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

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.)

I think all of the possible solutions have been mentioned. I too use a Parker razor with Feather blades exclusively. I had a similar problem but not to your extreme, I found that a cold water shave cured it for me. I think it has to do with closing the pores before shaving instead of hot water opening them up.
Just my experience but give it a try and let me know.

Hi There,
My Barber in Calgary gives me advice to help with the same issue.....
What I do is use a cleansing wipe before I start anything.
If you have an anti-bacterial soap to wash your face with that is good too.
If it is really bad, get something medicated even a deep cleaning oxy pad works great.
Ease up a bit on the tension in the area that is sensitive.
Before I use a cold towel to close up the pores again, I cleans my face one more time.

DON'T touch your sensitive areas. Use the oxy pads or some other cleanser for those areas and STAY AWAY from any oily creams etc.....

I am very sure this will solve your issue.

GOOD LUCK!

Try.
Marda Loop Barber Shop.

Yeah pimple is small infection.... we can control it..here i am sharing some home remedies for pimples that are...

1. Apply grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads , etc.
2. Applying an orange peel paste on the area of your face with pimples is another effective way. The orange peel should become a paste by grinding it with little water.
3. For additional protection from the formation of blackheads, combine 1 part fresh lime juice with 1 part groundnut oil. Apply the mixture to your face.
4. Potatoes grated and applied on affected area can cure pimples. It is also effective on curing boils, whiteheads, blackheads, and other skin blemishes.

I had the same problem on my chin, mine was caused by too much pressure, but as library says, it could be any number of things.

Originally Posted by Library Guy

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.)

I didn't get over background acne until I was in my late 30s. Funny thing is it makes you look younger, for what that's worth.

In the summertime I have to shave at night and let my skin get over it while I sleep in the nice cool room. Otherwise, no matter how careful or gentle I am, it throws an angry bumpy red tantrum. It doesn't help that my work is sweaty and dusty. But it did help to shedule around it.

+1 on the set of clean towels suggestion, and on the cold rinse. After a couple of hot rinses to remove the last lather, I do a warm rinse then a couple of cold ones, as cold as the tap will run. Then, if I feel at all burnt by the shave, I'll slap on some witchazel and call it good.