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Sensitive skin can be a real problem for men, especially when they shave.
Most of the time, shaving causes four problems: razor burn, rashes, razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Each of these is preventable in sensitive skin shaving if properly addressed. First, though, what are these pesky irritants? Razor burn is as painful as it sounds. It results from dry shaving without benefit of a cream or gel, or when you shave too fast or roughly even with a wet razor. It is temporary but if aggravated can leave a permanent discoloration on the skin.
Sport a five o’clock shadow for a few days until the redness subsides and lay off the hair growth formula.
Rashes are usually an allergic reaction to products you may use while shaving, so instead of a razor burn you get these instead. Use unscented shaving creams and gels specially formulated for sensitive skin, and if the damage has been done, avoid alcohol-based aftershave lotion. Try a soothing one that has no heavy perfumes instead. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the fancy name for razor bumps and ingrown hairs. This happens when hair is trapped beneath the skin and either grows back in (razor bumps) or stays in the hair follicle (ingrown hair). This is especially a problem with men who have curly hair. The skin can become inflamed and infected and looks like red raised bumps that resemble acne. If in doubt as to what you have, consult a dermatologist. If you are sure it is a razor bump or ingrown hair, avoid shaving over them and try to dislodge it by using a cleanser with glycolic acid. If that does not work, try rubbing over it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also try a pair of tweezers sterilized with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using your fingers. These are all well and good to know, but prevention is the best way to go. Proper shaving skincare will go a long way to minimizing sensitive skin problems. When wet shaving, experiment with razors and find one that works for you. Some swear by a single blade because it does not cut the hair below the top layer of the skin as double or triple blades tend to do. Specialized razors cut the hair farther away from the skin to prevent breaking the skin. Some swear by electric razors for preventing ingrown hairs, and the only way to find out is to try it. When wet shaving, the hair must be thoroughly wet with warm water for 5 minutes to open up the pores and make it easier to pull out the hair and prevent excessive irritation. Shave with a minimum of strokes and with the grain of your hair growth or the path of least resistance when you rub your hand over the hair. This is to minimize nicking and cutting the skin rather than the hair. Normally, this is downward on the cheeks and chin and upward on the neck. Some areas need to be shaved against the grain for a close shave, but keep these to a minimum especially if you tend to have ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Shave without pulling or stretching the skin as this increase the chances of ingrown hair.
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