10 Steps to Preventing Razor Bumps

A good clean shave can start your day off right. Unfortunately, improper shaving has nasty side effect: razor burn, razor bumps, whatever you call them, the fact is, they can take kick you A-game right out the window. It's the horrible itchy feeling that pops up which not only ruins a good shave, it looks horrendous. But the proper execution plan, can keep future razor burn / razor bumps at bay.

What are razor bumps? 

Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that cause inflammation to the skin. It's medical term is pseudofolliculitis barbae, freshly shaved hairs curl back into the skin, triggering a response of your immune system. This produces the inflammatory reaction resulting in red, irritated bumps. Thankfully there are methods to prevent your face and neck from producing these unsightly skin reactions.

Step 1

Soften the beard. A soft beard can be removed easily. So make sure to shave is after you take a hot shower. The beard will be softened by the hot steam, achieving the prime condition for shaving. If you want to one up it, take some hair conditioner and rub it on your beard during your shower (If you find that this causes breakouts stop immediately). Leave the conditioner in for the duration of the shower and rinse before shaving.

Step 2

Exfoliate. Girlfriends know how important a good exfoliation is. If your not doing this yet, start. It helps to remove dead skin cells and brings potential ingrown hairs to the surface. I’m a fan of ENHANCEMENTS Body Micro-Dermabrasion Bar. It’s inexpensive, easy to handle and can be used on other parts of your body where blackheads might be an issue.

ENHANCEMENTS Body Micro-Dermabrasion Bar

Step 3

Use a badger brush. These old school badger brushes aren't only for your grandpa. Using one of these helps get the shaving cream up under the whiskers which results in a better, smoother shave.

Step 4

Use a safety razor. Some men swear by this little tool. If you find that every shave leaves you with irritation and razor bumps, consider trying a safety razor.The multiple blades of modern razors tend to give too close of a shave causing the sharp whiskers to curl under the skin and cause severe irritation problems. It’s overkill! Shaving with a safety razor will cut down on your chances of skin flare ups while leaving your face with that clean, healthy look because you’re just using one blade instead of several that can chew up your face.

Use a sharp razor. Have you ever seen a dull bald cut a ripe tomato? It tears the tomato, just like a dull blade can tear up your face. Using a dull blade will create jagged whiskers, increases your chances of forming ingrown hairs and causing skin irritation. The benefit of using a safety razor is that you can change you old blades frequently and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Each blade is roughly $.25.

Step 5

Shave with the grain. In an attempts to get that surface smooth as a baby's behind, many men shave against the grain. A shave that is too close will increases the chances for ingrown hairs and tear the skin on your face. Instead, shave with the grain, which will reduce the chances of skin irritation.  Although you will not be able to shave cleanly with just one pass with this safer method, making several passes with the grain is much better than making one pass against the grain.

Use light, short strokes. Too much pressure with your stokes will increase your chances for razor burn. Be assured that the weight of the razor is sufficient to cut your beard. Keep yourself from applying too much pressure by using short strokes. Longer strokes, tend to prompt more pressure to the razor.
 

Step 6

Clean out those exposed pores. Rinse off all the gel from your face after shaving. Now that you have run a razor over the surface of your skin, your pores are open and exposed. Take this chance to do a deep cleanse with a clay based face wash such as the REDEFINE Daily Cleansing Mask. This mask will dry in 2 minutes to quickly extract excess dirt and oil still keeping up shop in your skin, while the clay will calm redness and inflammation.

 REDEFINE Daily Cleansing Mask

Step 7

Rinse your face with cold water when done. The cold water helps to keep pores from producing excess oils and reduces the probability of pesky whiskers forming ingrown hairs.

Step 8
Dry with a CLEAN towel. Make sure that the next thing you put on your face is free of bacteria, dirt, and oils.  Pat - I'll say it again - Pat dry your fresh face with a clean towel to avoid the risk of applying irritation-causing bacteria, or any other foreign matter, from getting into your exposed pores.

Step 9
Apply a calming balm. No matter how clean your shave was, you've just scraped a piece of sharp metal across your skin, your face is bound to be a little unhappy. Aftershaves can sometimes even add to the irritation. Instead of a smelly liquid, apply a relaxing balm such as SOOTHE Sensitive Skin Treatment. This balm is well... "the bomb" and can also be used on any area with irritated skin and inflammation. I especially like to keep it handy for calming sudden rashes and allergic reactions.

 

SOOTHE Sensitive Skin Treatment

Step 10

Clean the blade with alcohol. Hidden bacteria resting on your blade is one of the main causes of razor burn and skin irritation. Before shaving, kill the bastards with a quick dunk in rubbing alcohol. Remember to dip it in alcohol after your shave to once again clean off the blade. The solution will also ensure that the shaver dries completely, preventing micro-rust from eroding the integrity of the blade.Certain companies might sell fancy blade antiseptic for a hefty dollar, but drugstore rubbing alcohol is all you really need to get the job done.

Store your shaver and brush in a dry space. Be sure to store your tools in a humidity free space. Use a holder to hang up your washed badger hair brush to ensure a good air dry.
 

Find the Regimen That's Right For Your Skin Type

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