- Dec 22, 2002
- 8,702
- 2
- 81
I've read several posts in the last few days of men complaining of razor burn, or razor bumps. Lads, I'm here to offer my advice.
I have spent several years and a considerable sum of money in the pursuit of preventing razor burn. I have literally tried just about everything under the sun; every razor blade, every shave gel/foam, and every aftershave product. I have even tried top-of-the-line electric razors.
And like many of you I suffer from sensitive skin, and, unfortunately, very thick facial hair. Now, while my hair isn't particularily dense, it is thick. The razor burn I used to experience was exclusively around my adam's apple, where the hair grew in several different directions.
These days I have managed to nearly eliminate razor burn. How? Well, let's begin with the products I use. On a side note, products are only half the battle - proper technique is most crucial, but we'll get to that soon...
While in the shower, I've been washing my face with Neutrogena Razor Defense Daily Face Scrub. This product is designed to gently exfoliate the skin and soften beard hairs. I was skeptical at first, but gentleman, I can say with total conviction that it actually does soft the beard hairs. I can feel a noticable difference. Highly recommended.
I shave with the Gillette Mach3 Turbo. I've found, as the advertisements suggest, that the Mach3 Turbo gets the closest shave with fewer strokes. Few strokes equals less irritation. However expensive the blades are, I discard them after only two uses. I find the blades are far too dull to prevent irritation on the third and fourth shaves. This will, of course, depend on the thickness of your facial hair.
When looking for a shave gel/foam, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin, I recommend using a product that is fragrance and dye free and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). I've been happily using Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Shave Gel. When applying shave gel/foam, one should consider the need for lubrication, rather than lather. As a result, I prefer gel-based products. Gels force you to rub the product in, which creates excellent lubrication for your blade. I apply the gel with a Wilkinson Sword shaving brush. The use of a brush helps lift the beard hairs and ensures complete coverage.
Also, I've been using Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Daily Face Lotion as an after shave. Avoid products with heavy alcohol content. Alcohol only dries out the skin.
Of course every man is different, and as a result, there is no truly universal technique or method. However, below are the steps I take to ensure skin irritation is minimalized.
Step 1: Shower first. Hot water and steam help open your pores and soften thick beard hair.
Step 2: When shaving, apply a shave gel to face and neck, making sure to lubricate (not lather) skin fully.
Step 3: Allow shave gel to penetrate hair by waiting a minute or two before beginning to shave.
Step 4: Using a light touch, shave face to jawline, going with the grain.
Step 5: Rince blades frequently with warm water; hot water can warp the blades.
Step 6: Again, using a light touch, shave neck first, with the grain. Here I use quick and little strokes.
Step 7: Rinse face and neck. Reapply shave gel to neck, and, using a light touch, shave against the grain.
Step 8: Rinse face with cool water.
Step 9: Pat dry face gently with towel.
Step 10: Liberally apply face lotion all over face and neck.
Well, there you have it. That's my method. Like I said, every face is different. Post your own techniques if they've worked for you.
Good luck.
I have spent several years and a considerable sum of money in the pursuit of preventing razor burn. I have literally tried just about everything under the sun; every razor blade, every shave gel/foam, and every aftershave product. I have even tried top-of-the-line electric razors.
And like many of you I suffer from sensitive skin, and, unfortunately, very thick facial hair. Now, while my hair isn't particularily dense, it is thick. The razor burn I used to experience was exclusively around my adam's apple, where the hair grew in several different directions.
These days I have managed to nearly eliminate razor burn. How? Well, let's begin with the products I use. On a side note, products are only half the battle - proper technique is most crucial, but we'll get to that soon...
While in the shower, I've been washing my face with Neutrogena Razor Defense Daily Face Scrub. This product is designed to gently exfoliate the skin and soften beard hairs. I was skeptical at first, but gentleman, I can say with total conviction that it actually does soft the beard hairs. I can feel a noticable difference. Highly recommended.
I shave with the Gillette Mach3 Turbo. I've found, as the advertisements suggest, that the Mach3 Turbo gets the closest shave with fewer strokes. Few strokes equals less irritation. However expensive the blades are, I discard them after only two uses. I find the blades are far too dull to prevent irritation on the third and fourth shaves. This will, of course, depend on the thickness of your facial hair.
When looking for a shave gel/foam, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin, I recommend using a product that is fragrance and dye free and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). I've been happily using Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Shave Gel. When applying shave gel/foam, one should consider the need for lubrication, rather than lather. As a result, I prefer gel-based products. Gels force you to rub the product in, which creates excellent lubrication for your blade. I apply the gel with a Wilkinson Sword shaving brush. The use of a brush helps lift the beard hairs and ensures complete coverage.
Also, I've been using Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Daily Face Lotion as an after shave. Avoid products with heavy alcohol content. Alcohol only dries out the skin.
Of course every man is different, and as a result, there is no truly universal technique or method. However, below are the steps I take to ensure skin irritation is minimalized.
Step 1: Shower first. Hot water and steam help open your pores and soften thick beard hair.
Step 2: When shaving, apply a shave gel to face and neck, making sure to lubricate (not lather) skin fully.
Step 3: Allow shave gel to penetrate hair by waiting a minute or two before beginning to shave.
Step 4: Using a light touch, shave face to jawline, going with the grain.
Step 5: Rince blades frequently with warm water; hot water can warp the blades.
Step 6: Again, using a light touch, shave neck first, with the grain. Here I use quick and little strokes.
Step 7: Rinse face and neck. Reapply shave gel to neck, and, using a light touch, shave against the grain.
Step 8: Rinse face with cool water.
Step 9: Pat dry face gently with towel.
Step 10: Liberally apply face lotion all over face and neck.
Well, there you have it. That's my method. Like I said, every face is different. Post your own techniques if they've worked for you.
Good luck.
But I'm the same, shaving in the shower softens up the hairs and being the lazy ass I am, saves me from any cleanup! I just make sure to pat dry the razor so it doesn't build up any mineral deposits.
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