Razor Burn

[SpursDynasty]

I know there are tons of other discussions about razor burn, but nothing seems to work for me. This is what my face looks like every day after I shave http://twitpic.com/f07f5 Even worse, I can't get it to go away for over a week. I am using a Vulfix brush w/Trumper's cream and a Futur set all the way down to 1. Any tips would be greatly appreciated, both to stop getting razor burn when I shave and how to clear it up when it does happen.

[dwnwrdishvnwrd]

What's your routine like?

If I had to guess I'd say it looks like you're going against the grain in some pretty sensitive areas with a little more pressure than is necessary. Your skin will have areas that are naturally creased due to neck position, movement, etc. and that looks like it could be where a majority of your bumps are. Are you stretching the skin enough to smooth it out but not enough to cause the hair to go under the skin too far after it's cut? That could assist a bit.

Proper lubrication of shaving areas is determined by a host of factors and with your routine information: blades, prep, shave patterns, post shave, we could be of a greater assistance to you.

Also, welcome to B&B! It's a great place for information and there's a ton of guys (and ladies!) that will will be more than willing to help you get this mess under control.

[BigRich]

More details would be helpful. Without additional information I'd say no ATG passes and use and Alcohol splash instead of or before your aftershave balm.

[SpursDynasty]

I've been doing 3 passes. with the grain, across, and against. I don't go across the grain on my neck because the skin is too sensitive, so I'll typically do 2 passes with the grain. I'm trying not to use any pressure at all and I don't stretch the skin there very much at all. I re-wet and re-soap my face in between each pass.

[luvmysuper]

That, my friend looks like CLASSIC over pressure and/or repeated swipes to get missed hair.

Check and check again your blade angle, go slow on the neck, don't make repeated passes to get hair that wasn't cut due to bad technique, and most of all - Don't use pressure.

Really look hard at your hair growth pattern, and try to see in those most irritated areas which way specifically the hair grows so that you are attacking from the right direction.

You may think that hair grows one way because hair next to it does, but in a small area, hair direction can change drastically.

[SpursDynasty]

Also, can you give some tips on how to clear this up once it happens? I have really sensitive skin, so the red bumps are there for like a week. This is really embarrassing because I look like a 12 year old with acne, and it's hard to shave again because even a 1 pass WTG shave re-irritates it.

[luvmysuper]

Also, can you give some tips on how to clear this up once it happens? I have really sensitive skin, so the red bumps are there for like a week. This is really embarrassing because I look like a 12 year old with acne, and it's hard to shave again because even a 1 pass WTG shave re-irritates it.

I suggest giving the area a rest, and the use of witch hazel. It seems to have magical results in calming and healing irritated skin.

[Gruder]

I suggest Thayer's Superhazel for the after, but let's try to keep it from happening in the first place. Can you run us through the details of your shaves? # of passes, blade type, pre-and post-shave ritual, etc.?

[SpursDynasty]

Preshave just taking a shower, 90 second lather with a brush. Three passes lathering in between, then skin food afterwards. Using a derby blade.

[Gruder]

In that case, I think that Phil's advice on pressure is spot on. In addition, your lather may be breaking down too much from beginning to end of shave. If it's not as slick and cushiony when you approach your neck, make a new batch.

Finally, +1 on letting things rest for several days. When you start anew, lower the number of passes for a week or so, gradually shaving the area closer as your technique improves.

Keep us posted!

[dwnwrdishvnwrd]

Also, make sure lather is up to snuff to begin with. That will help out matters for sure. +1 on the Skin Food. I love that stuff.

[DSB]

I am going to take an educated guess: I believe you think you are shaving with the grain on your neck, when in reality, you are shaving across the grain. If possible, fore go the shave for two or three days. Either have someone else take a look at the direction of hair growth on your neck, or use the macro setting on a digital camera to take a close up of the hair. Carefully examine the direction of hair growth, and make absolutely sure you are shaving in the same direction the hair grows. As soon as I discovered my neck hair grew E-W and W-E, and I shaved accordingly, the razor burn my neck disappeared.

While it won't solve the problem, I would also recommend trying an alum block. They're cheap, and it might help a little.