Razor Bumps/Burns, Shaving and Removal

Iggemo on 14/01/2020 - 15:45

Hiya there,

So this forum post is a bit of a follow-on from this deal's discussion:

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/512220

There was some helpful discussion in said thread about how to avoid razor bumps and burns, although there seems to be a great variance of opinion. On the one hand - and this goes for Google searches i have done too - it seems there is a school of thought alcohol after-shave is good, and another to avoid alcohol in your after-shave. Some swear by electric shavers and some by safety razors. It's all a bit confusing and I'm somewhat at a loss as to what is actually the best combination, so i wondered if ppl might chime in on that.

But what i also would desperately like to hear, everywhere i should about razor bumps, it's all about prevention rather than cure, doing this and that to avoid the occurrence. Well, in my case i already have some on one side of my face which have been there for a few months now (didn't even know what it was till recently). Now that im aware of what it is, i wonder if anyone knows how one would actually go about removing existing bumps? There seems to be some kind of necessity for facial scrubs? or some kind of lotion to unearth ingrown hairs but info is surprisingly scarce. Is it a condition one ought see a GP about or a pharmacist? I'm not really sure about it since i've really only just learned about the existence of it at all. So, basically, i wonder if anyone could advise as to how you actually get rid of razor bumps, cos i assume they are not just permanent?

Thanks!

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • cynicalmike on 14/01/2020 - 15:54

    grow a beard.

    • GoldenDragon888 on 14/01/2020 - 16:28
      -1

      This. No beard no good. There is not a bought beards in my neighbourhood.

  • Hybroid on 14/01/2020 - 15:58

    It's not really confusing. It's horses for courses. Everyone's skin is different and therefore different products/processes work for different people.

    This method works perfect for me but clearly didn't for someone else: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/8228966/redir

    Try the Clearasil Rapid Action Pimple Cream for razor burn even if don't have spots. It helps soothe the skin and lasts.

  • HighAndDry on 14/01/2020 - 16:07
    +1

    I'd stay stay away from alcohol based aftershaves. They might be antiseptic, but alcohol itself is terrible for skin because it dehydrates it, which is the last thing you want.

  • pantsparty on 14/01/2020 - 16:26
    +2

    Merkur double edged safety razor and the Feather brand blades have been the savour for me.

    Multi blade cartridge razors were incredibly expensive for blades and by far the worst for my skin.

    Other than that use a face scrub before you shave, shave in the shower with a little mirror so the steam has softened up your facial hair and use a facial moisturiser with more natural ingredients than most of the crap products out there.

    • crentist on 14/01/2020 - 19:58

      DE blades seem super cheap, and good if they work for you. I personally had some luck with these, which I guess are intended for eyebrow shaping or something but are still just a very sharp exposed blade.

      On multi blades though, you can get really cheap and good disposables these days. gillete and schick both make 3-blade disposables which can be had under $1 each, and I really can't tell how they differ from their far more expensive offerings. They even look the same, have the same weird gel strips, just with plastic handles.

      Most people won't consider disposables at all, yet this was suggested to me by a friend who once had an expensive folding single edge and generally expensive razors. After starting a job with lots of travel, he abandoned all that (even at home) since discovering the quality of a $3 multipack after landing.

      • pantsparty on 14/01/2020 - 20:03

        I found my hair always clogged up the multi blades and they ended up pulling instead of slicing my hair. I also didn’t find them to be anywhere near as sharp as the Feather brand blades I currently use.

        The blades I buy are 35 cents each - I’m happy with that cost!

        • crentist on 14/01/2020 - 21:18

          The clogging can be bad, but depends which brand/model you use. Some can be rinsed out from the back very easily, which ends up being the main thing that determines if I can use them or not. Even being a bit blunt isn't nearly as bad as being clogged.

          35 cents each

          Wow not bad. Do you really end up with much of a closer shave than the multiblades? I'm sure the blades themselves can do better, but when I've used a SE/DE the main hindrance has been simply having to be more careful than a regular safety multiblade, which you can basically press into your face.

          I still like them for styling, or for just sitting outside and having a luxurious shave out on the balcony, but can't imagine trying to use one in the morning before work

  • Iggemo on 14/01/2020 - 16:45

    Thanks for the replies all, i did just come across this article:

    http://nymag.com/strategist/article/how-to-get-rid-of-razor-…

    which does list some creams and things specifically to help remove/reduce existing bumps such as hydrocortisone cream (which i happen to have on me). I might ask a pharmacist tomorrow and see what they think.

    Cheers all!

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 14/01/2020 - 18:48

    Go electric. Cold water at the end. No aftershave. Your face will thank you.

