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Sensitive skin when shaving.

  • 17-05-2012 10:13pm
    #1
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭


    My skin is pretty sensitive to shaving. Especially the neck area. I've tried sensitive shaving gel, sensitive razors, even ended up buying some Loreal moisturiser to see if that helped. They haven't. The skin on my neck gets very irritated and I get the occasional cut too.

    If you guys have any tips, like products you've used to help this, let me know. But mostly I'm asking for advice on an electric shaver. I've never owned one. Am I still going to get irritation and cuts with these? Argos has a 'fathers day' bunch of offers going on now with sales on electric shavers. Some even advertise that I can use the with shaving foam. They're unlikely to give a very close shave aren't they? I could live with that if I could do something about this damn irritation. It's driving me nuts.


«1

Comments

  • #2
    the_syco
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,304 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    Which way do you shave, and have you tried the other way?


  • #3
    Outkast_IRE
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,516 ✭✭✭Outkast_IRE


    Had all the exact same issues as you, best thing i ever did was go back to using a safety razor like this set

    http://www.shaving.ie/products/The-Basic-Essentials-Safety-Razor-Starter-Kit.html

    I also watched some youtube videos on the correct way to use it, best move i ever made, and i am enjoying shaving for once rather than dreading it.

    I dont think a dry shave is for you if you suffer from irration easily.


  • #4
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Yeah I always use shaving gel... so the electric one that seems to work with that seems good.

    When shaving I usually go both ways on the face, straight down on the neck. The skin there is just really sensitive. :(

    That link looks good thanks, but what's the story with the blades, regarding replacement etc.?

    Thanks for the quick replies.


  • #5
    Mr NoTV
    Registered Users Posts: 204 ✭✭Mr NoTV


    Organic Aloe Vera gel from a good health store is cooling and helps the razor to glide. Use a single blade cheap razor to do a '1st cut' ... re-gel and use a twin or 3-blader for a 2nd cut. Always produces a smooth, cool finish. You don't need soaps or gels, Aloe does it well. I also find organic hair conditioner a good substitute ... good enough for the hair on your head, good enough for your chin.
    Luckily, I only need shave 2 or 3 times a week - didn't start until I was 25 ... now mid-50's with a baby's arse smoothness :o)


  • #6
    Outkast_IRE
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,516 ✭✭✭Outkast_IRE


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Yeah I always use shaving gel... so the electric one that seems to work with that seems good.

    When shaving I usually go both ways on the face, straight down on the neck. The skin there is just really sensitive. :(

    That link looks good thanks, but what's the story with the blades, regarding replacement etc.?

    Thanks for the quick replies.
    Blades are dirt cheap and there are loads of replacements you can try out , personally i like feather blades they are ninja sharp, but dont last as long as some of the others, if you get the starter set i linked to it comes with an 18 blade sampler, with all different ones. For example 100 feather blades are 31 euros, i would expect these to last me a few years :D

    If you take the time to learn to do it properly you will not look back.

    Ah also when shaving the neck hairs can travel different ways in different parts, i dont reccomend a up/down shave, i would always reccomend

    1st pass with the grain,
    2nd across the grain,
    3rd against the grain but only if it feels ok any resistance and i go at maybe 45 degrees.


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  • #7
    shane.
    Registered Users Posts: 557 ✭✭✭shane.


    nivea post shave sensitive balm is excellent, not at all greasy and really cools the skin


  • #8
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Excellent advice guys. So would you say that I should avoid electric shavers altogether? Even those that allow usage with shaving gel?


  • #9
    Outkast_IRE
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,516 ✭✭✭Outkast_IRE


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Excellent advice guys. So would you say that I should avoid electric shavers altogether? Even those that allow usage with shaving gel?
    I have used those with shaving gel, and to me it always left me irritated, i think those with sensitive skin on the neck just should avoid the dry shave imo


  • #10
    eoferrall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,542 ✭✭✭eoferrall


    i used to get a rash if I shaved two or more days in a row. started using this stuff and no problems with rash or redness or anything these days if I do want to be clean shaving for a period!

    http://www.lookmantastic.com/men-u-matt-skin-refresh-gel-100ml/10360354.html


  • #11
    Reesy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 716 ✭✭✭Reesy


    I shave electric & had this problem. Then I read that the heads get warm as you shave & this causes the sensitive skin on the neck to come up in a rash.

    The advice was to shave these areas first, while the shaver head is cool, and then do the rest. Following it solved my problem.


