question about shaving

cybersteffan

New member
Why do I always get red spots and even some zits after shaving? My skin also becomes very itchy.

I always take a shower before I shave, so the hairs are softer. I shave with lots of shaving cream and always keep the blade wet with warm water. Afterwords I use some disinfectant alcohol and an aftershave balm with moisturizer.

Secrets from the well experienced shavers?
 
It's razor burn. Here's some info a quick search turned up:

Razor burn is caused by hair that is pushed back into the follicle, which becomes inflamed and then develops into an ingrown hair. Attack the problem before it starts. Use a shaving gel (try Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel) instead of cream to avoid clogging pores, and always shave in the direction of hair growth, using a clean and sharp razor every time.
 
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And, once you shave, you can use a hair growth inhibitor that should cut down on the frequency that you'll need to shave.
 
Same here too...I tried epil-stop that spray on wipe off stuff and it left no red spots/zits! Also, took longer for the hair to grow back than regular shaving!!
 
On all the chemical hair removal stuff, make sure you test spray a small area (directions usually say to do this). I've used regular nair and nair for men and they worked pretty well, but I tried apple scented nair (on sale), and it gave me really bad chemical burns (worse than any razor burn) on my arms and legs.
 
Use an electric razor!!! I cant remember the last time I used a straight razor.

Also, if you choose to continue in your ways, try a facial scrub after you shave (you're in the shower anyways). It is helpful to deter ingrown hairs as it will take the layer of dead tissue/skin off your face.

Worth a shot.
 
RF426 said:
Use an electric razor!

I have really tough hair, especially my beard. I cannot get it of with a razor. I'm also mostly to lazy to shave much and mostly only shave once a week. With hairs that long it's really painful to use an electric razor.
 
cyberstefke said:


What's that?

I think they're called hair dilapators. Epil stop is one. I think jergens has a lotion that does the same thing. Basically, they are a creme or liquid you put on the freshly shaven area, and it keeps the hair from growing back as quickly, and when it does, it's not as coarse/thick, so it's easier to remove as well.
 
Usually, it's stiff, course hairs that are best to be shaved with an electric razor.

Also, when i shave I dont always do a "clean shave". You can also use the trimmer and clean your face up. LIke you, I hate shaving. I need to shave everyday but only do it every other day. But, using the trimmer keeps you from getting ingrown hairs because it doesnt cut the hair all the way back to the skin.
 
WeirdAl said:


I think they're called hair dilapators. Epil stop is one. I think jergens has a lotion that does the same thing. Basically, they are a creme or liquid you put on the freshly shaven area, and it keeps the hair from growing back as quickly, and when it does, it's not as coarse/thick, so it's easier to remove as well.

Sounds good. Must surely look around for that here. Is it both for your beard and body hair? I also shave my chest with a razor.
 
RF426 said:
Usually, it's stiff, course hairs that are best to be shaved with an electric razor.

Also, when i shave I dont always do a "clean shave". You can also use the trimmer and clean your face up. LIke you, I hate shaving. I need to shave everyday but only do it every other day. But, using the trimmer keeps you from getting ingrown hairs because it doesnt cut the hair all the way back to the skin.

It's true and I do so lots of times for my beard. However some girl don't like those short hairs and want you to be shaved. ;) Also, a trimmed look is nice for your face, it's kinda macho, but it doens't look good for your chest and all.
 
I really dont have to worry about body hair, but I understand your predicament. It's weird, I could shave twice a day if I wanted, but can count my chest hairs with both hands!!!

Also, I'm married...so I dont really have to worry about what the ladies like (although I dont think they'd have an issue either way :D ).

Try a facial scrub whatever you do. It really is beneficial.
 
RF426 said:
Try a facial scrub whatever you do. It really is beneficial.

I'm sorry but English is not my native tongue. What exactly do I have to understand by a 'facial scrub'. Literaly translated it doesn't say much. Do you mean those soaps that feel sandy and who scratch your face if you wash with them?
 
Yup, some are soaps and others are just granular solutions that "scratch" the dead skin from your face. They also have it for your body, if that's an issue.

Check this out: http://www.stives.com/ This is what my wife buys. I absolutely never have those red bumps (but, again, I never use a straight razor either).
 
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THIS IS WHAT I DO TO CUT DOWN ON THEM, FIRST SHAVE IN THE SHOWER WITH HOT WATER,GET A MIRROR THAT WON'T FOG.THE WATER HAS TO BE REAL HOT TOO,I MEAN ALMOST BURNING I JUST RUN THE RAZOR UNDER THE HOT WATER TIL IT'S NICE AND HOT,WORKS PRETTY GOOD,ALSO USE A GOOD LOTION TO SHAVE WITH
 
WeirdAl said:
It's razor burn. Here's some info a quick search turned up:

Razor burn is caused by hair that is pushed back into the follicle, which becomes inflamed and then develops into an ingrown hair. Attack the problem before it starts. Use a shaving gel (try Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel) instead of cream to avoid clogging pores, and always shave in the direction of hair growth, using a clean and sharp razor every time.

I agree...I use Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel and it works the best for not getting your skin to look red and inflamed..They even have different kinds of fruity ones...my favorite is the Baby Soft one...:)
 
Use a Gillette Mach3. I used to get the worst razor burn. I then baught one and started shaving after my shower and I never get it anymore. I also found that shaving daily helped and using Edge shave gel sensitive skin works great.
 
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