Calling All Skin Geniuses

[Perrito-Incognito]

Hey,
I was wondering what, if any, products can add moisture back to the skin or help 'heal' it from a little razor burn. I read somewhere that moisturizers prevent moisture from leaving the skin, but you can't add moisture topically.
My personal concern is that after my every other day three-pass (I think I'm going over the same area too many times on each pass?) I'm experiencing a little irritation. I'm going light on the pressure, but go over the same space a couple of times thinking I'm reducing beard on each stroke.

So I'm essentially looking for something to repair the damage if that is possible. I'll continue to work on technique to avoid irritation, but until then can someone tell me if there's a remedy?

 

[ghurlag]

I use an alum bar at the end of my shave, then go with either a bracer or balm, depending on what mood I'm in. Both do fairly decent jobs at easing the irritation. How long have you been shaving with your current blade, and have you tried different brands to see if any irritate you less?

Also, with each pass you shouldn't really be going over the same spot multiple times. Each pass you are just trying to trim a little hair off, not take it down as far as possible in one single pass.

If I'm restating things you already know, please forgive me. Just trying to help if I can.

 

[mblakele]

It sounds like you know that you are overshaving, so I will stick to damage control. Witch hazel is a good start: it helps reduce inflammation and might reduce the risk of infection a bit. Splashes or balms that contain glycerin can help, from Aqua Velva or Nivea from the drugstore to higher-end stuff like like Speick, Musgo Real, or Nancy Boy. Some folks like Corn Huskers, which seems to be almost pure glycerin gel. I have a bottle under my sink, but I have yet to try it.

 

[mctmatt]

Purchase a tube of A & D ointment and apply to the area that is irritated. Do this in the evening and leave it on all night a small amount is all you need. A&D ointment primary purpose is for skin irritation and physicians recommend it for all kinds of minor skin irritations.

 

[Perrito-Incognito]

Thanks for the good advice guys. Don't shave over same skin on a pass...will try this. Seems obvious when I think about it.
Use the WH and balm w/ glycerin. I'm using an Astra w/ Merkur 180 long handle (EJ 89 Barley on the way). I change blades after 2 or 3 shaves. Good pre-shve (hot water towel after shower to soften beard. TOBS cream in a tub whipped in a bowl.
Tom, what is A&D? Sorry, bit of a noob.
I've got an alum bar I use sometimes, will try that too. Kinda got out of the habit of using it.

 

[fccexpert]

Do fewer passes. Nothing but water can add moisture back to your skin. Any one of a number of oil water emulsions will make the skin feel softer by adding a layer of oil to the surface. Cold water, witch hazel and alum will all reduce the irritation you feel from too many passes or improper shaving technique.

 

[mctmatt]

You can find it at most Wal-Marts usually in the diaper area or just ask someone .

 

[Bobtrumpet]

Pure aloe vera. Buy a plant if you can - break off a leaf, squeeze out the goo and apply. If you can't get a plant, get whatever commercial product that has as little processing of the plant extract as possible. I'd stay away from the aloe vera gels w/menthol as the menthol might be irritating, although they do work well for sunburns.

A&D works well, too, but it is kind of greasy. Putting it on at night, as mentioned above, would be the way to go.

 

[pcumby]

I find Razorock aftershave wax to be great

 

[alexcasdin]

Sounds like you already are doing the right things in terms of prep and changing blades. You will probably have to patiently experiment with various lotions to see what works on your skin. I have been using jack black cooling gel first as a buffer and then splashing on whatever i want for scent with no problems.

 

[LegionPrime]

As no one has stated the patently obvious, drink more water! If there is any color in your urine you are not drinking enough. A big glass of water first thing in the morning is the best way to start your day. Seriously, you've just gone at least a good 8 hours (ideally if not more) without so much as a stop at a fountain.

 

[kingfisher]

witchhazel plus aloe vera gel is the best thing I have found. I mix it myself to a consistency I like. Works like a charm.

 

[knlgskr]

Thayer's Alcohol Free Toner works well for me.

 

[Jim]

Corn huskers lotion is my first aid for skin issues like sunburn or a rough shave.

 

[Go Forth]

If there is any color in your urine you are not drinking enough.

Absolutely untrue. Urine is yellow due to the normal excretion of bilirubin products - it's supposed to be there.

 

[Royse87]

View attachment 244186 You can find it at most Wal-Marts usually in the diaper area or just ask someone .

Has anyone tried this? We use this for diaper rash; never thought of putting it on my face. I'm interested to know how well it works on razor burn

 

[stmaryja]

I use a homemade aftershave consisting of witch hazel, aloe vera, glycerin, and 2 aspirin in a 3 oz. squeeze bottle, then follow that up with Aveeno lotion thinned out slightly with a tiny splash of water to make a soothing balm. Wash and apply more of both at night before bed.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Fruit-of-The-Earth-120/10314797

 

[mctmatt]

A & D Ointment is known primarily for the use of diaper rash, but it is also used for scraps, burns, scratches, and irritated skin. A small thin layer applied to the irritated area helps to sooth, and heal. The A & D ointment has cod liver oil, light mineral oil, and vitamins A & D. Give it try and I think you will see good results.