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  • #12
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Hmm. OK I might avoid electric altogether then! They sound just as bad. Thanks for the link eoferrall, I'll check it out when the site comes back on-line for sure!


  • #13
    The_Kew_Tour
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34,424 ✭✭✭✭The_Kew_Tour


    A little weird one but its helped me.

    Rub on some Baby Oil onto you skin. Leave for 5 minutes. It helps release the ours in your skin. Then add the shaving gel, leave for minute or two.

    This has helped me greatly. Don't get irritation anymore.


  • #14
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    Lads, we have a Facial Hair forum. Lots of advice on traditional double-edge (safety) and straight (cut-throat) shaving.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1103


    OP, avoid electrics if you are prone to irritation, I suggest learning to prep your beard using hot shower or hot towel, pre-shave like a Proraso menthol creme, and a good sharp traditional razor used properly. You will be amazed at how good your shave can feel.


  • #15
    bureau2009
    Registered Users Posts: 637 ✭✭✭bureau2009


    Here's my *simple but highly effective* shaving tip:

    Put some aqueous cream on your face. Take a couple of minutes out to brush your teeth, then shave in the normal way.

    Notice how comfortable it now feels to shave. Notice how you don't get any nicks or cuts anymore.

    Worth a try, isn't it?

    Let me know how you guys get on!!


  • #16
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Thanks for the advice.
    MadsL wrote: »
    Lads, we have a Facial Hair forum.

    That has to be the weirdest thing you've said in a while :pac: Go on, admit it.


  • #17
    MadsL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    Andy!! wrote: »
    That has to be the weirdest thing you've said in a while :pac: Go on, admit it.

    Nope, I recently asked "Is it a H shaped one over a metre wide?"


  • #18
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    lol

    www.dollarshaveclub.com/


  • #19
    i57dwun4yb1pt8
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,655 ✭✭✭i57dwun4yb1pt8


    this is the best :

    http://www.dermalogica.com/us/html/products/post-shave-balm-96.html


  • #20
    JohnMearsheimer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,302 ✭✭✭JohnMearsheimer


    The worst and most irritating shave I've had in my life came from an electric razor. My skin is fairly sensitive and when I was using a multi blade razor, my neck would get torn to shreds, get really itchy and I'd get bad razor burn, even with new blades. It was so bad my friends and family used to comment on it.

    I switched to a safety razor over 2 years ago and I've never looked back. A safety razor is a single blade razor. The 1st pass is with the grain. The 2nd pass is against the grain. For the 2nd pass I put some King of Shaves shave gel on my neck and then cover it and the rest of my face in proper shaving soap. To finish I use a bit of Proraso post shaving cream, it gives a very cooling sensation. The irritation is practically non-existent now.


  • #21
    Nothingbetter2d
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,037 ✭✭✭Nothingbetter2d


    use shaving oil instead of foam.... the oil is much better and causes less friction between the blade and your skin.


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  • #22
    YouTookMyName
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,361 ✭✭✭YouTookMyName


    Used to be the same, switched from gel to foam to this:

    Palmolive-Shave-Stick-soap.jpg

    It's fantastic, no rash or spots since.


  • #23
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    Thanks I'll try that... is it an oil?


  • #24
    Please Kill Me
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,340 ✭✭✭Please Kill Me


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Excellent advice guys. So would you say that I should avoid electric shavers altogether?

    Definitely!! I know I have to! Wet shave only for me, haven't been able to use them other ones for years, it just destroys my skin.


  • #25
    Tefral
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,375 ✭✭✭Tefral


    I used to be riddled after a shave. I went and had a turkish shave in Turkey and the guy gave me an Alum Block.

    Ive never looked back. You rub it on after your finished and instantly cleared up skin.. its actually amazing.

    Im pretty sure you can get em anywhere.


  • #26
    YouTookMyName
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,361 ✭✭✭YouTookMyName


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Thanks I'll try that... is it an oil?

    Shave Stick.


  • #27
    Jason Fly
    Closed Accounts Posts: 150 ✭✭Jason Fly


    If you use a electric shaver first and the razor with a good shaving gel after that, you shouldn't have any problems. Be sure to wash your face properly with hot water before using the razor....


  • #28
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    I can't find the poster who suggested I leave the shaving cream on for a minute or two before shaving, but I just tried it, and maybe its because I hadn't shaven in a few days, but it made a massive difference! Thanks. I'm going to try all the other recommendations too.

    Where in Dublin would I buy an Alum block? Also, Youtookmyname, where did you buy that shave stick? I looked in boots and tesco in Jervis yesterday but no luck.


