One thing that I am fairly certain about is that most men have suffered from razor burn at one point or another. It's a very simple mistake that can be made in grooming without realizing it, and can be avoided pretty easily. I hope this article helps you to prevent razor burn. Razor bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae, is the term used for persistent razor burn. A razor burn first appears as a mild rash a few minutes after you shave and is usually a result of using a dull blade or using poor habits when trimming or shaving, or shaving too close. Remember this, it will come up later. It is certainly not limited to the face, and can happen on any part of the body that you shave normally. Fortunately for you, I am going to give you some great tips for preventing razor burn and avoiding razor bumps altogether.
Preventing razor bumps and burn when shaving
The best tip for shaving is to use a good amount of lather if you are using a regular razor, and to be sure your skin is very clean. This will increase the softness of the hair and reduce the chance of skin irritation and infection. Sometimes oil will work better for cases such as your head. It ultimately depends on how oily your skin is naturally. Make sure to use sharp blades. Razor burn and razor bumps exist because of dull razors, but ultimately it is due to bad habits. Use razors or razor cartridges only a few times at the most. If you use an electric shaver, clean your blades after every use. You can even use pressurized air, or computer duster to clean stubborn spots in your razor if you are comfortable with doing this, as long as you rinse and dry it afterwards, being sure to take care of it.
With manual razors, be sure to always shave with the grain of the hair in short but bold strokes, not away from it. If you are using an electric razor with circular blades, make small, swooping circular motions. If you shave against the grain, you are increasing the chance of razor bumps and ingrown hairs, and irritated skin. Minimize the amount of pressure you put on the skin where you make contact, and shave naturally and conservatively. Pressing too hard also increases the possibility of razor burn or developing razor bumps. When using a regular razor, rinse your blade after every stroke. If your blade is dirty and full of mess, you will not get a close shave and you will irritate your skin. Use warm to hot water naturally, as cold water can give you goose bumps and that is the beginning of razor burn as well. Make sure to keep the entire area that you are shaving well moisturized even when you aren't shaving it for the best shave you can get.
After shave care against razor bumps
After you shave, get into the habit of rinsing your blade with rubbing alcohol. Your blades will last much longer this way. The dulling of the blades on your razor is mainly due to formation of microscopic crystals on the blades edge of mineral crystals from the water among other things. This drags across your skin and causes the blade to grab, which produces small cuts and more razor bumps than you would imagine. It's bad for the razor, but of course worse for your face.
Finally, try applying a moisturizing lotion, preferably one with aloe vera to your skin when you are through shaving. If you decide to choose one with salicylic or glycolic acid, be prepared for a bit of a burn at first, but these are the most effective for your skin. People with all skin tones can benefit from their pores being clean and open and relaxed after shaving, and the best way to prevent razor burn or bumps is to aim for having healthy skin. Remember, the key to prevention is striking first, I feel these tips are what will put you on the right track to doing away with razor burn and razor bumps alike. If you strike out the bad habits outlined, you will have no problems keeping the factors in razor burn or razor bumps away.