Shaving and Acne

Often shaving can leave your face with an acne-like breakout or "shaving bumps". These small red bumps are inflammation of the hair follicles caused by shaving. The hairs become trapped inside the follicle as they begin to grow back causing the follicle to swell. There are ways to prevent this unpleasant side effect of shaving.

Shaving Tips to Prevent Acne

Soften the hairs: Before you bring the razor close to you skin, rinse the area with warm water to hydrate and soften the skin and hair making it easy to shave.

Choose the right razor: Using an electric razor can reduce the chances of breakouts, though the shave won't be as close. If you must use a blade razor, try to use a new single blade razor for each shave. If you use multiple blade razors, they will cut the hair below the skin (epidermis). The epidermis will grow over the opening and trap the growing hair causing inflammation.

Use the right shaving cream: The shaving cream you use can greatly reduce the chance of getting shaving bumps. Thin, filmy creams will help your razor glide over the skin and reduce irritation.

Shave with the grain: This goes against everything you have been taught about shaving, but going with the grain will prevent you from shaving too close. This will cut down on irration that can cause acne or shave bumps.

Use an after shave toner: Apply a mild alcohol-free toner to kill bacteria before it gets into the newly opened follicles. You can use witch hazel, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid in place of the toner, as they will all kill the bacteria.

Moisturize after shave: Applying a moisturizing lotion will help prevent the skin from drying out after a shave. Dry, irritated skin can lead to acne breakouts.