Thread: Nivea Post Shave Balm

I use it also and I wait as well. It still puts moisture back into your skin.

I use that as well.
rinse with cold water after shave, towel pat dry, wait for the water to dry a min ot two, apply balm (it does sting a SMALL amount-- thats how we know its working!) then once that is dry (a few min) I use a small amount of cocoa butter lotion.
The cocoa buter lotion seems to help the skin be more tolerant of the next shave, could just be me though.

just my $.02, but I think the "burn" is just the balm doing its thing.
Now, if it actually HURTS (like razor burn) then perhaps you should try a different brand. I dont think waiting a minute or two affects how it works, just dont wait an hour to put it on.

I have never had Nivea Sensitive ASB burn, it has no alcohol. I wonder if you are allergic to one of the ingredients.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

I have never had Nivea Sensitive ASB burn, it has no alcohol. I wonder if you are allergic to one of the ingredients.

I wondered about that too. How it can sting a bit when there is no alcohol. Sometimes after a shave lotion (any kind) can sting for a second. I suppose I always just chalked it up to slathering goop on tender skin.
Either way, it shouldn't "burn"
I think "sting" would be how I would describe it, and again, it only lasts for a second, then feels better. But that is just my experience, YMMV

And FWIW, mostly every time I was quick to blame a certain after care product for burning or irritation, I later discovered that with the right shaving practices, most of my issues disappeared. Even the best care products can hurt on a neck or face that has been shaved "wrong", i.e. no prep, dull razor, too many passes, etc.

I second the possibility of razor burn.
especially since you said it was your first two attempts at straight razor shaving.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

I have never had Nivea Sensitive ASB burn, it has no alcohol. I wonder if you are allergic to one of the ingredients.

+1 to this, Nivea is fairly gentle and shouldn't burn. They do make a "Sensitive Skin" balm, so you may want to try that one if the problem persists.

First time felt like putting rubbing alcohol on a wound. I had some red areas so I guess it was just razor burn. The last time I did a better job shaving, waited about 30 secs to put on the balm and it was mostly just tingly. Maybe my face is also just adjusting.

I don't have an alum block, although I'll probably get one soon. Btw, how is the styptic pencil supposed to be used? I got a nick the other day and just rubbed it over it a bit. Seems awfully dry. Should I add some water or is it supposed to be used dry?

Thanks for the info, everyone. I didn't expect so many replies this fast.

Your right, a Styptic pencil is supposed used wet, by dipping in my warm water I use for shaving and then rub briskly on the brand new divit you just put on your puss. I bought 2 Nivea balms for sensitive skin on sale from my local Chemist, Drug Store, what you will, and it does seem to go on with a bit of sting, but overall works very well, I reccoment it highly, Also try Thayers alcohol free witch hazel, very soothing.

And a BBS shave to all!!!

tinkersd

Hello, jyaan:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Don't forget, alum block will give you a little zing. If you have trouble with Nivea burning, I suggest not using alum for now.

Nivea has a lot of fans; it's great for the money. It should not burn. Then again, you could be either frying your skin with applying too much razor pressure, going over the same spot excessively, or something in the Nivea irritates your skin.

You might want to try witch hazel after the cold water rinse. I use Thayers Super Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera after every shave. That might help. Or try another aftershave balm, one that is all natural.

By the way, use the styptic pencil for nicks during your shave — it does a good job to stop the bleeding.

Regards,

Obie

I use Nivia regularly, and it shouldn't burn at all. It's one of the most mild after shave balms I've found. If it burns, there are only two possible explanations.

1. Your razor and/or technique is lacking and you're ending up with razor burn, even if you don't see it.

2. You are allergic/sensitive to one of the ingrediants.


You fan figure out which pretty easily. On your next day off, or whenever you think you can skip shaving for the day, put some on your face and see what happens. If it burns, it's the balm. If not, it your technique or razor.