Shaving is irritating me to the extreme!

[wildfxp]

Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum and want to thank you guys for all the great wonderful info. I started a new restaurant job on November 1st and it requires me to have a clean shave every single time I work. I'm 23 and I have only shaved my mustache about 2-3 times before I started working there. In the past, i would only trim the mustache and shave my chin area.

I always use the Phillips Norcelo electrical shaver, but I have tried the Mach shaver. I got ready with Aveeno shaving gel, but the Mach shaver is just too sharp and it cuts too deep. I know I'm probably shaving wrong, but I can never really get a clean shave as well.

I stopped using the blade and just started using electric, but my skin is just extremely sensitive to all this. It would make my skin extremely dry to the point where it starts cracking. I always use moisturizer after to help, but the problem is the irritation starts coming back and I have to bring my moisturizer with me throughout the day because if I eat, it starts drying up again.

Just last night, I started noticing a liquid coming out of my mustache area. It seems like my body trying to heal my skin, but I've never had that happen. Could this be the cause of my using the electrical shaver and shaving too much of my skin off?

I really want to learn from you pros! Thanks

 

[Sfbagger]

Welcome to B&B!

I'm new at a lot of this, but found that taking the time to learn to shave with a DE blade has really helped. This coupled with quality stuff- Proraso shaving cream, good brush- Omega boar for me, most of the time- and proper prep, seems to work. I'm still learning after only 2 months, and with the kindness of the folks on this board, enjoying the experience immensely.

You've come to the right place; expect much help.

Best,
Jeff

 

[commanderkeen]

Are you using any other skin products? Talking about things like acne meds/scrubs.

As for drying out. It really sounds like your shaver isn't gliding over the skin, more like dragging across and removing skin. Quality products would help to that problem. As for the electric, I would toss it in favor of the Mach 3 you already have, or buy something new like a Sensor Excel or why not even a DE.

Try out kyle's prep with the mach 3 the next time you get a chance: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=79358

Since your skin is already cracking, get some pharmacy grade moisturizer to help. I dunno any brands but Im sure someone will chime in.

 

[wildfxp]

OMG! you guys are just soooo helpful =) Thank you!

Also, you are absolutely right...I do tend to "drag" the electrical razor across my face. If my skin is wet, it won't glide on my face...it'll "PULL" it. Also, I tend to go very very close and push hard when I can't get the stubborn stubbles to come out. I know it's wrong to do, but sometimes I just can't get it.

The razor I use can't get the stubbles either, but it causes more damage when I try to get the stubble. I just can't seem to do it right, but I'll read more tips. Could you please point me to the videos for proper shaving?

I also didn't know a brush would help with lathering the shaving cream. Which brush do you suggest me purchasing from a local store?

Thanks!!

 

[Pkrankow]

Local stores are going to have low end boar brushes. Van Der Haggen is OK. It needs to break in and the ends to split before it becomes comfortable. Before you us it soak 1/2 hour, shampoo, rinse, condition and let sit 1/2 hour before rinsing. Then its ready for use. Soak at least 10 minutes before use. The brush will become more comfortable to use over the next 20-30 shaves.

Cheap boar break in to become nice brushes, cheap badger start nicer than the cheap boar start, and stay mediocre. (but this is my opinion)

A quality Omega boar can be had for less than $20 online (amazon or anywhere else). This is WAY better than a cheap boar. A better badger than "pure" will cost more than $20.

Phil

 

[Sfbagger]

See Mantic59's videos on YouTube- there's lots of good stuff, so fire up some popcorn and sit back!
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mantic59+shaving+101&aq=f

Also, check out "Gourmet Shaving" by Michael Ham:

http://www.amazon.com/Leisureguys-G...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1293152802&sr=8-1

And I absolutely LOVES me Omega model 49 brush!

http://www.amazon.com/White-Handled...8Q4Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293152932&sr=8-1

Good stuff.

Jeff

 

[GDCarrington]

If you wish to learn more go to the following thread

WET SHAVING INSTRUCTIONS AND TUTORIALS: New? READ THIS THREAD!

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=71700

This will provide a wealth of information for someone who needs to improve shaving methods, techniques, and equipment.

I hope this helps.

 

[Pkrankow]

I love my Omega too. It was softer than my Tweezerman on the first shave.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002V40IS2/ref=oss_product

My tweezerman is kinda meh. My VDH is more comfortable now that it has some use on it, but I use my VDH for travel more than at home.

Phil

 

[Go West Young Man]

Yah, read the tutorials, watch the mantic59 videos and most importantly...... DON'T GET HUNG UP ON ALL THE CONTRADICTORY ADVICE YOU'RE ABOUT TO GET!

Just focus on first switching to use a quality cream or soap (with brush or without, it's not a deal breaker either way.) Learn some good shave technique, and take care of your skin, it'll clear up quickly once you figure out what works for you. Don't get tied up in knots over what products to use, anything well reviewed on this site is going to be good for you.

 

[wildfxp]

thank you so much...to ALL of you =) MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I will definitely be learning a lot from all of u =D