Thread: Nivea Post Shave Balm

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

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.

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.

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.