Thread: Extremely Sensitive skin. Suggestions...

Originally Posted by epd

Who sharpened your razor? I used to get the burn with mach 3, de, and straights, I almost gave up on shaving completely. It wasnt until I got a professionally honed blade, and proper technique that it vanished. I'm now convinced there is no such thing as sensitive skin, only dull blades and poor technique, no offence

I currently have another SRP member sharpen my razors, as I have not yet perfected this technique. I admit that in being still fairly new to all of this my overall shaving technique could still use some "honing". Also, The "burn" is less than what I used to get with my Mach 3. I try to be as light as possible, while still maintaining contact with my skin, to reduce irritation.

Originally Posted by jay88

I have pretty sensitive skin myself and i use a styptic pencil which burns like crazy but after a min or so it really feels nice and the burning seems to go away. This may not be a good solution but it works for me

I tried something similar to this, I use the "RazorRock" to stop the bleeding if I get a nicks or cut. On the package it actually states its use for an aftershave. I tried to do this, but it actually seemed to make things worse. I still use it for nicks and cuts, and for that it works beautifully. So this route didn't work for me.

Ok, rather than reply to each person individually I am going to one bulk post. It has been a couple of days since I have really been on here and the suggestions have been piling up. Thank you everyone for them.

TwistedOak- I try to soften my beard quite thoroughly before the shave. As I have a super coarse beard and a relatively thick beard that grows overly quickly. I need to shave daily if not twice daily to maintain the appearance of being shaven. I have been experimenting with different oils before the shave. To give an example of the lengths I go to try and soften my beard, I currently am using a Coconut Oil on my beard for about 20 minutes then I hop in the shower and continue leaving it on for about 1/2 of the shower (another 10-15 minutes) Then I wash my face with a Burt's Bees Deep Cleansing Cream, and then add a Jack Black shaving cream/oil for the remainder of the shower (another 10 minutes or so.) I wash that cream off and then start my shave prep. This is usually what happens daily and as it takes a fair amount of time I only do it once a day, but really need to shave twice or find a better method in order to get the soft shave-ready beard I need. I have tried multiple combinations, and am still trying new ones every day.

wrxguyusa, sleekandsmooth, and jaswarb- As everyone of you recommended the proraso and I have heard nothing but good things about it I think that will be my next stop for new products to try. I will also give the witch hazel a try. (Being a younger guy, I have never used this for anything, but have heard of its use before my time so it will be fun to try out.)

Originally Posted by Artompkins

I seem to have overly sensitive skin, and an overly rough/course beard. I get razor burn every time I shave regardless of what I do or use. Being relatively new to "straight razor" shaving I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

I would finish up with an aftershave cream rather than liquid aftershave. My dad used good old-fashioned Avon Moisture Cream. Shaving after a shower is the most effective shave prep I know. As you gain experience, you will learn from memory to shave in the right places at the right angles rather than press hard against your face, and your face will thank you by feeling energized rather than chapped. I have sensitive skin too.

Use pure glycerine before applying shave soap and also add it with the soap. Nivea post shave balm for sensitive skin (white bottle) has been the best I have found yet. I also use Nivea Creme after. Do these things and keep your straight razor sharp and you should not have any prolems.

Be sure your beard is well soaked, at least a minute, preferably two or three. Some sort of prep will help, too ( I tend to use a pre-shave cream when i want a closer shave and less irritation, but I use glycerin soap, too at times, and get pretty good results, so I think the glycerin suggestion given is also worth trying, especially if you have glycerin or glycerin soap around already.)

For AS use something soothing and protective, and if you're really hard off, you might even consider a non shaving moisturizer, preferably a very mild unscented one.

YMMV, of course.

I also use the Nivea Creme afterwards. It is a moisturising creme.

Ya needs Obie to weigh in. 'Tough beard, sensitive skin. 'Led him on a pilgrimage. He talks to God about soaps, creams, etc. If he doesn't chime in, you might PM him.

Lots of hydration & a light touch with the razor. Try some Witch Hazel afterward.

I have to agree with the above posts. I use Nivea aftershave balm- it says sensitive skin on the box. Prior to trying it, I had only used liquid aftershaves. Sure they smell nice, but if you truly have sensitive skin, then all those chemicals in there are gonna do nothing but burn. I am never going back! It helps a great deal not only with preventing razor burn and bumps, but actually soothes a great deal if you already have it.

In addition, and I'm not sure how long you have been using a straight so this might be a dumb statement, but razor angle is a much bigger factor than I realized when I first started shaving. When I started, a ATG pass was like suicide. It gave me nothing but burn and irritation. I was using an angle far too steep for the hair and skin. Took me a long time to get it right, but I started out by actually putting the razor completely flat to my face, spine and all. Works wonders for me, but everyones hair is different. If you are using good products and a good sharp razor, then it has to come down to technique. I'm not even trying to say you're doing it wrong-you are likely far better than I am- but sometimes you need to go all the way back to basics to single out that factor thats causing you grief.