Thread: Splotches

Been shaving with a straight for several months, I feel I'm coming along fine, just one issue I need feedback on. I get these red splotches, usually in the mustache area. I have tried going at different angles, tried less passes, less/more pressure and different soaps. Sometimes on the cheek though not always. Any ideas?

Many possibilities. One could be a slight allergic reaction to some ingredients in your soap or cream. The area affected may be more sensitive to these products than other parts of your face. Another could be (and I am accused of harping on this too much) your using hot water/lather. Try, first, shaving with tepid/room temp water. If it still persists then try colder water. You just might have a composite face - sensitive in part and not all over.

Good luck.

It's probably because you're standing on your head when you shave. it causes the blood to run and fill your head.

Seriously though, it's a type of irritation. You are probably pressing too hard. It's a hard area to shave and it's easy to irritate yourself as you try and maneuver the blade in a really tight area.

Good ideas. I only use cold/room temp to shave and the soaps dont seem to do it when using a DE. I'll work more on pressure. Shaving on my head is the only way I'm comfortable, when the house was built the contractor hung all the mirrors upside down. Standing on my feet allows the wrinkles and rolls to get in the way. LOL

I had an upside down house once. Hardly ever had to dust the furniture.

I think it is either technique or the blade is not shave ready

What are you doing for post-shave? Have you tried using alum block or witch hazel? Maybe those would help?

I'll throw another thought into the pot. When you shave with a straight you will use a steeper angle on the lip because of the nose. Try stretching the skin and shaving at a flatter angle from the corner of the mouth towards the nose. I seem to get the same irritation from time to time and I've found this to help as I think that the irritation comes from the scraping motion from the increased angle.
Just my two pence.

I have one of these red splotches from time to time but on my chin. I am not at all sure of the cause but think it might just be skin irritation caused by shaving in general.

The upper lip is usually one of the more dense hair regions on the face. The hair density could lead to more pronounced irritation which could lead to a slight swelling of the skin and then a red spot.

I think Razorfeld is right that some parts of the face are more sensitive than others.

Originally Posted by EdgedOut

Try stretching the skin and shaving at a flatter angle from the corner of the mouth towards the nose.

Gave this a try, this morning. Seems to have made a difference. Hopefully. 2 pass DFS, used a Torrey that's been made into a shorty on the muzzle and a nice Worchester. Funny how the razors get better as my technique changes.