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How to Prevent and Deal with Razor Burn from Electric Shavers

Written by Advice Team on August 17, 2017

It’s a trait that many of us face; the grin and bear it. We don’t want to complain about it, we sometimes refuse to acknowledge it but razor burn is a dilemma that many of us endure daily. Even when we’ve switched to an electric shaver with the assurance of comfort during and after our shave, it still rears its unsightly head.

You might have tried different ways to deal with razor burn but preventing it from happening is key. Gentleman, it’s time to save your skin from unsightly razor burn with a little TLC.

The Basics

Replacing Foils and Worn Blades

Even though an electric shaver is gentler to our skin, if the blades have grown dull and the foils have worn out, you have to apply more pressure to achieve a cleaner shave. The result? You’ll need to go over the same area more than once and end up with razor burn. The less the shaver comes into contact with your skin the less irritation. Typically blades and foils last 12 months.

Cleaning After Every Use

When you’re on the go you don’t always have time for maintenance but electric shavers build up hair, dead skin and dirt with each shave. It not only affects the performance of the shaver but becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Thoroughly cleaning with the supplied brush or using the cleaning & charging stations keeps electric shavers hygienic.

Battery Charge

When a battery is losing its juice it’s not at its peak performance. Ensuring your electric shaver has a good charge avoids a careless and uneven shave. Not to mention, it’ll stop the hairs being painfully tugged by the blades. However, there are some exceptions to this, modern lithium battery based shavers deliver power more consistently during the life of the charge. Also, higher end shavers with a linear drive motor deliver a constant speed until they’re completely discharged.

 

Dry Electric Shaving

Check the Mirror

It sounds simple but making sure you shave in front of the mirror will help you avoid going over the same area more than once. That’ll lead to exposed skin and dragging the blade over the same spot will cause razor burn.

Keep as Dry as Possible

Whilst washing your face before shaving is important to keep the skin clean, don’t do it just before a dry shave. You’ll want your razor as dry as possible too. It’ll make for a smoother shave.

Pre-Shave Treatments

If you don’t have the time to sit and watch your face dry, it’s worth using pre-shave treatments. It comes in lotions, oils, gels and powder. Pre-shave products help hairs stand to attention ready for cutting, as well as adding a layer of lubrication for an easy glide. There are some that contain tea tree and aloe vera for irritation-free shaves.

 

Wet Electric Shaving

Take a Hot Shower

Don’t pick up the electric shaver immediately; you need to give your skin a few minutes to breathe and allow for the hair to soften. Don’t wait too long either. Your skin swells in the heat and could leave you with stray stubble to tackle after.

Shave at Night

Throughout the day we sweat and come into contact with all sorts of toxins from pollution. If we face the world freshly shaven it greatly increases the odds of razor burn for sensitive skin. Shave before bed and keep your pores clean from outside bacteria.

A Good Foam Goes a Long Way

Shaving creams and foams create a protective barrier between the skin and the blade. It defends against razor burn and makes for a much more comfortable shave. If you glide over the area and miss a patch of stubble, lather the spot and shave again. Don’t go over the area dry. There will be skin there that’s already exposed and it’ll be susceptible to razor burn. If you use a shaving brush the bristles get the product right down to the skin for extra cover.

Changing Direction

Unlike shaving with a razor, electric shavers give a closer finish when you shave against the direction of the hair growth. It’s important to get the angle of the shaver right too. Use back and forth strokes with foil shavers and circular motions when using a rotary shaver. This should make the shave easier and prevent the snagging of facial hair.

After your shave splash some cold water on your skin. The cold shock tightens pores and always pat your skin after as rubbing a towel across your face can irritate the skin further.

Post-Shave Balm

Aftershave balm is purpose built for soothing the skin. If you’re prone to razor burn then it’s a good idea to go for alcohol and fragrance free balms. Go for a product with natural substances such as aloe vera, camellia oil or tea tree oil. Gently massage a small amount into your face.

Unfortunately some of us are just prone to razor burn, so try to avoid tight collars or material that’ll rub against the skin. A cold compress will offer instant relief and natural substances like aloe vera will moisturise the skin and speed up the healing process. If you can bare a 5’o’clock shadow, try to avoid shaving until the affected area has healed to prevent further inflammation. If you try some of these helpful tips, let us know how you get on.

Not sure what type of electric shaver is for you? Give our blog a read on Rotary vs Foil Shavers

 

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