  • #29
    The_Kew_Tour
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34,424 ✭✭✭✭The_Kew_Tour


    Andy!! wrote: »
    I can't find the poster who suggested I leave the shaving cream on for a minute or two before shaving, but I just tried it, and maybe its because I hadn't shaven in a few days, but it made a massive difference! Thanks. I'm going to try all the other recommendations too.

    Where in Dublin would I buy an Alum block? Also, Youtookmyname, where did you buy that shave stick? I looked in boots and tesco in Jervis yesterday but no luck.

    Amazed at how many people do not realise this and still just put it on and off they go

    Why would you put shaving cream on in first place. It has a purpose, let it do it.


  • #30
    Irishrossoblu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 366 ✭✭Irishrossoblu


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Where in Dublin would I buy an Alum block?

    Shaving.ie

    Failing that try Knights on the Green barbers shop. Look into Proraso pre and post cream on shaving.ie. Best thing I ever used.


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  • #31
    monkeysnapper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,576 ✭✭✭monkeysnapper


    i got a new job and i now have to shave every day , bummer, i used to shave once a week, after my 1st week my skins in bits !!! i have a bad boily spot on my cheek and my neck feels terrible!!!! thanks for the advice on here folks.

    can you buy aqueous cream in your usual shops?


  • #32
    bureau2009
    Registered Users Posts: 637 ✭✭✭bureau2009


    monkeysnapper wrote: »
    i got a new job and i now have to shave every day , bummer, i used to shave once a week, after my 1st week my skins in bits !!! i have a bad boily spot on my cheek and my neck feels terrible!!!! thanks for the advice on here folks.

    can you buy aqueous cream in your usual shops?
    Most chemists stock aqueous cream, also Boots, you might need to ask for it at the counter, it's very widely available.

    A tube usually costs about 3 euro, a tub of it about 4.30.

    Aqueous cream is B R I L L I A N T for shaving. Apply to face and neck, wait a few minutes, apply warm to hot facecloth, use some shaving gel and your skin will look and feel HUGELY better! :)


  • #33
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    The_Kew_Tour wrote: »
    Amazed at how many people do not realise this and still just put it on and off they go

    I blame Hollywood :pac:


  • #34
    YouTookMyName
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,361 ✭✭✭YouTookMyName


    Andy!! wrote: »
    Also, Youtookmyname, where did you buy that shave stick? I looked in boots and tesco in Jervis yesterday but no luck.

    You might find it in some pharmacy's. Boots carry there own shave stick.


  • #35
    kneemos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,450 ✭✭✭✭kneemos


    Been using hair conditioner while shaving now for a while.Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes, wet face, apply shaving gel. Like a hot knife through butter. Really works.


  • #36
    1ZRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,293 ✭✭✭1ZRed


    kneemos wrote: »
    Been using hair conditioner while shaving now for a while.Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes, wet face, apply shaving gel. Like a hot knife through butter. Really works.

    I've left my stubble grow for a few days so I wasn't looking forward to shaving.
    Nice tip. I'll try it out tonight to see if it helps;)


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  • #37
    Insect Overlord
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    It's not a well kept secret, but it's still a good one. :) The shaving maestro of YouTube, Mantic59, recommends it in a few of his videos. It works particularly well if you shave just after you shower.


  • #38
    MarkyTheLips
    Closed Accounts Posts: 209 ✭✭MarkyTheLips


    Speaking of butter, remember that Seinfeld episode with the butter shave :D?? I digress, I've always found shaving in the shower gives me best results.. Good long blast of hot water on the face softens up the beard nicely. I've a fairly thick growth and get the odd bad reaction on my neck but this lessens it greatly. Might try the conditioner tip combined with that. Thanks!


  • #39
    Ham Sambo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 515 ✭✭✭Ham Sambo


    Andy!! wrote: »
    My skin is pretty sensitive to shaving. Especially the neck area. I've tried sensitive shaving gel, sensitive razors, even ended up buying some Loreal moisturiser to see if that helped. They haven't. The skin on my neck gets very irritated and I get the occasional cut too.

    If you guys have any tips, like products you've used to help this, let me know. But mostly I'm asking for advice on an electric shaver. I've never owned one. Am I still going to get irritation and cuts with these? Argos has a 'fathers day' bunch of offers going on now with sales on electric shavers. Some even advertise that I can use the with shaving foam. They're unlikely to give a very close shave aren't they? I could live with that if I could do something about this damn irritation. It's driving me nuts.

