Reducing Redness from Shaving

[SilverB]

I've been using a DE razor for just about under a month now and Im still getting use to the technique and process of it all. I don't have major issues as far as cutting my self or what not but I do tend to get a little greedy with problem areas in which hairs grow different ways that result in me making too many passes within those little sections. (especially mustache area)

This often results in razor burn and redness. I admit, its my fault for being hard headed and trying to get those area nice and smooth but I was wondering if there was any product out there that reduces/removes the redness. I've heard of razor bump relief but I don't think thats what Im looking for. I don't get bumps, I just get red.

So if theres any product that any of you can stand by that reduces the redness from razor burn, can you let me know. Or atleast list down some remedies.

Thanks in advanced

[kevtex]

Witch Hazel works great for razor burn and redness.

[rainman]

Its better to never get redness from you shave to begin with. I only use some cold water to wash off whats left of the shaving cream. Vics vaporub can be soothing.

[ytsejammer]

Wet a towel then keep it in your freezer and apply it for 45-60 seconds as the last step after rinsing you face of cream residue...not only is it cooling and soothing it helps constrict the blood vessels that bleed from cuts and feed the red of razor burn...it helped me anyway, I did this for the first month until my technique afforded me burn free shaves...

[kingfisher]

Aloe vera gel is soothing.

[mretzloff]

If you get razor burn by going over certain areas too many times, you just need to accept that those areas may not be able to be shaven into BBS.

[Deftim13]

If you get razor burn by going over certain areas too many times, you just need to accept that those areas may not be able to be shaven into BBS.

:thumbup1:

[salisburyyates]

I just finished I guess my 7th shave with a DE so don't put much emphasis on my advice,

but while shaving today I found that I could shave the irritation spots like the neck more easily if I make it all one even surface - my compressing my neck somewhat. This will help with angling and taking more notice where the hairs are growing in different directions.

[Slade xTekno]

What razor and blade are you using?

[SilverB]

What razor and blade are you using?

Im using Merkur Progress (long handle) with BlueBird blades.

Thanks for all the advice guys!

[rainman]

Im using Merkur Progress (long handle) with BlueBird blade?

Thanks for all the advice guys!



That explains the irritation.:biggrin:

[Slade xTekno]

Try using another blade. Blue Birds don't have the best reputation when it comes to smooth shaves.

[SilverB]

Try using another blade. Blue Birds don't have the best reputation when it comes to smooth shaves.

I've used Blue Birds, Shark, Merkur and Derby but I seem to have settled on Blue Birds...actually, BlueBirds gave me the smoothest shaves of em all.

What else would you suggest?

[wedwards]

I have sensitive skin and am allergic to something in our water so I am screwed before I even start. Generally speaking I only get to
e for 2 passes before my face is too agitated and I gave to stop. After washing my face with water, I use an alum block. Within a few minutes any blotches or burn is usually gone.

[brg]

Here's what I tried today: keep contact with the face to a minimum.

Gear: Merkur 34C, Personna "made in USA" blade, Williams Ice Blue cream, Omega boar brush.

- Prep: thoroughly soak the face with hot water in the shower. Before starting to shave, splash some more hot water.
- Lather: Start by mixing the cream in the palm, then apply to the face. This should be less irritating than face lathering.
- Shave as usually: WTG, XTG, ATG.
- Between passes: Rinse with the shower head (warm water).
- Final rinse: Rinse with the shower head (cold water), pat dry.
- No ASB.

The results were great, but keep in mind that these were ideal conditions: 3 days growth and a blade on it's 3rd shave.
I have to test this with 2 days growth and a fresh blade to see if it makes any difference at all.
I thought about trying this after noticing a curious effect. Sometimes when rubbing the face after shaving (rinsing or applying ASB), some cuts that were "not there" would appear.
As always, YMMV.

[SilverB]

Thanks for the advice guys. But I can see this riding on a little tangent which is going away from the actual question...

Im not trying to find ways to avoid getting Razor Burn, (well, I am, but this isn't the point of this particular thread) I'm trying to find out which products will reduce redness when razor burn occurs.

