Why do I break out when I shave?

Question

Every time I shave with a razor, I break out in acne. It seems like electric razors work better but they don't give me as close of a shave.

Answer 1

I'll bet you have curly hair too.
Your problem is likely in-grown hairs.
You know how the commercials say the razors shave below the skin? Well they do. When the hair tries to grow back out it grows under the skin (which happens more often the curlier your hair is), and gets irritated and you get a zit. Clean a large pin or a needle with alcohol and free up the ingrown hairs when they get painful. The only preventative solution is to not shave so close. Stick with the electric and don't press too hard.

Answer 2

You are shaving improperly, and irritating the skin. The breakouts are not really acne, it's called pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as razor rash. If you cut the hair below the skin line, and at an angle, and against the direction of the hair growth, you encourage the whiskers to grow into the skin. Cut at an angle, they act like little splinters and trigger an immune response from the body. They get attacked, pus forms and the entire area forms a red raised bump that looks a lot like acne. When you use an electric razor, the hair is cut straight across, usually level with the skin, so you don't have the same problem. Since you have the tendency, that would probably be your best solution. But for the times you prefer to use a razor, I have a few suggestions. First, soak a washcloth in hot water and wring it out. Apply it to your face and keep it there for around 3-4 minutes or longer, to soften the hair. Use a fresh clean razor blade, preferably a single edge, no more than a double. Use a generous amount of shave gel or cream, and choose one for sensitive skin. Use your fingertips to work the lather into the beard well, and let that sit a minute. Then run the hot water, and start in to shave. Shave downwards towards the jawline- not upwards from it. After each swipe, rinse the razor well and wipe it against the washcloth you used to soften the beard with to begin with. Shave over the jawline from the top, over the jaw and downwards as far down the neck as you like. Never shave upwards. Never shave over an area of skin unless it is coated with shave gel or cream. When you finish, rinse all the remaining cream and the residue off your face with warm water. Then rinse your face with cold water to close the pores. If you have a problem with acne, it may be best to use a disposable razor and throw it away after use. You can't rinse a disposable well enough to rid all the skin cells and bacteria from it, and it will just become a source for future breakouts. Also, don't apply aftershave to a freshly shaved face. You should wait at least an hour and try to avoid those with alcohol as it dries the skin and is not good for you.
If you try to shave and break out afterwards, you are shaving too closely. You don't want to go baby bun smooth if you tend to have this problem. You also may not want to shave every day. It might be best to shave every other day, and use the electric razor in between. If things really get out of control, quit shaving all together, and let the beard grow out a few days to let your skin heal. Then use the electric razor. They do have clippers that can be adjusted to allow you to shave and leave a 1/4 inch stubble, if you have to be clean shaven for a job. It will still leave a bit of shadow, but won't be objectionable to most bosses if you explain the reason.
The condition is common among young men when they start to shave on a regular or daily basis. I used to teach a shaving class for the Air Force to young men for just this reason, and this was basically what I taught them. It does work, though if you are really broken out, you need to quit shaving and heal first- then use the method I gave you. The main thing is to avoid shaving too closely to the skin and shave in the right direction. Eventually your skin will toughen up and you will have less of the problem, although some men have it their entire lives. Good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 3

Hi . Everytime you shave you leave your skin exposed to bacteria. After shaving splash with very cold water or use a cold pack for a few mins. Make sure you use a clean razor everytime. And a clean towel. Wash your hands prior. Use a good quality skin protecting cream that contains no mineral oils.

Answer 4

Make sure to shave with the grain of your hair (the same direction it grows out of your skin) and always follow up with witch hazel on a cotton swab afterwards. It's better for your skin than aftershave (the alcohol dries out your skin and ages you prematurely) and it's a known healing agent. It should prevent you from getting razor burn and ingrown hairs. You can get witch hazel at the drug store for less than $3 a bottle.

Answer 5

Plucking (tweezing), Shaving, Depilatory creams and Waxing are temporary hair removal methods.

A review of the various hair removal methods is available at http://tinyurl.com/ob6tt

Answer 6

I have may have the same problem as you. I get razor bumps on my neck not my face. Now i use conditioner for your hair on your head. Just rub on neck and the bumps are not as bad.

Answer 7

Use a pre shave lotion before you shave and the breaking out will disapear!

Answer 8

You're probably shaving against the grain...causing irritation

Answer 9

If you are very young then it is common when you grow it will disappear.