Let’s face it, shaving should be simple, but all too often, it isn’t. In fact, razor bumps and ingrown hairs are the most common skin complaints we hear from men. But even if it feels like you’ve tried everything, read on–smooth skin will be yours after you follow a couple of simple tips.
The most important thing to remember is that razor burn is a form of skin irritation. Anything you can do to reduce skin irritation is going to help prevent bumps and redness. Sometimes, this can be as simple as switching to slightly cooler water in the shower. Hot water may feel great, but it’s not your skin’s friend. Use warm water and shave two or three minutes into a shower, when facial hair softens and becomes more pliable. Too much longer than that, and your skin swells, preventing a close shave. You also want to make sure you’re not using any products with irritants. Anything with alcohol, menthol, or most essential oils, irritates skin. If you’re having trouble finding a good shaving cream, try Zia Men HydraShield Shave Cream. It’s fragrance-free, irritant-free, and formulated with aloe and grape seed oil to hydrate and soothe skin.
Technique is also important when it comes to a smooth shave. While shaving against the grain may be faster, it causes more irritation and increases the risk of razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Go with the grain! Even if you have to go over the same area a couple of times, it’s easier on your skin. Also remember to take short strokes and rinse your blade often, and never use a dull or dirty blade. You can sanitize your blade with rubbing alcohol before you use it, but be sure to let the alcohol dry before you start your shave.
If your technique is flawless and your products are well-formulated and you’re still having issues, a soothing (NOT cooling–those cooling ingredients are actually irritants!) aftershave will benefit you. We love Lab Series Skincare for Men Razor Burn Relief Ultra.
It’ll immediately calm down redness and stinging, while also helping your skin heal.
Finally, keep in mind that shaving exfoliates your skin, and any use of a scrub (but especially post-shave) is overkill. If you have ingrown hairs you wish to exfoliate, salicylic acid will be less irritating. Try PC4Men Soothe & Smooth–it will help with redness, irritation, ingrown hairs, and blackheads and breakouts, without drying out your skin.