Like I said, I've only been shaving for a couple weeks now and there are times when I Do get razor burn and other times, I Don't.

So I'm asking, when any of you get Razor Burn, what products do you use to reduce the redness?

[curtis909]

I am following this tread with a smile on my face...:wink:
I know what your after but i am not sure if any of us can tell you what will work completely since we all have different skin types but the really cold water rinse and the witch hazel along with the alum block seem to be what is recommended the most...
Sorry if i cant be of more help

[Koss]

I say don't give up on trying new razor blades that are out there. Its amazing how different a razor blade can be from one brand to the other.

Try to lessen the amount of passes you go through, and be more gentle on your touch ups after your last pass. Also, try to use less pressure on the blade. If you are already allowing only the weight of the razor to rest on your skin, maybe use a little negative pressure... that is what I do with my Futur since its so heavy. Make sure you are locking your wrist, and using your arm to glide the razor over your face. Using your wrist changes the blade angle throughout the whole range of motion the razor is going through. Instead of a straight motion, it turns more into an arch. Also, revisit how you rest the razor head on your face. Are you using the smoothest angle to shave? To steep of an angle and you will get irritation. To shallow and you will just be adding passes and touch up spots to your shave. Most suggest a 30 degree angle.

Are you sure your soap is not irritating your face? I can't use TOBs creams... since it reacts with my skin. But it is rather apparent in my case. Maybe try out something else for the heck of it! Allergies can be very mild but add to your problem.

[SilverB]

I'm noting down all the technique pointers.
But Like I said, sometimes I Do get razor burn and sometimes I don't! It's just a matter of how well I shaved that particular day.

Im just asking which items you use to reduce the redness when you get razor burn.

Looks like Ill be buyin some Witch Hazel and an alum block real soon. Any other suggestions??

[closer]

I splash cold water on my face, dab it off with a towel, then apply Neutrogena razor defence after shave balm. Seems to help on those occasions when I get careless with my ATG pass and get irritation. It doesn't quite remove all the red areas, but does seem to get most of them.

[Slade xTekno]

What I find works well is Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer. It's not specifically for shave, but it's worked great for me.

[SiBurning]

moisturizer is probably a good idea. I splash cold water on my face several times throughout the day, and dry it off, of course, which makes it feel better for a while. Maybe you should try using a moisturizer after that, also a few times a day, if necessary.

[Jarmo P]

I have never used any substance except alcohol aftershave splash after the shave.

[NavyShave]

Nivea makes a sensitive skin aftershave balm that is free of fragrance and dies. Very gentle and hydrating...seems to work for me. Inexpensive as well.

[evilmojojo]

I have what seems to me an impossible to shave neck.

The MOST important that I've found is pressure. NO PRESSURE, your aim should be to have the blade make a low pass across your skin without even touching it; though I'm sure it will just try to skim the surface of your skin.

Make sure your doing siffiecient prep. If the whiskers are to strong they will cause the blade to skip and damage your skin. DON'T over prep though. your skin will be too soft.

Use a nice thick lather, this supports your skin and lubricates. To thin a lather will do neither.

Use a smooth blade. Astra or Feather are my recommendations. Don't believe all the scary stories you hear about Feathers. They are the best blades you can use , just be careful when using them.

Aftershave products are well over rated. Just apply some ASB. Any will do.

REMEMBER apply less pressure than you think you should you'll be amazed at how well the blade cuts even when you think it isn't that close to your skin. You are better off doing 10 passes with no pressure than 1 pass with pressure.

Hope this helps. :smile:

[domino]

My recommendation is not to go over the sensitive areas so many times
Also,pick up a tube of 1% cortisone cream(store brand is fine)
The Lord Platium is a smooth and very forgiving blade.I could send you a few to try out if you care to try a different blade.
Are you using cream or soap?

[walto]

You can use any product that contains D-Panthenol, Bisabolol or Allantoin. All these substances promote wound healing and can reduce razor burn. Aloe Vera Gel can also help to reduce redness.

If you have a dry skin use an AS lotion or balm that contains some fatty oils. With an oily skin you can use an alcohol based aftershave.