Thread: 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!

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.

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"