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I bought some Nivea Post Shave Balm (Sensitive) at the local store, and have used it for the past two times I shaved (first two attempts at straight razor shaving, btw :P). Thing is, it seems to burn quite a bit if I rub it on after rinsing with cold water. If I wait a short while, it doesn't seem to burn, but wouldn't it be too late to serve its purpose then?
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.
Sounds like a case of razorburn. The sensitive shouldn't give you that much of an issue. I've switched to the replenishing wich has a little bite to it mostly because I like the scent better.
Either way you shouldn't get that much of a burn from a moisturizer.
Michael
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Slartibartfast
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.
Have you tried Alum? I am still learning to shave and it is a great way to take care of your skin and a great way to judge your shave. Alum is a mineral that is rubbed over your moist skin which feels cool and has an antiseptic purpose to it. It also helps close small nicks and cuts and will have a slight sting on the spots where your shaving needs to be improved. I bought my alum block from SRD for about 7 or 8 dollars and liked it so much that I bought a second block for my son.
I still use aftershave after the alum block, but the block is definitely helping me learn to improve my shave. The areas of my face and neck where my shave is good does not sting at all. The only places that sting are the places I burned of nicked. The sting is very short lived and not intense. Alum also works to help stop very small amounts of bleeding, but it will not replace your styptic. I have looked at several stores and so far the only place I can find to purchase it is online.
+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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Slartibartfast
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
Run water over the styptic pencil to activate it before applying to your nicks.Quote:
Originally Posted by jyaan
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.
Great tip, thanks. I just tried it and I didn't feel and burning or irritation, so it must have been razor burn. I think my skin is also just adjusting to using a razor -- I used to use clippers because I hated shaving.
Hello,
I am using Nivea regularly without any problems. It works great for me.
The chamomile in it doesn't really agree with my skin. Chamomile tea also gives me a very bad stomach. Everyone is sensitive to different things. I have rather sensitive skin, wasting bit of money figuring out which soaps work for me. Is worth keeping ingredients list from any products that dont so you can compare with ones that do before buying something new. Enjoy the learning curve.
hopefully he has it nailed after 4 years :)Quote:
Originally Posted by dmnc
I'm also not a fan of the newer version Nivea aftershave balm for Sensitive Skin. It burns my skin also. I prefer the Dove aftershave balm
Four years?
look at post 16 - dated 03-04-2011, it was the post immediately before your one :)Quote:
Originally Posted by dmnc
Oops. Red ears now. Forgot was reading old threads. Ignore me please. Will go hide my head in the sand. Or a beer.
try not to drown :)Quote:
Originally Posted by dmnc
I wouldn't worry too much as i have learned not to offer you chamomile tea if you ever come over :)
Drowning in beer. A good way to go.
Or cows milk, or fish, or cat, or horse. Am a quite allergic person.
so its only because you are a human that you have survived up until now :) any other animal allergic to that much stuff would have accidentally killed itselfQuote:
Originally Posted by dmnc
And a doctor lived down the road when my mother gave me the first bottle of cows milk. Anyphilactic shock. Wouldn't kill me nowadays, more bad intolerance. Fish might if i didn't find antihistamine before my throat closed. But cats and horses more like extreme hay fever, is the hair. So yes if animal or few hundred years ago would be long gone.
I just compared my old bottle of Nivea Sensitive Skin Post Shave Balm to the new formulation. The new formulation say Cooling Post Shave Balm, No Drying Alcohol. The new version causes a burning sensation and doesn't work for me. So if your reading this (old new post from four years ago.) that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DCasper
If the problem is a burning sensation when putting on a balm after the shave, using alum is probably not the way to go.
Edit:
Oops; did they lemming thing and followed others over the cliff into the abyss on this long-dead thread.
Explains also the OP's problem with Nivea balm: this stuff must be old now. :o
B.
Not wanting to hijack the thread,
I don't use the balm, but I've picked up the Nivea shaving cream in local stores and must say I'm pleasantly surprised by it.
I use it generously, but it's so damn cheap I don't worry about it and use good amounts of cream.
Very slick, lathers well for me and does a good job hydrating my skin. It's very cheap and it's seeing more use than any other cream or soap I own, incl. the higher end ones, plus I also dig it's scent.
Overall, for that price and performance, you can't go wrong. I've been using mine exclusively for some time now and greatly enjoy it.
It's been a very long time since I used my styptic pencil but I believe you are supposed to wet the end before using it. Looking at the box my styptic pencil came on confirmed this. The instructions read " wet and pass onto the interested area. If anything else fails read the instructions! :-)