Newbie Checking In- With Questions Regarding Skin Irritation

[pocky]

Hi All,

I'm not new to wet shaving, but I have only started DE shaving this week and I have been lurking around B&B for around a month before I took the leap and I don't think I will ever look back! I have been using disposable razors and Quattro with Razorantium from Lush.

I am now using a Futur on 3 and a Derby blade with MWF which brings me onto my question- I started getting some irritation (redness with a taut feeling) around my mouth and in the mustache region post shave. I first thought that it was razor burn, because I don't have it anywhere else, including my neck. Would you gentlemen think that it might be an allergic reaction? I take a shower before I shave and still use the Razorantium I have left as a preshave balm, and aftershave I am using TOBS Mr Taylors Balm.

Its a shame because I'm hooked, but I don't feel like going to uni with a red ring around my mouth haha! (Uni requires me to shave everyday, because thats what pilots are supposed to look like :001_rolle )

Thanks Guys!

pocky

[warhawk]

Hi Pocky: Welcome 2 B&B. Immediately after your shave.... U might want 2 add a cold water rinse, followed by an ice cube rub until it melts, towel dry face, then splash some witch hazel (let WH air out), add Nivea For Men after shave lotion or any after shave lotion of your choice. This should help with decreasing your irritation and it will help U stay smooth longer.

WARHAWK

[chuckr9]

Welcome to the Forum!
I suggest less pressure (new DE users tend to use more than necessary after their cartridge days). Also, look at a blade sample pack (see Bullgoose in Vendor caetgory) - the Derby's may not be best choice for the Futur.

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard!

[Artistik]

Welcome to B&B!

[pocky]

Hi WARHAWK: I just went out to buy some witch hazel, it felt like its on fire but it feels better now!

Chuck: Hmm I guess that might be why, I have read good things about Derbys, but I guess it might be a little too sharp? What blade do you recommend? I have a sample pack that came with the razor: Derby, Shark, Feather (I don't think I will try this soon haha!), Astra & Gillette. I would agree that it might be too much pressure, probably the skin elsewhere can withstand it but not here? I'm looking for other methods now, I tried the balance method on my sideburns but it didn't feel like its cutting, probably thats how I pressed on the razor?

Thank you guys for the replies!

[Omak]

Derby's are my first blade, bought 30 of them. Since buying them I've read a lot that people with neck irritation (me) do not like them and need something sharper. (Feather's/7oclock/astras) They are a mild blade as I understand it (not sharp like you stated)

Going forward with my shaves I plan on using each of the Derbys once and tossing it.

[MilesTeg]

I have tried Derby blades in two different razors (multiple times), and just can't use them effectively. I like Astra SPs best in my Futur. Try dialing it down to a lower setting when doing the final touch-up around your mouth, I find it helpful.

[Mad Man]

Hey pocky - welcome to another Aussie!

Sounds like a bit o' burn mate. Just to make sure it's not an allergic reaction try a dab of lather (and any other products that go on your face) in the crook of your elbow and leave it on for a good 5-10 minutes; if it goes red/puffy ditch it!

It's not uncommon to get burn in specific areas; fiddly navigating like around the mouth/Adams apple requires you slow your airspeed and maintain visual flight rules (see what I did there?).

Changing equipment such as blades may assist. Astras are a nice blade. Derbys tend to polarize opinion round these parts.

If you don't see a change mate, post some pics and I'm sure someone will be able to "guide you in".

And remember - no pressure (Maintain separation).

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[chuckr9]

Sometimes you need to match the blade to the Razor, as even highly rated blades may not perform in every head. For my Futur I like Astra's, KAI, or Personna Medical Prep blades, and don't like Derbys or Merkur stainless blades. In addition to light pressure you need pay special attention to the angle of the blade where your skin is sensitive. A flatter angle (razor handle further from face) might help in sensitive areas also.

[fccexpert]

May be a an allergic reaction to lanolin (not that uncommon). Do you use anyother product that contains this ingredient?

[Optometrist]

Welcome to B&B, pocky!:thumbup1:

[Go West Young Man]

More than likely just a technique issue, it takes a couple months to get competent at this shaving thing.
You might want to try another soap/cream just to make sure, but if you're not getting irritation all over your face it's probably not the cream at fault.

[Oblique Human]

Welcome to B&B!

[ackvil]

More than likely just a technique issue, it takes a couple months to get competent at this shaving thing.
You might want to try another soap/cream just to make sure, but if you're not getting irritation all over your face it's probably not the cream at fault.

First, welcome to B&B.
+1. Also, try a lower setting on your razor. That razor is fairly aggressive and the setting may be too high for you.

Also, watch your blade angle and keep in mind, very little pressure on the blade. Let the weight of the razor do the work for you. I use two fingers and my thumb to hold the razor with another finger resting on the tip of the handle. This results in holding the razor very lightly with no pressure on the razor. You want to hold the razor as lightly as you can without it falling from your hand. This post (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/249125-Holding-a-Razor?) may help you. Also, take a look at this wiki (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Safety_Razor_Grips). It may help you, also.


And here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=130110) is a good post that will help you on blade angle.

[pocky]

Good evening gentlemen,

I'm sorry for the late reply I'm glad I made it back from my night flight, Sydney is beautiful but not so if you are falling asleep at the controls haha!

I have to admit I'm getting a little bit confused here, as Omak said that Derbys are not the sharpest blades, why is it causing irritation? I chose it to as my first blade because I thought sharp blades cause irritation more so than ones that aren't so sharp? Should I try a sharper blade?

I would agree that maintaining the proper blade angle is difficult when you have to do it manually- I think it might be the biggest difference between cartridge and DE shaving? I don't mind practicing it, its part of the fun and learning right? I'm not looking to have get BBS, but I'm desperate to stop getting irritation! :closedeye

Mad Man: Nice analogies mate, are you an aviator? :w00t: I have to admit the neck area especially the area under the chin- is rather difficult to maintain VFR because of the reduced forward visibility, but the visibility for the mouth area isn't that bad, and I use the "Oh" method to provide a surface to shave- maybe that is the culprit? I'm slowing my airspeed down but I'm afraid of the stall!

fccexpert: I have used lanolin body creams before, it seemed pretty good on my body, thats why I chose the MWF, or maybe thats not the case? Its only around my mouth/mustache region and it stung when I put aftershave on so I suspect its a burn?

Thank you gentlemen for your time, I love how everytime I click back to B&B I learn something new!

pocky

[Go West Young Man]

Sharpness is only one factor in a blade - there's bevel, coating, flex, etc etc etc. Derby's may just not agree with you, for any number of reasons that have nothing to do with sharpness. Personally, they just chew me up, no matter how well I prep. Sampling a few different blade brands (don't go crazy, just a half dozen or so) will help you get a better feel for blade performance.