Shaving Issues
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free skin care · Sun Jun 01, 2008 8:32 pm

I'm 21 & Male, with fairly light facial hair growth. Unfortunately, 95% of my breakouts are in the places I grow facial hair. I was recently talking to an Esthetician friend of mine, and she was telling me how Shaving can really traumatize a sensitive hair follicle, and the shaving of the hair can leave the pore unprotected and vulnerable for a reaction. I seem to have this never ending battle with 'beard-breakouts'. The majority of them are white heads and the occasional large painful blemish. The hair below the corners of my mouth all the way down to my jaw don't seem to grow in the same direction. It seems impossible to shave with the grain, even with careful precision. I've been trying everything to improve my skin, but I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it to a shaving problem. Though, it seems every lotion I've tried adds to the congestions and blemishes in that area, and I have even started skipping this area when I apply moisturizer. I still apply an SPF everyday, but it also seems to add to the problem.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips? I currently never use a razor blade more than about 3 times, and use a non-foaming shaving cream from origins [Blade Runner]. My razor blade is the Gilette MAC 4. I was wondering if maybe I should switch to en Electric Razor, assuming the shave would be less intrusive to the skin. or Maybe I'm totally off. Any advice or help would be appreciated. Working in Cosmetics is extra difficult when you can't even control your own skin.

Thanks again for all you guys do. Smile

free skin care · Sun Jun 01, 2008 8:40 pm

I do, actually. I shave my face (not all of it, just the more hairy parts) and whenever I shave I do a honey mask immediately after. The honey hydrates and also disinfects. I don't shave my face that often though- I do it about monthly. I shave my upper lip probably twice a week.

free skin care · Sun Jun 01, 2008 9:02 pm

Hi Nemo, I'd like to suggest something very simple for you to try.

First of all shower first before shaving, which will soften things and open your pores. Instead of harsh soaps (which a lot of men use), just give yourself a brisk going over with a microfiber cloth.. This is an excellent one and will last a long time;

http://www.ncnproskincare.com/skin-care-products/microfiber-cleansing-cloth/microfiber-cleansing-cloth.html

I'd also suggest a gentle sunscreen in a thin layer. This one is good which is non-comedogenic. You can check out the ingredients at this link, and buy it in any drugstore;

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=58258&catid=21503

Sometimes we tend to overdue things thinking it will help, when in actuality, getting back to basics, is the best laid plan.

free skin care · Sun Jun 01, 2008 9:22 pm

Nemo, what about the Karin Herzog line? It is getting RAVE reviews from many of the women...including several that had breakouts.

They have 2 products for shaving (for men), and the After Shave Balm is supposed to help with breakouts.

Quote:

After Shave Balm
This exceptional After shave Balm, sterilises the skin after shaving, Heals minor nicks and cuts, prevents in-growing hairs and stops razor-burn.
http://www.shop.karinherzog.co.uk/asp/product.asp?product=144&ph

Plus they sell it here at EDS:
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/karin-herzog-after-shave-p_9140.htm

free skin care · Mon Jun 02, 2008 4:33 am

Kassy_A wrote:

Hi Nemo, I'd like to suggest something very simple for you to try.

First of all shower first before shaving, which will soften things and open your pores. Instead of harsh soaps (which a lot of men use), just give yourself a brisk going over with a microfiber cloth.. This is an excellent one and will last a long time;

http://www.ncnproskincare.com/skin-care-products/microfiber-cleansing-cloth/microfiber-cleansing-cloth.html

I'd also suggest a gentle sunscreen in a thin layer. This one is good which is non-comedogenic. You can check out the ingredients at this link, and buy it in any drugstore;

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=58258&catid=21503

Sometimes we tend to overdue things thinking it will help, when in actuality, getting back to basics, is the best laid plan.

I'm currently using a nice Facial Brush [Pretika] every night, which has helped alot and has similar benefits to the Microfiber cloth. Though, I will check out the sunscreen. Thanks so much.

-Nemo

free skin care · Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:43 am

I think trying out an electric shaver would really make sense. You would then be shaving a dry face - a wet face is much more sensitive and all the products that go along with wet shaving might be contributing to your trouble.

If I were you I would visit a specialised shop that sells shavers etc and have a talk to the sales assistant and see what they recommend.

free skin care · Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:46 am

Keliu wrote:

I think trying out an electric shaver would really make sense. You would then be shaving a dry face - a wet face is much more sensitive and all the products that go along with wet shaving might be contributing to your trouble.

If I were you I would visit a specialised shop that sells shavers etc and have a talk to the sales assistant and see what they recommend.

That's what I plan on doing. I used my fathers electric shaver dry yesterday, and though it felt funny my face looks less irritated. I'm going to go ahead and visit a specialty store. Thanks for your help!

free skin care · Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:14 am

Ugh! I'm suffering from shaving related acne right now. The other day my mom became convinced that I missed some spots near my ears and took a razor to me, in spite of my portests. I was too lazy to do my honey routine. The next day: pimples!! Exactly where she shaved me! Sad

free skin care · Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:36 am

I find electric razors don't give me as close a shave as the gillette mach 3 ones do. I tend to find that like suggested above, if you shower first and then you a dermabrasion cloth (I get mine from Nanci at NCN too), that after applying a shaving oil, I never have any issues. I have sensitive skin, and if I used a different foam or gel, I would get spots immediately within hours of shaving, however the oil, seems to really help protect the skin and moisturise it without drying it out and so that works really well for me.

After shaving I then apply either CPs or Retin, and then my sunscreen (and the advice given to you about the sunscreen is great) and I am pleased to say that I haven't had shaving issues in years now!

free skin care · Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:49 am

SeanySeanUK wrote:

I find electric razors don't give me as close a shave as the gillette mach 3 ones do. I tend to find that like suggested above, if you shower first and then you a dermabrasion cloth (I get mine from Nanci at NCN too), that after applying a shaving oil, I never have any issues. I have sensitive skin, and if I used a different foam or gel, I would get spots immediately within hours of shaving, however the oil, seems to really help protect the skin and moisturise it without drying it out and so that works really well for me.

After shaving I then apply either CPs or Retin, and then my sunscreen (and the advice given to you about the sunscreen is great) and I am pleased to say that I haven't had shaving issues in years now!

I'm not concerned about a close shave, I don't care if I'm a bit stubbly, as long as I don't break out. I got a sample of a shaving oil though, and I'm going to try it. Thanks for your help!

free skin care · Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:13 pm

Hehehe- I just saw a face shaving questiong and answer on msn.

Question: Do models (women) shave their faces?

Basically, the answer is don't shave because it's so masculine, and it'll be "phychologically confusing" for a woman. lol! I'm not at all confused about my femininity! Laughing

Link:

http://lifestyle.msn.com/beautyandfashion/makeupandskincare/articlemc.aspx?cp-documentid=8137949&GT1=32001

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