When done properly shaving actually offers your skin benefits. Shaving exfoliates the skin, basically removing a layer of skin each time you shave. Dead skin cells are removed which makes it easier for whiskers to grow through the skin reducing the chance of ingrown hairs and thus razor bumps. Removing dead skin cells also makes it easier for moisturizers and lotions to penetrate the skin.
Is Shaving Bad For Your Skin?
Shaving is something most men are going to do regardless, unless you decide to grow a full beard and go all Grizzly Adams to name a 1970s tv reference. Think NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for a current guy who clearly doesn’t shave often. If you’re going to shave, you might as well figure out the best way to go about doing it.
That’s not to say that there aren’t negatives to shaving. There are. We just need to figure out how to avoid or at least minimize them. Here are the most common things you may experience.
Cuts
Cuts from shaving generally occur by:
- Shaving too quickly.
- Using a razor that isn’t sharp enough and should be replaced.
- Dry shaving without shaving cream.
- Shaving against the grain.
- Shaving the same area repeatedly rather than just once.
- Pressing the razor too hard against your skin.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is when the hair follicles get inflamed resulting in whiteheads or red bumps around the hair follicle. Folliculitis is different from regular whiteheads caused by ingrown hairs because in this case, it’s usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Shaving can cause cuts as we know which can introduce bacteria into your body which can lead to infection.
Folliculitis typically occurs because of an infection in the hair follicle, a virus or fungus. It is typically treated with antibiotics or an anti-fungal medication.
Razor Bumps
Razor bumps occur when you shave and as the hair(s) is trying to grow out from the surface of the skin, it curls backwards and grows downwards. It can occur when there is a blockage in the skin and the hair is prevented from growing out. You may also give yourself razor bumps when using blunt razors and are effectively hacking off your whiskers.
Razor Burn
Razor burn is typically caused by dry shaving without water or shaving cream or by pressing too hard with your razor. Using a blunt razor can also lead to razor burn especially when you combine that with pressing too hard. So this form of razor burn is largely if not completely avoidable if you change your shaving style.
Having said that, I also gave myself razor burn when carefully using a new double edge razor that was nice and sharp, while using shaving cream from a tube.
You may also give yourself razor burn by shaving against the grain. That’s when you shave in the opposite direction of hair growth. So on your neck, you’d normally shave from top to bottom but shaving against the grain is where you turn your shaver upside down, start at the bottom and shave upwards. When I first started shaving, I tried shaving against the grain, cut my neck and gave myself bad razor burn so I didn’t do it again. Then as an adult I started doing it again with no trouble. These days I shave my face and my head against the grain with no skin irritation resulting.
Not Testing Different Options
It is said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Why do we shave the same way repeatedly, not change our style or products and expect a different (better) result? Rather than repeat what I’ve already written, below are some additional pages on this website that discuss various shaving products and styles that you might consider if you are having side effects from shaving and aren’t sure what do to next.
Double Edge Razor: What is a double edge (DE) razor? It’s a single blade that is sharp on both sides. It is more difficult to use than a disposable but some men swear by them. It might help you if you experience razor burn or razor bumps.
My Experience With a Double Edge Razor: In a word? Not great. That’s two words but that’s as succinct as I can put it. While some men talk about the closeness of the shave, no skin irritation and other benefits, I didn’t see that. Cut myself frequently and gave myself razor burn. Maybe you’ll have a better experience.
Straight Razor: I’ve never used one before so I can’t say how well it works. But if you’d like to try the original method of shaving for men, you have plenty of choices as it has made a comeback. Also called a cutthroat razor…you may have seen it used in movies. Usually horror films.
Electric Shaver: Modern shavers are wet/dry which means you can shave in the shower, get it wet and even use shaving cream. If you frequently cut yourself with a blade, you might give electric shavers a try. They come in rotating head and foil options.
Tubed Shaving Cream: I hadn’t used shaving cream from a tube until recently. I quite like it. It’s creamier, doesn’t foam up but really sticks to your skin. I have to rinse it off when I’m done as it doesn’t come off completely when I shave. You may benefit if you suffer from skin irritation from shaving or frequently cut yourself as it does often extra protection over canned cream in my experience.
Sensitive Skin: If you suffer from sensitive skin, here are a few shavers you might consider.
Shaving gel vs cream: What’s the difference? Does it matter?
Dry Shaving: Dry shaving is shaving without water or cream or gel. Here’s why I wouldn’t do it.