What are the causes of razor irritation
Nowadays men have to show their feelings. At Manandshaving.nl we don't do that. For us, it's about a comfortable, pleasant, fresh, and smooth shaving result. Regardless of whether you have normal or sensitive skin. Many men have sensitive skin. Shaving can be a cause of unpleasant skin irritations, such as razor bumps, ingrown beard hairs, or a dry, tight, and pulling feeling after shaving.
There are 3 causes of the most common razor irritations during or after shaving:
- The shaving technique itself, such as shaving too roughly, too often, applying too much pressure on the skin, etc.
- The wrong shaving product, for example ready-made shaving foam, cheap shaving soap, perfumed shaving soap, and alcohol-based aftershave
- The type of razor, for example the 3- or 5-blade cartridge razors
How do I prevent razor irritation
The most common shaving or skin irritations are:
- Ingrown beard hairs
- Razor bumps
- Dry chapped and tight skin
- Red spots and burning sensation
- Dry flaky skin
- Shaving cuts
- Allergic reactions, such as eczema and itching
The causes of shaving irritations naturally differ for everyone. What works very well for one person can have the opposite effect on another. Your shaving irritation is of course related to your skin and beard type. Below is an overview with tips to prevent stubborn and annoying shaving irritations. As you know from us: "You don't have to do anything at all." We do not intend for the overview to be complete but perhaps there are useful tips for you.
| Tip | Heavy beard growth | Dry skin | Oily skin | Sensitive skin | Ingrown beard hairs |
| Cleanse with a pH-neutral cleansing gel instead of regular hand soap. | √ | √ | √ | ||
| Cleanse the skin with an exfoliating cleansing gel or a scrub gel 1 or 2 times a week. Do not do this too often and not immediately before or after shaving. | √ | ||||
| Do not shave with a dull razor. | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Always shave with a clean razor. | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Do not apply too much pressure on the razor while shaving. | √ | √ | √ | ||
| Take your time, shave with light and calm movements. | √ | ||||
| Shave with a safety razor, open razor, or shavette razor. | √ | √ | √ | √ | |
| Shave with a safety razor with closed comb. | √ | √ | |||
| Shave with a safety razor with open comb. | √ | ||||
| Use only unscented, hypoallergenic, or paraben-free shaving products. | √ | ||||
| Always use a pre shave cream or oil before shaving. | √ | √ | √ | ||
| Use a classic shaving soap or shaving cream instead of ready-made shaving foam, gel, or oil | √ | √ | √ | √ | |
| Lather shaving soap or cream on the face for at least 1 minute with warm water and a shaving brush. | √ | √ | √ | √ | |
| Do not shave beard hairs too short. | √ | ||||
| Shave only with the direction of beard hair growth. | √ | √ | √ | ||
| Shave first with the direction of hair growth. Apply shaving foam again and shave against the direction of hair growth. | √ | ||||
| Pull the skin taut with one hand while shaving. | √ | ||||
| Use an alum block after shaving. | √ | √ | |||
| Use an alcohol after shave splash and alum block after shaving. | √ | ||||
| Soothe the skin with an after shave balm. | √ | √ | |||
| Soothe the skin with an unscented after shave balm. | √ | √ | |||
| Soothe the skin with talcum powder after the after shave balm. | √ | √ | √ | ||
| Use a moisturizer (hydrating cream) after the after shave balm | √ | ||||
| Use an oil-absorbing moisturizer. | √ | ||||
| Do not use alcohol-based after shave on freshly shaved skin. | √ | √ | |||
| Use special exfoliating cream or gel that prevents ingrown beard hairs before or after shaving | √ |
