Thread: Extremely Sensitive skin. Suggestions...

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.

There are different kinds of skin that get called "sensitive". For example, mine reacts strongly to even mild abrasion, but not to chemicals in products that are known to irritate some people. Sometimes folks who have a tendency to develop pseudofolliculitis barbae (shaving bumps) call that "sensitive", too.

Anyhow, you should mention any of those other symptoms that apply, but it sounds like yours is related to abrasion, like mine. If so, I found that DE shaving irritated my skin less than shaving with conventional multi-bladed razors, and that straight shaving was (eventually!) even less irritating. Probably has to do with being more gentle and careful because of the inherent danger, as opposed to scraping a Mach 3 all over your face willy-nilly. With a properly sharpened blade, good beard prep, and some practice, you shouldn't be scraping your skin much at all.

Originally Posted by northpaw

There are different kinds of skin that get called "sensitive". For example, mine reacts strongly to even mild abrasion, but not to chemicals in products that are known to irritate some people. Sometimes folks who have a tendency to develop pseudofolliculitis barbae (shaving bumps) call that "sensitive", too.

Anyhow, you should mention any of those other symptoms that apply, but it sounds like yours is related to abrasion, like mine. If so, I found that DE shaving irritated my skin less than shaving with conventional multi-bladed razors, and that straight shaving was (eventually!) even less irritating. Probably has to do with being more gentle and careful because of the inherent danger, as opposed to scraping a Mach 3 all over your face willy-nilly. With a properly sharpened blade, good beard prep, and some practice, you shouldn't be scraping your skin much at all.

As far as my skin, I have never noticed any "bumps" after shaving, mostly just a red rash-like irritation. Prior to switching over to the Straight razor, all of my shaving had been done with a mach 3 (whatever new one gillette came out with). I also have never noticed any reaction to chemicals other than the typical aftershave "youch". (Home Alone- shaving face). I do hope that this will go away with time, as my wife hates my having a beard and I have really hated shaving because of this. My brother can't shaving traditionally anymore he just "trims" his beard to a presentable length.

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

You could check out this blog, it might help point you in the right direction....

(and the Most Shameless Plug of the Day Award goes to Ryan82 )

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

take extra time on your beard prep to make sure your hairs are completely softened, and use an ultra light touch with small strokes. If you aren't getting a close shave when doing these two things then you need to sharpen the razor.

For me if there is any irritation at the end of the shave, I did something wrong. Too much pressure, improper lather, not enough face prep.

Done properly with correct pressure and angle the straight gave me the least shave burn. I'm just learning, so I've only had one perfectly non-irritating shave. A pre-shave oil or proraso pre-shave helped me more than trying to fix it after the irritation started.

besides everyones suggestions on technique and stuff...I might add that Proraso's green tea products might help your face out alot. I have heard on many occasions that the pre/post cream used with the white tub sensitive soap can really help out some sensitive skin. and it comes at a great price from many vendors!! gl

Proraso works great for me. Most of my skin irritation comes from too much pressure, too many passes, or too high angle. I have found when my face is raw and hurting good ole Witch Hazel goes a long way to cure it. I now prepare by using a moisturizer preshave and post. Plain glycerine does a great job and I mix a teaspoon into my Proraso shave cream.