Time for change: Shave burn is extremely noticable

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.

Yeah, ditch the 3 blade contraption and get a DE or a straight razor.

Of course this site is dedicated to the utter destruction of cartridge based razors-har har.

Seriously though, try a DE. it might make all the difference in the world. If your razor is causing the problem I don't think any product will eliminate it. It's like putting out a fire after it has started. The idea is to prevent it in the first place.

one more thing that could be a problem is, hot water does soften the hair, but it also makes the skin more sensitive. Try shaving after the shower with not so hot water, just lukewarm. Or as I often do in the hot weather of Texas, cold water shave, if you have never tried it it might make a difference.

Get rid of the Nivea shave gel and try a decent shaving soap or cream.
If you're on a budget VanDerHagen will work just fine. You can get a set with the soap, a bowl, and a brush for about $15.
If your budget is bigger, look into a quality badger hair brush and spend some time reading the Soaps and Creams forum for some ideas for different products to try.

I've found that Aveeno's body wash is a good preshave face wash. Get the unscented stuff, though--the perfumed one is deadly.

Also, as suggested above, cool down your shave. I shave after my shower, or often in the evening after washing my face, and do so with water as cold as the tap will run. Another benefit of the evening shave is that your skin has pretty well recovered by the time it has to go deal with the world. I work in construction so this is an important factor.

If you don't switch all the way to a DE or straight razor, at least drop back to single-blade disposables. You'll have less trouble with ingrown hairs from them, and there aren't as many little nooks where the cooties can grow.

Best wishes for gentler shaves.

Maybe try the white Proraso pre/post shave cream on your problem areas after your shave. It's cooling and very nice on the skin.
Also, when it comes to an aftershave balm or cream, look through the ingredients for anything with alcohol and stay away from it. This is harder than it sounds, I spent like 20 minutes looking and settled on Dove for men, sensitive skin...seems to work decently.

I just wash my face with either a bit of shaving cream or a puck of Williams.

In terms of blade, a fresher blade will minimize irritation, be it cartridge or straight. You probably know this already but I thought I'd mention it as I can get a horrible shave if my straight needs to be refreshed (like right now) and I'm using a mach3 that's a bit old (like right now). Proper prep can still minimize this though.

Good luck!

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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.

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Everyone is different. As already mentioned, someone said this forum is for DE shaving and straight razors, that doesn't mean we can't accomodate other shavers! Try a different approach to your shave preparation. Try a hot towel soaked in hot water then squeezed to almost dry and rest it on your face. A face cloth is good. Then use some oil, it doesn't need to be specific shave oil... a baby oil will suffice as it moisturises the skin and helps the razor blades glide over your skin. The most important aspect is trying to swap from a shave gel or fpam to proper soap. So a shave soap and shave brush and some oil to start and see how you get on.

G.

What you do after you shave is just important. I use an Alum block after I rinse. Just softy rub it all over, rise it off. Then I use a toner. If aftershave burns, try witch hazel without alcohol, splash it on your damp face. Then use a skin balm. The neiva ones are good. ( wash, tone, Moisturize )
It doesn't need to cost a lot. Try Walgreen or the like.

Also you'll away want to give your shave thing a good rinse, and let them dry. With DE razors I always rinse with alcohol before I use them. Just a splash.

As others have mentioned try a colder shave, doesn't sound too pleasant and takes a little getting used to but speaking from experience I know using colder water makes a big difference in the fight against irritation.Also splashing cold water on your face just makes sure you're awake before putting whatever bladed instrument you use. If you don't want to switch to a DE or straight yet, drop down to a single blade, as you correctly said "less blades = less irritation"

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.

Quote:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 :)