Hi there, new member from the UK here. Not sure where to post about gettin advice on having to shave everyday and getting constant breakouts (spots). thanks"
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Hi there, new member from the UK here. Not sure where to post about gettin advice on having to shave everyday and getting constant breakouts (spots). thanks"
You picked the right forum I'd say, no problemo. So what are you using to shave? List your gear.
Thanks for the welcome. Im using a generic safety razor with Derby DE blades (changed every 2nd shave), Generic Boots shaving soap (was using Men-U Creme and didnt like it), Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm. Using clearasil sensitive in shower beforehand (used Keihls facial fuel face wash and it seemed very harsh on my skin), also using a few drops of menthol pre-shave oil with the lather.
Was also using Tend Skin Ingrown Hair solution after my shave then adding aftershave balm but realised it wasnt really many ingrown hairs and it felt quite drying so Ive stopped using it now.
You say generic safety razor, what's that? First we need to know that because every DE has it's good and bad points as far as how aggressive it can be and often the razor and blade combination can be disadvantageous to you. After that it's a matter of pressure and angle and then we need to look at the your lather and it's quality to make sure you have plenty of lube and cushion. I guess that will do for starters.
Generally, in terms of irritation, razor burn will look like a red rash, while razor bumps will look like, well, inflamed red bumps. Those are indeed infected ingrown hairs, which your description alludes to. They are usually caused by shaving too closely, under the skin level, and excessive pressure will not help either.
The first step is beard mapping. Check how your beard grows in problem areas and try to cut out aggressive ATG shaving in those areas. The majority of times that alone will alleviate the problem. Second step, avoid excessive pressure; try to keep your touch as light as possible. Third step, you may want to examine the products you are using, both pre and post shave. Products that may leave your skin either dry or greasy will not help with razor bumps, and a good quality soap or cream will go a long way to clearing up your skin as well. You may consider getting an alum block, as I find that greatly helps to reduce irritation.
Hi,
Can I offer a suggestion? You listed at least four products. Why don't you use just one (the soap) and see if the problem persists? Then, if it doesn't, introduce the post shave balm. If there's still no problem, introduce the pre-shave oil. This way you may eliminate a problem product or a problem product combination.
I agree, sometimes (many times) people simply go overboard with a routine. Aside from whipping up lather and using a brush, nothing else should change in the way you shave. I didn't change anything in the way I shaved when I switched from a cart. Actually I did one time and had the worst shave ever.Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
Hot water is bad for your skin, so avoid using it.
Your skin has good natural oils that shouldn't be washed away.
A fresh blade is important. Never push a blade beyond its life.
If you don't get a DFS or BBS shave within 3 passes, don't press your luck and end up removing a bunch of skin.
Try different blades.
If your razor is overly aggressive, you might want to step down to something a bit more mild.
Try a mild soap/cream. Sometimes menthols can irritate your skin. Menthol and me don't get along...
Aftershave will help fight minor infections.
Take a day or more off from shaving if you have bad irritation. Your skin needs time to heal.
On advice. I ordered some Proraso Sensitive Pre Shave Cream and Proraso Sensitive Shaving Soap/Cream. Also got some styptic sticks for any slight nicks and some different blades. Im gonna have a look at the angle I shave at and definately try shaving with much less pressure, not that I press alot but I do need a decent shave everyday for my work (military) and maybe instead of trying to take hair Off I should just go over it again with a new lather. Also got some Thayers alcohol free toner w/ witch hazel and aloe vera to try and soothe my skin. Thanks for all the help and Ill try this all out.
The Proraso Pre-Shave cream is excellent I say. You really should be able to get an acceptable shave for Military purposes from a DE. If I were to be allowed to re-join (if they allowed old farts with bodgy knees back in), I'd use one of my straights (probably the W&B because it handles WTG well) followed by my DE for guard duty. In fact, it should be mandatory. Mandatory I say!
Welcome. Be patient, go slowly with your technique, try a few different blades and DE razors to see which ones work best for you. Also, you may want to try a cream or soap that has true all natural and simple ingredients. Cella is a good one as are Mama Bear's, Mystic Soaps, and some others. As Ryan82 said, map your face to see how your beard grows and work with that. Good luck.