I'm at a total loss: post shaving skin woes.

[salazch12]

This is not an ingrown/razor bump issue, but I'm not sure what it is.

I've tried using a straight razor and a DE, both have the same problem. I take plenty of time to prep (I use kyle's prep) and I go really slow. As long as I don't go ATG I'm fine. I've had razor burn before, and this doesn't seem like it. My skin is actyally very smooth and comfortable for the first 12-24 hours. So anyways....

If I go ATG I'm usually fine for the first 12-24 hours. Then my skin hurts if I rub my face ATG. I don't get ingrown hairs or bumps, and I can see that the hairs are growing out and not stuck under the skin or curling back into the skin, but it still hurts. If I try and shave, good lord!!! I'll get weepers, and it feels like I'm shaving off my skin. My face feels like raw hamburger. Its almost like it gets sensitive and almost inflamed, but my skin isn't red. After a couple days my skin feels almost sore, if that makes any sense.

I try using stuff like nivia balm and trumpers skinfood for a couple days, keeping my skin clean and free of dirt.

So I am at a total loss. it doesn't seem like bumps or ingrowns, it only happens ATG, but I'm fine when I shave WTG and XTG. Does anybody know what the crap this is and how to get rid of it?

 

[BladeDE40]

It would seem like the simple answer is that your skin does not like it when you shave against the grain. Not all faces are made to be shaved ATG, mine included. Try sticking with WTG and XTG if that works for you. You can also try going ATG at an angle so you are not going straight ATG. Good luck!

 

[BladeRunner001]

Hmmm...that is interesting. Then again, how long have you been wet shaving? I see that you joined in December 2010 (less than a month)...is this correct? If so, then maybe it's just a simple matter of your allowing your skin to get used to the razor/blade. BTW: Do you use a DE or straight? That also makes a big difference. It takes noobies ~1 month to get their skin acclimated to the technique (depending on your hair type and assuming daily shaving). Give it some time. Your skin will toughen up. I remember I went through a similar experience when starting out.

 

[salazch12]

Ive been wet shaving (both a straight and DE) for about a year and a half now. I just found this site.

 

[BladeRunner001]

Ive been wet shaving (both a straight and DE) for about a year and a half now. I just found this site.

That shoots my theory down...your skin/face is already broken in.

I am at a loss too. Maybe stick to WTG/XTG for awhile and see what happens.

Just throwing some things out. Sometimes the blade in a DE can also lead to some skin reaction.

 

[Drubbing]

As long as I don't go ATG I'm fine.

Reminds of the very old Tommy Cooper joke:

Man goes to the doctor. Doctor, it hurts every time I put my arm up over my head.
Doctor: Don't do it then.

 

[BladeRunner001]

The interesting fact is that your skin is OK for 12-24 hrs and the "rash" starts after that time period. I want to say it's something that you use after the shave. Try not using Nivea or Skin Food. Plain Witch hazel maybe all you need for awhile.

Also, are you exposed to anything at work (fumes, smoke, etc...) that may irritate your skin?

 

[rajagra]

Have you tried using an alum block after the shave? It does a few things that may be relevant here:

• Gives you immediate feedback on how well you shaved. A little tingling means you were on the aggressive side. Face on fire means you removed a layer of skin.
  
• It gets most of the irritation out of the way. That is to say you get all the pain in one quick dose and after that it settles down.
  
• I also think it conditions the skin for future close shaves. I can't really justify this, but I just got that impression. After a few shaves using alum my skin seems more tolerant of any harsh shaving.

 

[jdudley76]

Hmmm...I don't think ATG shaving is causing the irritation, but allowing some other irritant to cause problems. I would look at a few things:

1. Overboard ATG - Sometimes we get a little carried away and take too many ATG passes or go over the same area many times. Avoid this...and use light pressure and correct blade angle as always.

2. Too much product - While you're having these problems, keep the amount and types of product that touch your face at a minimum. Trumper's skin food should be used very sparingly and applied to a damp face so it can spread easily to a light even layer. Use a purpose built moisturizer if you have dry skin and need to moisturize further.

