A problem of comfort

So here's something odd that I've noticed. When I shave with a straight razor (as opposed to my old mach 3) I have less visible irritation, yet my skin burns more for longer. It's quite odd. It used to be that after I shaved I'd have little bumps for at least a few hours, but I wouldn't feel them. Now, it's the opposite. The bumps dissapear as soon as I apply my balm (c.o. bigelow bay rum) but it sort of burns for at least half an hour. I'm having trouble locating what part of the routine is the cause: preshave (Jack Black daily cleanser, lather (Col. Conk bay rum), stropping, technique, aftershave; or if it maybe) has something to do with my acne regimen (the above mentioned cleanser + medicated differin gel). My face feels and looks bbs smooth but it burns.

As I ponder it I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should be moisturizing. Anyone know any good ones of those?

Do you shower with hot water before you shave? Do you use a hot towel before lathering? Try applying a hair conditioner to your stubble and leaving it on while you build your lather. That alone can soften your beard considerably and contribute to significantly reduce razor burn.
Namaste,
Morty -_-

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Originally Posted by GaiusValeriusPulcher

As I ponder it I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should be moisturizing. Anyone know any good ones of those?

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LAB Series, Razor Burn Relief Ultra.

It's not cheap but it works (for me at least)
I have always moisturised after shaving and have found ordinary moisturisers to actually make the burning worse

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GaiusValeriusPulcher

As I ponder it I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should be moisturizing. Anyone know any good ones of those?

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After I apply my aftershave balm, I apply aveeno positively radiant daily moisturizer. It seems to help soothe the "burn" and keep my skin soft and hydrated. Two days ago I tried to go without it and just used my AS balm and my skin felt like it was cracking!

I don't know about yours, but many acne treatments can cause mild skin irritation only to be exacerbated by the str8. Also many acne treatments contain chemical exfolliants and the act of str8 shaving just removes more skin cells irritating.

My son was taking strong acne meds and every time he shaved, he would nick the fire out of himself. He shaves with a disposable. The meds have made his skin like very thin rice paper and his lips would chap. It may be the meds for your acne that is causing most of the problem.

try some burts bee's after shave balm....sooooooths the burn. cheap too

http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-pro...ftershave.html

acne will give hard time i agree with rest. How about your shaving when i shave razor barely touches my face.i never shave atg. Will usually never do more then 2 strokes in same location.most places i do use scything motion. how about you.try that may help

pressure when shaving will give you the razor burn you are experiencing.
I do not do beard prep when testing razors and still do not have razor burn, unless I am careless and press harder than I should.

I agree with mainaman. I also find that comfort is directly in proportion to effective, exceptional stropping action. Creating a perfect edge leads to a good shave for me.

I often shave without cream just to ensure that I've got the basics down.

Try using cold water to shave instead of hot, I have found it to be less irritating on my face, Give it a try

Mark:soapbox:

i also had this problem starting out, even with cartridge razors. i'd tried pre-shave oils, shaving in the shower (cartridge only!), cartridge shaving with shampoo, different gels and aftershaves, but nothing really seemed to help.

here's what i have found that works best:

1. shave after shower
2. apply light pressure only, and make sure you have a truly shave ready razor
3. don't make a pass without lathering
4. rinse off with cold water
5. post shave, use Geo F. Trumper's face food and cetaphil

cheers,
drawkward

Just my $.02 here......

The shaving lather your using is notably lacking in oils, the stuff that makes the razor glide across your skin. Your skin may already be lacking in oils from your meds. That combination would result in an irritable skin condition. The razor is not only cutting the whisker but also abrading the skin more than it should.

I would suggest a preshave oil that is thoroughly rubbed in before lathering. The hair conditioner is also an option. A very high oil content shaving cream would also be a benefit. I use Da Bomb! from Alraz. It is very good.

The post shave treatments already suggested are a good second step.

A properly prepared beard, a very sharp razor and a light touch will go a long way to a comfortable shave.

Hope this helps,:)

I've noticed that treating the skin helps with razor burn as in, what I do is shower first and warm the skin, wash it so that its warm and the surface is soft, and when I shave I make sure I have a good treatment for afterwards. Personally I use hemp oil and a cold(or cool/lukewarm if Im not up to the cold shock) water rinse after.

I really don't know; but it seems like your condition were caused by the acne salve, or was genuine razor burn the symptoms would be cumulative making your skin quite tender before you even started shaving. So I would guess it is too much Rum. Which should be the easiest aspect to evaluate. If it's any more complicated - I really dont know.