Helpful Tips for Shaving With Acne

Start With Clean Skin

We want to curb the number of bacteria and dirt from one area of skin to another. So cleansing pre-shave with warm water will prep the skin.

Warm It Up

Softening skin and hair will make them pliable, so there's less tugging and pulling when shaving. When there's little to no pulling on the skin, it equals less irritation and trauma. This is especially helpful ​in areas that may already be in an aggravated state.

In the shower, let the steam and warm water do the work by working the razor after you've been in a couple of minutes. If your routine is at the sink, place a warm towel on facial hair for a few minutes pre-shave to soften.

Lather Up

Prior to shaving, go in circular motions with a shaving brush and shaving cream or gel to help lift facial hairs up so that they're cut blunt instead of at an angle. This might create less chance of ingrown hair and razor bumps.

Note: This step may not be suitable for severe cases of acne or if it encourages any irritation. Be sure to use the right kind of brush for your skin type.

Choose the Right Razor

Watch out for multiple blades. They give a close shave—but more friction—and it’s often too much especially on a severe case of acne because the skin is constantly undergoing cycles of healing.

Instead, use a single quality blade that has a pivoting head or opt for an electric razor. You may not get the smoothest shave in the world like a manual multiple blade could provide, but a shave that doesn’t last as long may make up for less trauma.

Always Use a Clean Razor

Unwanted bacteria is not a friend to acne. A razor can harbor dead skin cells, leftover product, and bacteria that a quick rinse under the water doesn’t remove very well. These culprits may also dull the blade before its time. So not only will you save money being able to use a blade longer removing them, you’ll have less chance of skin irritation and encouraging the pimple problem.

While shaving, regularly rinse the manual blade. Afterward, thoroughly rinse on all sides, shake off the water, clean with an alcohol wipe, and store outside the shower because water and moisture also lessen a razor’s life. For a quicker way that sharpens blades by cleaning giving it a longer life, try the Razor Pit. If you favor an electric razor, follow the directions from the manufacturer for cleaning.

Shave Around Danger Zones

If at all possible, avoid passing the razor directly over pimples. This can break whiteheads causing the bacteria to spread and easily invade the freshly shaved skin. Even if a pimple doesn't have a head, any kind is almost always red and inflamed, and the razor can irritate the area, causing bleeding and scarring.

Shave the Right Way

For the least amount of tugging on hair, which comes from the hair follicle and where pimples form, shave with the grain of the hair. Of course, shaving against the grain or direction of hair growth provides a closer shave, but pulls more on the skin and may annoy an already compromised condition creating more irritation.

Shave Less Often

Shaving exfoliates skin, so it may be throwing off your skincare routine. Anyone fighting the war with acne knows that there’s a delicate balance of exfoliating and moisturizing needed. The dead cells have to be taken away, but too much exfoliation can cause irritation. The skin shouldn’t be too oily or too dry as the imbalance can throw skin into a breakout or make it itchy and flaky.

The best way to cut back on shaving is to skip a day in between shavings. However, if you're not able to due to personal preference or your job situation, try to at least give your face a rest on the weekends.

Assess Your Shaving Kit

Any ingredients you put on your skin may be a friend or foe. While there are different skin types, severity of acne, and triggers, it's important to look at the labels of the products you're using to shave. What will be of more help than harm will depend on your personal skin type.