A good razor or shaver is one of the things you need for a decent shaving experience but what kind of razor is best for sensitive skin?
You can start with a quality razor along with a shaving cream that takes into consideration your sensitive skin along with your other personal shaving needs. But those are only two aspects of shaving…there are plenty more to think about.
So while the original question was what kind of razor is best for sensitive skin, the real question is what else can you use to help your sensitive skin deal with shaving? Let’s discuss the options in more detail!
Consider Using…
A single blade razor
Like a Double Edge razor from a major company like Merkur. This German brand is one of the oldest and maybe the best Double Edge (DE) razor available. A DE razor has one blade but is sharp on both edges. Both sides of the razor can be used but only one at a time. So each blade has 2 cutting surfaces = it lasts longer. Plus, a single blade means fewer sharp edges touching your skin potentially irritating your skin. Also, replacements DE blades are relatively cheap. They’ve been around for over a century so there is no patent left and they’re easy to make. I currently use off-brand disposable razor blades and although they are not terribly expensive, they’re not the cheapest either and suit me fine.
Shaving soap or shaving cream from a tube
Try a shaving soap which can lather up really nice and often comes in funky scents with additives to protect your skin. Consider using a shaving cream from a tube like the cheap (yes, it’s cheap but I like it) Palmolive shaving cream that cost me $0.85. I love this stuff. It doesn’t lather up like canned shaving cream but when I rub it on my face and my neck in particular, it goes on with a bit of an oily feeling but I mean that as a compliment. The tube shaving cream doesn’t easily wipe off like canned shaving cream. It really coats your skin and hair which is what you want. And it helps me shave my head and face. No complaints with this stuff.
Moisturizers
Using a pre-shave lotion before you shave helps to moisten and lubricate your skin before you get the razor out. Same goes with a post-shave lotion to moisturize and soothe your skin after shaving. If you frequently cut yourself, a decent post-shave lotion with essential oils or other soothing ingredients can help to disinfect the cuts and tighten the skin.
Avoid Using…
Cheap razor blades
But let’s be clear about what this means. I started my shaving career with a cheap BIC Sensitive disposable razor that I mucked around with for several years. I was cheap. What can I say. Plus, I am apparently a slow learner. It wasn’t until I spent a bit more money and got a better quality razor that I realized an entire world out there of less cuts and no more irritated skin! Who knew?
Canned shaving cream
Canned shaving cream is kind of like the McDonalds’s of shaving items. It’s cheap, widely available and hollow calories, metaphorically speaking. It easily wipes off your face which makes me question how good it is to protect your sensitive skin. It foams up real nice but is really puffy and hollow.
Electric shavers
I’ve used both rotary and foil shavers in my life. I found the foil shaver to bother my throat area at times so I replaced it with a rotary shaver. I’ve used several rotary shavers since then with no trouble. But guys with sensitive skin who get ingrown hairs might not have success with electric shavers. They utilize a lift and cut system that cuts hairs below the surface of the skin, closer than a single blade does. When the hair regrows, it may curl underneath the skin and lead to an ingrown hair. This is especially true if you have very curly facial hair.
Conclusion
- Your choice of razor can impact how well you deal with sensitive skin while shaving.
- A single blade razor means you have fewer blades (ie. 1) touching your skin as opposed to a multi-blade razor.
- A decent shaving cream from a tube or soap form is a better bet than a canned shaving cream bought in the store. I have success with my Palmolive tube shaving cream and it cost me less than $1.
- Consider using a moisturizer before and after shaving to lubricate and protect your skin.
- Avoid electric shavers especially if you have very sensitive skin and are prone to ingrown hairs.
What helps you deal with sensitive skin or other skin issues that impact your shaving?