Switching to DE, care for existing irritations?

[jraice]

I just purchased my first DE razor, an EJ89L, along with a brush, soap and cream and a variety blade pack. I plan to use this along with witch hazel (cheaper than the special after shaves) along with my salicylic acid (.5%) facial moisturizer to continue to combat might very minor acne while keeping the face moisturized.

Main reason I am making the switch to DE is some mild-moderate irritation and razor burn on the cheek area, and mainly my neck.

I plan to only shave with the grain with a single pass initially until I get used to the razor and my face clears up a bit, but is there anything else I should do to help heal the existing bumps and irritation after I begin my DE razor routine?

I imagine the brush and my exfoliating cleanser will help but what else can I do?

Thanks,
Jordan

 

[MrEdifus]

When I made the switch, I didn't shave for a few days, to let the irritations and bumps heal on their own without interference, washing really good every day (of course.) Then I used my electric's trimmer to get the hairs down to a shorter length without actually cutting them down to skin level.

Then I did my first DE shave. Two WTG passes was enough to get the smoothest shave I'd had in my life to that point. Starting with only WTG is best, if one doesn't do you, then two passes should get you to more than presentable with no trouble. Good luck!

 

[jraice]

When I made the switch, I didn't shave for a few days, to let the irritations and bumps heal on their own without interference, washing really good every day (of course.) Then I used my electric's trimmer to get the hairs down to a shorter length without actually cutting them down to skin level.

Then I did my first DE shave. Two WTG passes was enough to get the smoothest shave I'd had in my life to that point. Starting with only WTG is best, if one doesn't do you, then two passes should get you to more than presentable with no trouble. Good luck!

Sounds good. I don't notice that much decrease in redness when I don't shave but I suppose it's better than shaving daily before I make the switch! I'll use my hair trimmer to reduce some length before I use the razor as well.

 

[ochahine]

I found that applying argan oil to the irritated areas helps to reduce the redness and speed up the healing process.

 

[mgoldmann]

Some people can't use alcohol based after shaves or astringents on their necks as it makes the irritation worse. I've heard of skin moisturizers with aloe being used as an after shave: Olay Complete is a good example.

 

[jraice]

Couldn't find any argan oil. I picked up witch hazel as an after shave which I plan to follow up with a basic moisturizer. It says its 14% alcohol. Is that pretty minimal compared to most harsh astringents?

 

[Nashty]

I have found that using Clean&Clear Persa-Gel on areas of irritation helps sooth skin irritations on me. It has benzoyl peroxide in it which is an acne medication. Before I go to bed I wash my face and apply it in a thin layer to the effected areas but I don't rub it in all the way. The next morning when I wash my face the redness and irritation is gone. Be careful if you use this product. It will bleach your clothes. Having said that, it really doesn't seem that good of an idea but hey, it works for me.

 

[jraice]

Interesting. I have been using salicylic acid for full face coverage as its a bit tamer and I have heard its good for ingrown hair and acne, but I have benzoyl peroxide as well that I use for spot treatment. Might put some on the larger irritations.

 

[Tummers09]

Couldn't find any argan oil. I picked up witch hazel as an after shave which I plan to follow up with a basic moisturizer. It says its 14% alcohol. Is that pretty minimal compared to most harsh astringents?

I think that 14% is pretty minimal, but what do I know, really? It just seems like loads less than the 70-90% in isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Nivea for men has a nice post-shave balm for sensitive skin that is relatively inexpensive ($5-7) and smells quite nice! I love it when combined with a splash, too.

That said, I typically prefer aftershave splashes with alcohols. I've grown accustomed to having a scent throughout my work day. So much so, that sometimes I'll wear a splash even on days that I don't shave for whatever reason.

 

[Tummers09]

Sounds good. I don't notice that much decrease in redness when I don't shave but I suppose it's better than shaving daily before I make the switch! I'll use my hair trimmer to reduce some length before I use the razor as well.

I'd second this recommendation. I can't shave daily as it is. I am having trouble grasping the "no pressure" concept since moving to a heavier razor. So now I have an ultra light razor and a heavier razor in my rotation. Irritation is something I went back to after 5 successful months, and now can't seem to get past. My electric razor is getting more love, recently.

 

[LarryDarrell]

Your routine sounds good to me. Using and exfoliant scrub on the days you don't shave might help release early ingrowing hairs.
I use pure witch hazel, no alcohol. I get it in 1 litre bottles from the generic section in the drug store, it's usually next to the Rubbing Alcohol and the Hydrogen peroxide.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Pressure is one of the biggest things to cause irritation when shaving, so be sure to back way off on that. After you've done your rinse and used the witch hazel try using JoJoba oil on your face. Its not expensive, has no smell, and will be absorbed into the skin without leaving any residue. Its great for the skin, and should be a big help.

 

[kFries]

Thayer's Witch Hazel: alcohol free, has aloe in it. The stuff works magic. Wash your face, apply the witch hazel, then apply the acne treating moisturizer. Essentially its the Proactive system, without the pricey brand name.

 

[takeshi]

Main reason I am making the switch to DE is some mild-moderate irritation and razor burn on the cheek area, and mainly my neck.

I plan to only shave with the grain with a single pass initially until I get used to the razor and my face clears up a bit, but is there anything else I should do to help heal the existing bumps and irritation after I begin my DE razor routine?

YMMV but I find alum helpful for razor burn. Time is probably the best thing though.

 

[LMAN007]

Couldn't find any argan oil. I picked up witch hazel as an after shave which I plan to follow up with a basic moisturizer. It says its 14% alcohol. Is that pretty minimal compared to most harsh astringents?

I believe all witch hazels have 14% alcohol

 

[jraice]

http://www.thayers.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3&zenid=mi2r0a3l8et91ui5r2snglfis3

 

[Graybeard57]

Lots of good advice above. The first thing that came to mind was to ask you about technique, that is, applying pressure and blade angle. If you can, try giving your face and neck a break every now and then. Can you shave every other day? I think time and a gentle touch will soon clear up the irritation.

 

[Egmont]

You're off to a great start. I have no advice other than to stay the course you've set. Unless something serious happens, give it at least 2 weeks before you change anything.

 

[joglander]

Pressure is one of the biggest things to cause irritation when shaving, so be sure to back way off on that.

+1
Cartridge shaving really rewards pressure--you get a closer shave with a cartridge with more pressure. This is NOT true with a DE.

 

[Sir Chubbles]

Nivea for men has a nice post-shave balm for sensitive skin that is relatively inexpensive ($5-7) and smells quite nice!

+1 on the Nivea sensitive asb. Feels great and has a very mild pleasant scent that really doesn't linger or interfere if you want to use a splash with it, although I don't. But pretty much what everyone is saying, no pressure, take your time and maybe avoid atg initially. I would add that you should try to shave every other day or even 3 days to give your face time to recover.