    • Iggemo on 15/01/2020 - 07:06

      yeah i am considering it, would something like this be good?

      https://www.shavershop.com.au/braun/series-7-electric-foil-s…

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 15/01/2020 - 14:04
        +1

        Never used a Braun. They are supposed to be very good. In the past I always preferred the Philips rotary heads. Even more so their wet and dry models. The water acts as an additional "lubricant" if you have sensitive skin.

        I'd recommend getting a cheapie Braun or Philips and start from there. Or…grow a beard like I did and use a beard trimmer. Problem solved :)

  • oscargamer on 14/01/2020 - 19:07

    Shave in the shower. Either with shower safe elec or wet blade.

    Soak face for 5-10 mins with soap/shampoo prior to shaving (yes, waste of water, but that wasn't your question)

    My preference is wet shave. First pass in direction of beard grain, then second pass against grain.

    Then rinse with cool / cold water. Then moisturise with neutral bland product. Absolutely no alcohol (unless it's in a glass)

  • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2020 - 19:09
    +1

    Africans, Latinos, people of Middle-Eastern decent and people with curly hair tend to be more susceptible to razor bumps and in-grown hair. I am half-african from my father's side and have inherited thick ,curly hair from my mother's side, so yeah :( The only thing that works for me is exfoliating whenever I'm clean-shaven. Anything with salicylic acid should work. I like garnier 3-in-1 which is currently 1/2 price at woolies.Neutrogena is stronger with 2% salicylic and tends to dry my skin but it does give you super-tight pores.

    If this fails, speak to a dermatologist.

    • Dlw on 14/01/2020 - 23:36
      +1

      I’ve found exfoliating beneficial too. It stops the pores from clogging and ingrown hairs forming. . I usually exfoliate the day after and have found the St Ives brand works well for me.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2020 - 23:50

        The St Ives brand use mechanical exfoliation and works the same way that sanding does. It is not recommended for people with sensitive skin and may cause redness, irritation and micro tears.

        Salicylic acid (and other BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. Salicylic acid dissolves the bonds between your skin cells and goes deep inside to dislodge "debris" that clogs pores while also acting as an anti-inflammatory. It is more gentle as there is no rubbing actions.

        The garnier 3-in-1 that I've mentionned above uses both types of exfoliation techniques.It also has clay that control oil production and matifies the skin.

  • crentist on 14/01/2020 - 19:37

    I usually shave before a shower, which some don't agree with. Reason being, I can give my face a good wash after that will also clean up any leftover shaving cream, and gives me a chance to feel for any missed spots, which would then get a quick pass while my face is still wet (but without reapplying shave cream). Also the bathroom mirror won't be all fogged up.
    In the shower might be good, if I didn't wear glasses.

    Then I slap a bit more moisturizer on than usual. Usually Nivea or something else fairly basic that makes my face feel moist. Personally I avoid anything with alcohol and just get something inexpensive. I've tried nicer creams and they've usually been worse. eg a few months of Loreal made my face all irritated and patchy, tried some nice beard balm which immediately dried out my face (prob due to alcohol) etc.

  • brad1-8tsi on 15/01/2020 - 08:44

    After lots of experiments:

    Warm water splash on
    Nivea sensitive skin (either type)
    Gillette mach 3 razor blades
    Tepid water rinse

    No after shave

    Have tried lots of other blades (King of Shaves, 4 blades, 5 blades, 2 blades) and this is my sweet spot.

  • randombrick on 15/01/2020 - 15:36
    +1

    I switched from a Mach 3 to a double edge razor last year. I get a smoother shave and less irritation.

    With DE razors, you will have to try a few blades to find something that works for you. I find the Voshkods to be the best followed by Astra Green.

    Current hardware: Yaqi handle with a Yaqi Mellon head and Yaqi Cashmere brush
    Software: Coconut Oil (pre shave), Proraso Green soap & cream, Nivea Sensitive Balm. I have some fancy-schmancy artisan soaps in the mail - most likely just a waste of money.

    I tried cold water shaving for a while but it wasn't fun in winter. I might give it a try again.

    I also avoid against the grain shaving and reserve it for special occassions.

  • Barking mad soaps on 18/01/2020 - 21:54

    The razor you use is important randombrick is correct on that, also you might consider using what is called a shampoo soap bar, you can get ones with natural products in them that don't irritate the skin and also act as a kind of conditioning lubricant on the skin. We stock shampoo bars but we might not be right for you only you would know that. Also a little tip my partner gets a face washer and runs ice cold water from the fridge and then puts it on his face for 2 minutes after shaving he says it beats any after shave in reducing razor burn face. :)

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