Here's an Idea...

[xjrob85]

Tell me what you think about this idea.

Lately I have been frustrated that despite my careful attention to technique and proper lather I always get a pimple or two after I shave. I wash my face and take good care of my skin, but I can't seem to get rid of the daily pimple.

Could my problem possibly be caused because I don't sterilize my razors after I shave? Usually I just rinse them off and put them away, so pretty much all my razors have a mild layer of soap scum developing on them. I will periodically give them a more thorough clean, but I have never sterilized any of them. What do you think? Could this fix my pimple problem?

 

[cnnc97]

I'm interested to hear the responses on this. I never get pimples on my face or neck and almost always shave around my goatee. On the 4-5 occasions that I have shaved the goatee since I started shaving with a DE I always get a small pimple or two on my upper lip or chin later that day.

 

[ateace]

Is there any chance that the pimples are actually ingrown hairs?

If they are actually what you say, it may also be caused by whatever you're using for an aftershave balm.

 

[Phoenix_one]

Try an alcohol dip on you razor before using, and rub alum block on your face after shaving.

I used to get them on my upper lip area. Very painful.

 

[TheSentinel]

It seems that a shiny metal object that spends all it's time either dry or in soap would provide much of a home to bacteria or viruses.

If you're worried that it could be due to a sanitary issue, it might be an idea to apply some witch hazel (with alcohol) before your aftershave balm. Actually, I'd probably recommend that as a general rule anyway.

 

[zameus]

+1 to whatever you're using for an aftershave balm being the culprit. The other thing would be to make absolutely sure your face is clean after you shave and before you use your post product. A once over with witch hazel on a cotton ball works brilliantly.
Stick with something thin (after shave splash rather than balm) for a while and see if t helps. Personally I have to be very careful with what I use for a balm or moisturizer or it's acne time.

 

[xjrob85]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. The reason I am entertaining the possibility of sterilizing the razor is because I've pretty much tried all those other methods already. I wash my face before shaving, I rinse all the soap from my face very thoroughly after shaving, I rinse my face with witch hazel, and then I apply a mild balm like Nivea sensitive or something from SCS. Would wiping my face with cotton soaked in witch hazel instead of splashing applying it with my hands make a difference? I tried an alum block once but I didn't much care for it. Perhaps it would be worth revisiting.
I think for now I will try cleaning my razors and using an alcohol dip to see if it makes a difference for me. Would it be better to dip my razor in alcohol just before shaving, or sterilize it after use?

 

[OkieStubble]

Bacterial build up on brushes that haven't had a periodical cleaning can also make a few pimples.

 

[xjrob85]

Good tip! I hadn't considered that. One of the brushes I am using is practically brand new, so I think it would be ok. Is soaking the brush in alcohol the preferred method of sterilization?

 

[WilliamIam]

I'd say maybe you're stretching your skin too much. I get minor ingrown hairs when I stretch my skin too tight.
Something 50% or so alcohol will disinfect well, but will also burn like hell. I would disinfect the razor itself, but I don't expect it can be harboring too much bacteria.
Happy Shaves

 

[Luc]

I would suggest trying an AS splash with alcohol. My pimples (didn't have much to start with) almost completely disappear.

 

[nunogrl]

i don't have pimples when I keep the same gear.. but when I decide to change cream/soap, I always get some skin irritation... might be coincidence..... i don't know :S

 

[Drybonz]

it might be an idea to apply some witch hazel (with alcohol) before your aftershave balm. Actually, I'd probably recommend that as a general rule anyway.

+1. I would recommend this as well.

 

[gearchow]

Good tip! I hadn't considered that. One of the brushes I am using is practically brand new, so I think it would be ok. Is soaking the brush in alcohol the preferred method of sterilization?

I've never heard of anybody doing this and I would be reluctant to do it, but I don't have any good reasons. Most bacteria can't survive drying out - and I will soon be corrected - so maybe if this is a concern, get two brushes and use them every other day. Taking them out of the humid bathroom will also help dry them out.

I just don't think this is the problem though. Do you always get a BBS shave?

and +1 on the alcohol splashes for me.

-jim

 

[xjrob85]

Maybe it is just that I switch products too frequently. Every day I switch to a new soap or cream. I did notice that my skin really improved during Speicktember. The problem is that one of my favorite things about wetshaving is the variety.
I don't think it is the brush as I have two that I switch between so they can dry completely between uses.
I don't go for BBS every day. I can get BBS on my face everyday without irritation, but the problem is with my neck. For that reason I usually only two two neck passes.

 

[Just looking]

I had what you are describing.

I do not know why, how, or when it stopped happening.

My only thought was that it was related to my technique as I had not made any significant changes to the items I used.

Keep doing what your doing. AS you tweak your technique, I'm thinking it will take care of itself.