Sensitive Skin: Skip the AS / Post-Shave Balm?

[Nick Danger]

So I haven't had any problem with painful razor burn for the last few days. Paying close attention to my technique, and switching back to the Astra SP blades really helped. My concern at the moment is the ugly red blotches on my face after applying post-shave balm or cream. I wonder if I really need it?

Last night I tried a sample of AoS unscented after shave balm. Used a tiny bit. Hurt for a moment when I applied it, and left my skin feeling a bit greasy. Then I noticed the red blotches on my cheeks. Not painful like razor burn, but visually unpleasant.

The previous night, I used the new formula Proraso "Liquid Cream" after shave balm. Also used a tiny bit. Felt a bit less greasy than AoS balm, but left the same red blotches.

I notice that both products have several oils listed in the ingredients. Perhaps that might be the issue? Seems like a sensitivity to some ingredient or another.

Redness in my skin is nothing new. In fact, I have to be careful with face cleansers and other products or I do suffer this problem. My usual set of Lab Series Skincare for Men products do not leave me with redness, but I find their 3-in-1 post-shave a bit harsh - too much menthol and other stuff that just makes my face sting.

So my question is this: should I just skip the post-shave stuff? Alcohol-based after shave is definitely out. Since I'm not really having a lot of problems with razor burn anymore, should I just splash with cold water and then use a simple, gentle moisturizer?

I can begin testing this empirically with today's shave, but I'm curious to get the opinion of others. Anyone else have similar problems?

Nick

 

[smalltank]

sensitive skin is really this...the hairs grow further from the under the skin as waiting a few more days brings them easier to the surface to be removed...as far as having sensitive skin to products...YMMV..are you using too much pressure when you apply AS balm on?..if so..thats why it burns a bit or you are re shaving an area...I use DR Harris Arlington Pre Shave..and an alcohol based AS as I have oily skin which this helps..but the pre shave helps raise the whiskers..try which hazel based products and aloe vera based products as well..

GL

 

[Nick Danger]

Hmmmm. I'm very careful about not using pressure when shaving, but hadn't considered the possibility of too much pressure when applying post-shave balm. That's an interesting theory, and one I can certainly test. I think I'm being gentle when applying the post-shave, but perhaps not gentle enough.

Nick

 

[smalltank]

pre/post shave has to be rubbed in to get to the skin level..not just sitting on the hairs on the surface.yea..its kinda "involved"..lol

 

[Bad Robot]

You could try testing the balm somewhere on your skin that you don't shave also to see if you still get a reaction there.

 

[cluelessdude]

Try witch hazel but lemme tell you this. If your face is feeling fine after a shave and cold water splash then you don't have to put anything on your face.

 

[Nick Danger]

Try witch hazel but lemme tell you this. If your face is feeling fine after a shave and cold water splash then you don't have to put anything on your face.

That is what I'm starting to suspect: I might be able to completely eliminate both pre- and post-shave products from my routine. That would certainly free up a lot more cash to concentrate on my growing RAD and SCAD!

Nick

 

[Nick Danger]

Follow up report: Tonight, I had my usual shower and shave before bed. Same razor and cream, same technique. For testing purposes, I used no post-shave balm at all. Just a cold water splash to finish.

The result: No red blotches. Face feels and looks fine.

Very interesting. Going to test this a few more times, but perhaps I really can stop buying post-shave balms and lotions. They appear to be unnecessary for me.

Nick

 

[murlan]

Follow up report: Tonight, I had my usual shower and shave before bed. Same razor and cream, same technique. For testing purposes, I used no post-shave balm at all. Just a cold water splash to finish.

The result: No red blotches. Face feels and looks fine.

Very interesting. Going to test this a few more times, but perhaps I really can stop buying post-shave balms and lotions. They appear to be unnecessary for me.

Nick

I used to have similar problems till I tried a simple solution, shave before my shower besides being able to see in the mirror to shave, it cures nicks, redness, razor burn and don't get shave soap on the hand towel (my wife likes that one)

 

[musicman1951]

You might want to try Thayer's unscented Witch Hazel with aloe.

 

[skiajl6297]

I'm struggling with the same symptoms, with a straight. I am noticing that a lot of the problem has to do with the shave, moreso than with the post-shave product. I also noticed that when I dialed in on a great lather with a great product, those irritated areas reduce with time. (Big fan of extra slick tallows, and Mikes has been a godsend for me.) I think the core issue was that I gave myself crap razor burn from poor angled shaving initially, and the products I used post-shave just accentuated the problem. The cold water rinse really cools things down, and then when dry, I applied lotion to soothe, and the same reaction in my sensitive spots. What solved it was working on my shaving angle and pressure (lessening it as much as humanly possible in the particularly sensitive areas), and then using much less product at the finish. I was overcompensating for the burn by putting on too much AS lotion. I really think they key with sensitive skin is not irritating the skin in the first place (angle and pressure) and then not overstimulating the already sensitive area by applying too much pressure, or too much product. (I do also think that when I tried skipping any post-shave product, my skin was getting overly dry, exacerbating the sensitivity for the next shave.) Of course, this is just my own experience with a straight. Best of luck figuring out what works best for you!

 

[JayEddie]

There are at least a couple of post-shave balms that are specifically for sensitive skin. I would give one of those a try. I have used the Neutrogena and it is really nice. http://www.neutrogena.com/product/neutrogena+men-+sensitive+skin+post+shave+balm.do

 

[Cobra0369]

I can't use any balm. I get redness anywhere it touches. I use splash only. It's the only aftershave that doesn't make me break out.

 

[beau5278]

I've always had to be careful with soaps, shave creams and such. I haven't used after shave in years and my face feels much better.

 

[NingYupOwaDat]

You might want to try Thayer's unscented Witch Hazel with aloe.

+1

 

[Kotton]

I shave at night, and can use any aftershave without a problem, but in the morning my face is severely dry. I believe my face is getting accustomed to the new razor still, so in the morning, I use Jack blacks double duty moisturizer. I've been up for two hours now, and my face isn't oily, but it is moisturized still.