Do you also suffer from annoying shaving irritations?<\/h2>
Many men experience razor burn daily during and after shaving. Razor burn is a temporary irritating skin condition caused by shaving. The most common symptoms are a burning or raw feeling after shaving and a red, slightly scraped skin. These irritations can sometimes last for one or two days after shaving. The question is, of course, what are the causes and how can you prevent it?<\/p>
What are the causes of razor burn?<\/h2>
Many men dislike shaving. Why? Because they suffer a lot from shaving irritations during or after shaving. Shaving is, so to speak, a daily torture. Some even think that it is part of shaving and walk around for years with these red spots and rashes. After shaving, various ointments and creams are used to soothe the razor burn. Often in vain.<\/p>
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The main causes of razor burn lie either in your shaving technique, the wrong razor, or the wrong shaving product. Below are the main or most common causes of razor burn:<\/p>
- shaving too often and\/or shaving too much on the same spot on the skin;<\/li>
- applying too much pressure with the razor on the skin;<\/li>
- shaving against the direction of hair growth;<\/li>
- insufficient preparation, for example, not wetting the face enough or not using shaving foam;<\/li>
- cleaning the face with water that is too hot and\/or regular hand soaps before shaving;<\/li>
- showering with water that is too hot before shaving;<\/li>
- shaving with multi-blade cartridge razors, such as the Gillette Mach3 or Fusion or Wilkinson Quattro;<\/li>
- shaving with dull razors;<\/li>
- shaving with contaminated razors;<\/li>
- shaving with cheap retail (drugstore and supermarket) shaving soaps; these shaving soaps are aggressive and have a strong dehydrating effect;<\/li>
- shaving with cheap retail (drugstore and supermarket) ready-to-use shaving foam from a can;<\/li>
- shaving with overly perfumed shaving products;<\/li>
- regularly switching between wet shaving and electric shaving and vice versa;<\/li>
- scrubbing the skin immediately before or after shaving;<\/li>
- using an alcohol-containing aftershave product immediately after shaving.<\/li>
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How do you prevent or reduce razor burn?<\/h2>
Razor burn can occur immediately after shaving. It can also manifest later in the day.<\/p>
The nice thing about wet shaving is that you have a lot of control. There are various methods and treatments that can prevent or reduce razor burn:<\/p>
- Give the skin a rest by not shaving for one or more days. The skin can calm down and heal.<\/li>
- Shave only once instead of two or three times over your skin.<\/li>
- Do not apply pressure with the razor on your skin. Do not shave super smooth.<\/li>
- Shave with calm and light movements. Do not apply too much pressure. Let the razor do its work.<\/li>
- Do not shave against the direction of beard growth. Shave only once, as much as possible, in the direction of hair growth.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water before shaving. The best and most comfortable shaving result is achieved with a classic shaving soap or shaving cream, warm water, shaving brush, and a little bit of time. This combination ensures that the beard hairs become softer and softer, that the skin is well protected from the razor, and finally, that the skin is nourished or cared for by the various caring oils and fats in these shaving products.
- Do not shower with water that is too hot before shaving. This can lightly dry out the skin. Do not cleanse your face with regular hand or bath soap before shaving. These soaps can dry out the skin. Optionally, use a pH-neutral cleansing gel. These products are gentler on the skin.
- Optionally use a pre-shave oil or cream before shaving. A pre-shave product provides extra protection during shaving.
- The common multi-blade razors with 3 to 5 blades are one of the main causes of razor burn. Too many blades scrape over your skin too often and at the same time. Switch to using the classic safety razor. Or if you're daring, use the straight razor. Many of our customers who switch from cartridge razors to safety razors or straight razors report that they experience much less or no razor irritation at all.
- Always use sharp blades and always thoroughly clean the razor or blades after shaving.
- Only use good classic or artisanal shaving soaps or creams. A good shaving product should do three things: soften beard hairs, protect the skin well (greasy creamy slick layer) against the razor, and nourish and care for the skin. Cheap retail brands do the exact opposite. These shaving soaps dry out very quickly, insufficiently protect the skin, and dehydrate or irritate the skin.
- Ready-to-use shaving foam from a can softens beard hairs much less compared to a classic or artisanal shaving soap or cream. It has a less full and creamy protective slick layer. The caring and nourishing effect is also much less.
- Many shaving products are perfumed and contain so-called fragrance components or essential oils. These fragrance components are often synthetic and can irritate the skin. In this case, use as many neutral or unscented shaving products as possible. Or use artisanal shaving soaps or creams with naturally scented essential oils.
- Shaving one day with shaving soap and razor and the next day shaving electrically is not good for the skin. Your skin has to adjust each time. Shave wet or shave electrically.
- To prevent ingrown hairs, it is sometimes advised to scrub your skin regularly. Do not do this right before or after shaving! By scrubbing, you actually remove your protective outer horny layer. While shaving with a razor, you also partially remove these protective layers.
- Always use a nourishing and soothing after shave balm after shaving. If you suffer from razor burn, always avoid alcohol-containing after shave products. Too much alcohol can further dry out and irritate the irritated skin.
- If you experience razor burn after shaving, apply a small amount of talc. Talc soothes and calms the skin. It alleviates the razor burn.
Our advice is to take a step-by-step approach to identify the cause of razor burn. Don't immediately buy a new razor or a different shaving soap. First, work on your own shaving technique. Consider using a preshave oil before shaving. Get rid of that cheap, worthless shaving soap and buy a good shaving soap or shaving cream. Stop using a heavily scented balm and use a neutral, well-nourishing after shave balm. Many - not all - shaving problems are within your control and can be resolved by you. If you follow the above tips and tricks, you will notice that the razor burn decreases and may even completely disappear. After shaving, a satisfied and content smile will gradually appear on your face.
