Razor Burn and Bumps - Help!

[Sure_handed]

Hello All,

New member here - and newly returned to DE shaving after many years.

I honestly didn't know that DE razors were still available until I Googled the subject last Saturday. Today I had my first shave when a spanking new Merkur Futur. Awesome.

OK - Here's My Problem:
I shave both face and head. I've been struggling with rash, razor burn, and bumps on my face and scalp for years, whether I use an electric, Mach 3, Headblade, or now probably with the Futur. I'm 58 and my face isn't as smooth as it once was.

So what preparations should I be using after the shave? Witch Hazel? Aftershave? Some other lotion, balm, linament or salve?

You're all very knowledgable. School me.

Thanks,
Dennis

[BroJohn]

Hello All,

New member here - and newly returned to DE shaving after many years.

I honestly didn't know that DE razors were still available until I Googled the subject last Saturday. Today I had my first shave when a spanking new Merkur Futur. Awesome.

OK - Here's My Problem:
I shave both face and head. I've been struggling with rash, razor burn, and bumps on my face and scalp for years, whether I use an electric, Mach 3, Headblade, or now probably with the Futur. I'm 58 and my face isn't as smooth as it once was.

So what preparations should I be using after the shave? Witch Hazel? Aftershave? Some other lotion, balm, linament or salve?

You're all very knowledgable. School me.

Thanks,
Dennis

Hi Dennis --

Welcome to B&B!

Your query is so general, that an answer in a single posting isn't possible. It sounds like you need to learn everything. That's OK, B&B will help you out. First, go to the Shave Clinic & Newbie Check-In forum. At the top of that forum there is a stickied post that has the links to all the tutorials. Read them all.

Then make sure that you view Mantic's shaving videos that he has posted on YouTube on the net. These are a 'must do' and will get you on the right track.

After you've done the above, post specific questions and the fine gents here will be most helpful.

Welcome aboard.

-- John Gehman

[Koss]

Yeah those youtube videos is what REALLY helped me when I was learning to shave. Within 2 weeks I was already reaching BBS results. So smooth... so soft.

I am a budget Wet shaver. I started out with a Parker 86r cheap razor. its Indian I think. I also use VDH shaving soap, and their bowl and boar brush that all comes in a kit.
Afterwards I use Witch Hazel I bought from Walmart for less than 3 dollars for a huge bottle. Splash that on my hands and rub it in. Finally finish with dime sized dollop of Nivea Aftershave Balm for Sensitive skin. Super smooth, soft face.

As for shaving... I think the most important thing to find is a razor blade that works for you, and of course being able to whip up proper lather.
I use Sharp Stainless razors... they are really gentle. Not the sharpest out there, but pretty brainless when it comes to shaving your face easily.

Edit: What do you have your Futur setting on? Most people usually set it for daily use between 2, 2.5, and 3. Depending on the razor blade of course.
I just ordered my own Futur, in satin. How do you like yours so far? What razor blade are you using? What other products are you using also for shaving?

[adonnellyr]

If you ever have a week off or some time where you can give your face and scalp a rest from the daily shave routine, you should do so. Let the razor burn and bumps heal over. Then, try shaving with as light a touch as possible. You couldn't do that with cartridge razors, but with the DE you can shave with such a light touch it should at least IMPROVE the burn/bumps. If you can get away with shaving every 2 days, or every 36 hours, so much the better. Some people find Alum really helps with razor burn, so you could experiment with that. Same thing with witch hazel of course. I find a pre-shave (for me, Proraso Pre/Post) works wonders for creating less resistance and damage during the shave. It will just be a matter of trying out a variety of products to discover what works best for your face. Good luck!

[pablo_h]

It's not what products you use after the shave, it's what you do before and during that counts.
Heat up the face with a hot shower or hot towel, make very good lather and apply brushing it in for a few mintues, then let it sit for a few minutes on the skin, shave lightly with correct angle.

[tlanning]

Welcome! you've come to the right forum! I agree the best place for an array of advice is the shave clinic and Newby check in
I'm 57 and after having exposed my face to 35 years of constant extreme weather people who are trying to be nice say it has allot of character. I like the futur. After you follow the above suggestion of letting your face heal over, (if you can) start out with no more pressure than the weight of the razor set at maybe 2 and follow whatever advice you get along the way. I think you'll see the skin problems diminish and eventually disappear.
Good luck