Adult Shaving Guide

It’s no surprise that how you shave can have a direct affect on your acne. After all, acne-prone skin is sensitive skin, and when you shave, you’re dragging a razor across it. Shaving bumps are acne breakouts caused by inflammation in the hair follicle. Their scientific name is Pseudofolliculitis barbae, as in ‘barber,’ but let’s just stick with ‘shaving bumps.’

Learning how to shave the right way helps you eliminate your existing shaving bumps and avoid future outbreaks. Here are some helpful tips:

Warm it up. Before you begin shaving, prep the area with warm water. The hydration makes your skin more pliable. The heat will dilate your blood vessels, bringing blood flow to the area. You might also find that shaving in the shower brings better results.

Lather well. You can also diminish acne-related bumps by using the right shaving cream. Thinner, filmier creams help the razor glide over the skin, reducing irritation.

Use the right razor. If you can, use an electric razor. The shave won’t be as close, but you probably won’t break out. If you prefer using a blade, use a new single-blade razor each time you shave. Why? Double-and triple-edged blades lift the hair out of the follicle for a shave that’s actually below the epidermis. As part of the skin’s healing process, the epidermis grows over the opening of the follicle. Then, as the hair grows back, it has to fight to get out of the closed follicle. Voila! A shaving bump.

Go with the grain. The closer your shave, the more likely you are to get shaving bumps. So try to get into the habit of shaving with the grain – this usually means sliding the razor down rather than up. This will cut down on irritation and may help with nicks and cuts, too. Who knew fighting acne had bonuses?

Tone up. When you’re done, you may want to apply a mild alcohol-free toner (witch hazel is a gentle alternative) or antibacterial gel. This kind of toner will kill bacteria before it gets into your open follicles – and help you stop the bumps dead in their tracks. Both benzoyl peroxide – (which combats the bacteria that exacerbates shaving bumps) — and salicylic acid (which works to keep follicles clear ) can help as well.

For most people, these simple practices go a long way toward the prevention of shaving bumps. If yours persist, definitely consult your dermatologist for a stronger acne treatment.