Thread: Time for change: Shave burn is extremely noticable

I forgot to mention in my previous post, that I have never shaved in the shower. My shavette never gets wet at all when I'm shaving, always wiping the soap and stubble off with a dry towel.

I know that is different to a cartridge razor, but I'm sure you will find it beneficial with a sink of hot water to rinse your razor between strokes. It is all in the preparation where you will find the immediate difference. Shaving with a soap/brush and gillette is always going to be better than using a shave foam and gillette.

As previously mentioned, introducing an oil before soap will make a world of difference.

G.

There are so many different things for you to try, such as changing water temperature, different products, lathering and shaving instruments. So, listen to advice from many different people and you'll figure it out for yourself with patience.

Here are the biggest things that worked for me:

1. Great Lathering - I use a basic boar brush with rebranded proraso cream, first swirling a few seconds on glycerin soap.

2. Mühle R89 DE razor - this and the Edwin Jagger are standards for a quality DE good for a beginner. I went through a blade sampler and found what worked for me - blades really do differ. It took me a long time to shave a first (nearly an hour a shave for the first week), but I could do it with my eyes closed now and have gentle smooth shaves. I'm getting better with a straight, but not there yet.

3. Alum block - google this, it's a great antiseptic and gives you great feedback after your shave.

4. Washing my face daily with glycerin soap. This is cheap and it's not harsh. I use it daily either before a shave for prep or if I skip a day shaving, with a washcloth. That's all the exfoliation or cleaning I needed to improve my skin.

5. Moisturizer after my shave.

Anyway, since you are curious, I'm telling you there is hope if you try different approaches - you'll figure out what works for you. My skin has partly just gotten better and less sensitive over the years, but finding that routine I mentioned made a big difference as well. I could never shave regularly without breakouts before I found it.

p.s. I get razor burn pretty much never now from DE and very rarely from a straight, but when it happens it is because I'm using a little too much pressure or have the blade at slightly too perpendicular angle. Like others have said, you are fortunate to have discovered this forum so young. I was 40 before I tried shaving with something other than cartridges.

Change everything.

Originally Posted by librarytime

Hello. My name is Chris and I am 24 years old. I have been dealing with shave burn for a long time. At first I thought it was razor burn but it has been consistent for years. It is starting to affect my self-esteem.

After reading other threads, I realized that I do not put as much time into the prep and process for shaving as I should so its time for a change.

First off, I use body wash for my neck and face. I know this could be a problem. Any suggestions for a face wash to get started?

Second, I have been using sensitive Nivea shaving gel and cream since I was 18. Changing this up might help.

Third, I shave in the shower. I turn it up hot to help soften the hairs. I then use a 3 blade razor to get the job done. I used to use 5 but figured more blades = more irritation.

Fourth, I finish shaving by turning the shower to cold to help close the pores. When I was younger, I used to use some type of aftershave balm but I haven't in years. This could also be a problem.

I want to say thank you for taking the time to read and that I look forward to any suggestions you all have. Hopefully with your assistance, i can get rid of this annoyance.

I am jealous. You are seeking help at Age 24 and I didn't until Age 54.

One blade razors and traditional shave soap that lathers well are your friends. Try this combo without any prep. You don't even need hot water.

Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun

I am jealous. You are seeking help at Age 24 and I didn't until Age 54.

One blade razors and traditional shave soap that lathers well are your friends. Try this combo without any prep. You don't even need hot water.

Even if, for some obscure reason, a single blade and a good lather doesn't reduce/ stop the irritation, shaving's a much more enjoyable experience the traditional way.

Oh and just thought I'd note I was 17 when started to use a straight after seeking help with irritation and stumbling across the forum

I've never had to deal with razor burn except on the occasion where I tried too hard too get a close shave with a less than sharp edge.

I shave with a straight so my process is different than yours but I'll share what I do, it may help.
I shave after showering and I've given the face a good scrub with Dr. Bonners. I'm big on glycerin soaps. At the sink, I apply some Udderly Smooth, which contains lanolin. Heat up my lathering bowl in hot water and strop the razor. I make my own shaving soap from glycerin melt and pour to which I've added essential oils such as olive oil. Lather and do a two pass shave if needed. Some of my blades are sharp enough that a one pass is sufficient. If the blade isn't sharp enough to do a good job with two passes, I let it go. I've found that this is where I'll develop problems, on that third pass.
Cold wash and apply alum. Clean razor and equipment and store. Wash off alum and apply Poraso. Do the rest of my morning routine and see if there is any burn or dryness. If there is, I apply some Body Shop Vitamin E cream. Out the door.

Reading your post, I don't think that I would change everything up all at once. The first thing I would change is the last thing in your routine and see if that will eliminate the burn. Add the Vitamin E or any moisturizing cream and see it that helps.

You may also try going to a regular barber for a shave and see what he has to say. Explain that you have skin issues and want to see if a professional shave will get different results. If that doesn't work, see a dermatologist.

Just my $0.02....

If you have sensitive skin (as I do) skip on the preshave facial scrub. It's added exfoliation that isn't really necessary as the act of shaving itself should be all the exfoliation you need. Of course if others don't have skin sensitivities or irritation issues then YMMV.

And welcome to SRP