3. Incompatible product - With some diligence you may be able to isolate a single product that is the cause of your problems. AS/ASB is a likely culprit and I agree that witch hazel may be a better AS choice for your situation.

4. Water temperature - Don't ever use scalding hot water when shaving (or with Kyle's prep), it will make irritation worse. Use lukewarm water or even cold if you dare. Some people swear by cold water shaving (not me, though).

I hope something here helps.

 

[ryantt]

I use to have the same type of problem. A friend of mine who is also a dermatologist said it was dermatitis......they suggested a good wash with cold water and mild facial soap.....then fallow with witch hazel.....worked wonders for me....hope this helps

 

[Altair]

I was thinking some thing along those lines. If its not dermatitis or some other skin condition. Then it may be one of your creams or prep products. Maybe you should stop using all that stuff and just try a new light, fragrance free cream see what happens.

I have this funky thing where proraso I can use, but CO Bigelow burns my skin. and it lingers for days.

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

It would seem like the simple answer is that your skin does not like it when you shave against the grain. Not all faces are made to be shaved ATG, mine included. Try sticking with WTG and XTG if that works for you. You can also try going ATG at an angle so you are not going straight ATG. Good luck!

I had the same when I started: my skin did not allow for ATG (S-N). Now (after about 1,5 years) I find to my surprise I can go ATG. Guess the skin has got used to it. Maybe some people can never go ATG. Important is how your hairs grow. For me they grow mostly XTG/GTX, so XTG passes did the trick as in fact that was ATG for me. I just could not go S-N. Now I can and use it as a touch up.

 

[mook]

I cant go ATG never have been able too im happy with just leaving it out. Do you feel the need to go ATG or not? IF not i say leave it out all im after is an irritation free shave that lasts 9-5

 

[ace43]

I think that, as the posts above have pointed out, you can scientifically start eliminating parts of your routine and see what the differences are. I'd start by eliminating everything but a mild WTG pass, rinse with cold water, and see how that goes. If the condition doesn't recur, then you can start adding parts of the routine back in to find out what is causing your issue.....then eliminate that part of your routine.

 

[drumana]

Sounds like you are shaving too close, thus removing too much skin and causing irritation. Either focus on and improve your technique or just not go against the grain... or both. Also, don't go for "BBS" - I've never understood the fascination with it in the first place. Just go for a presentable and comfortable shave.

 

[mretzloff]

If going ATG causes problems, do not go ATG. Not everyone's skin can take that.

 

[salazch12]

Thanks for the great feedback guys. I like going ATG because I really want that BBS feeling in all directions, it just feels sloppy unless its smooth in all directions. I might just not be able to handle ATG.

I can try using just witch hazle. The problem is that my face gets dry, thats why I use trumpers or nevia. How long should I wait to apply an after shave?

 

[pizzaguy]

What soap or cream are you using ? sometimes in the winter I only use Valobra stick or JM Fraser's cream

Have you tried a pre-shave oil ? It helps me since I have dry skin..

Sometimes on non shave days I put olive oil on my face before bed or vitamin E cream

 

[Kilgore]

Try not using Nivea or Skin Food. Plain Witch hazel maybe all you need for awhile.

+∞ for the Hazel. I've always suffered from razor burn just from 1 pass, but I had a breakthrough this evening using "Kyles Prep". Pure magic my friend! A hot towel on top of a thin layer of Proraso for about 2 minutes & pulling the razor EXTRA SLOW!

Now onto the Hazel. The redness I had after the shave (much less this time) literally vanished from just a splash. Don't know why I waited almost a month to buy the Hazel.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Thanks for the great feedback guys. I like going ATG because I really want that BBS feeling in all directions, it just feels sloppy unless its smooth in all directions. I might just not be able to handle ATG.
?

Life is about compromises, my friend. You might have to give up ATG until your skills advance sufficiently. Anyways, 2 XTG passes in a chevron pattern will get you 95% of the way to ATG without any of the irritation