    Try Silkcocks Base from your chemist, it has no smell at all from it, found it fantastic as I have very senistive skin. :D


  • #40
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    I've come to realize that my problem is two fold. One, the irritation when shaving. But I think when my hair grows back, it irritates the skin again and causes a bit of a rash. I think I've got the shaving part down now thanks to all the great advice in this thread, but is there anything I can do about the other problem? I have tried moisturisers, doesn't seem to help much. Am I using the right kind of cream, or would you suggest something else that would fight the irritation that the hair growing brings?


  • #41
    kneemos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,450 ✭✭✭✭kneemos


    I think when you shave against the grain it causes the hair to catch the skin when it grows back, creating a rash. Try shaving with the grain or with and lightly against if need be.


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  • #42
    SuperGrover
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 991 ✭✭✭SuperGrover


    Andy!! wrote: »
    I've come to realize that my problem is two fold. One, the irritation when shaving. But I think when my hair grows back, it irritates the skin again and causes a bit of a rash. I think I've got the shaving part down now thanks to all the great advice in this thread, but is there anything I can do about the other problem? I have tried moisturisers, doesn't seem to help much. Am I using the right kind of cream, or would you suggest something else that would fight the irritation that the hair growing brings?

    I've had that problem for years and always thought I was a strange case as all advice seems to relate more to irritation when actually shaving.

    Lately I've invested in some Proraso Pre and Post Shaving Cream from shaving.ie and it's brilliant. Apply before and after.

    I also bought a good brush and soap, making a huge difference.

    Also, as suggested above, pay more attention to the direction of the shave and how heavily you lean and use a relatively fresh blade.

    Currently using the King of Shaves Azor (I think it's called) razor and it's very good but will be investigating a proper old school razor and blades next.

    Basically, what's working for me now is spending on proper equipment and being careful with the shave.

    Hope that helps.


  • #43
    Andy!!
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678 ✭✭✭Andy!!


    I tried shaving with the grain on my neck. The hair on my neck kinda grows horizontal and upwards. Lucky I didn't slit my throat haha! :D


  • #44
    squirestarter
    Registered Users Posts: 70 ✭✭squirestarter


    I bought some aqueous cream based on the recommendation on this thread and it has definitely helped with post shave irritation. Neck is not nearly as red or dry afterwards.

    I have yet to try using it as a shaving gel though (i.e putting it on before shaving) but good to know its effective both ways. Will try this the next time to see if there is a difference

    I seem to get more irritation when i shower after shaving so now i always make sure to shower first


  • #45
    bijapos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,003 ✭✭✭bijapos


    I used to have the same problems as the OP, neck was in bits and burning after every shave. I've a strong, thick growth that didn't help either.

    I switched back to a brush and shaving stick with a good razor, (get your face nice and hot beforehand), after shaving I use the clear, non-scented aftershave gel from the Body Shop (or if you can get it an Alum block as previously mentioned).


  • #46
    kneemos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,450 ✭✭✭✭kneemos


    Tried Aqueous cream once did'nt think it was great. A good base will work miracles for your shave.Try Shaving.ie if you can't get it elsewhere.


  • #47
    Lemmy Scott
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 605 ✭✭✭Lemmy Scott


    Try Aqueous cream great shave off it-no rash either:P


  • #48
    Lemmy Scott
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 605 ✭✭✭Lemmy Scott


    bureau2009 wrote: »
    Most chemists stock aqueous cream, also Boots, you might need to ask for it at the counter, it's very widely available.

    A tube usually costs about 3 euro, a tub of it about 4.30.

    Aqueous cream is B R I L L I A N T for shaving. Apply to face and neck, wait a few minutes, apply warm to hot facecloth, use some shaving gel and your skin will look and feel HUGELY better! :)
    no need for putting damaging shaving gel on thatll flare it up just shave with the acqueous cream


  • #49
    otto_26
    Registered Users Posts: 518 ✭✭✭otto_26


    Andy!

    I have had the same problem the only solution that worked for me is to not shave everyday. I know if you work in a professional environment where you need to be clean shaven it can be hard to do this but if you leave it grow for a day more than you can shave with no problems!


  • #50
    andrewg82
    Registered Users Posts: 51 ✭✭andrewg82


    king of shaves gel is your only one


  • #51
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Boots used to do a great selection of shaving products, which was basically a three step thing - you exfoliated your skin first, then used this kind of oil with your shaving foam and then you put on balm afterwards. I have extraordinarily sensitive skin so used to have terrible problems when I would shave and found those brilliant.


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