaving soap sparingly and rinse thoroughly. Avoid the temptation to put anything else on the face except water. Consider showering after shaving.

As always, consider seeking medical advice if the problem continues.

LG Roy (Not a doctor but I work with the insufferable bastiges everyday.)