Thread: Face like burn victim

A lot of things can be the issue here, as many have pointed out. If you have a shave-ready razor, honed by someone with experience and knowledge of razors, my guess would be shave angle. Try a shallower angle on your passes. I'd also second the suggestion to use some sort of aftershave or balm. If you're getting a lot of irritation, a balm is probably your best bet.

While you're giving your face a rest, read through the wiki -- there's a wealth of knowledge there.

Best of luck,

cass

Take a break. It normally takes about two weeks for one's face to get used to the strong exfoliation action of the straight razor. Don't shave every day until the last week of January and do as others say and work on your technique.

X

i cant really add anything to this but repeating never hurt anybody watch your angle and pressure i will tell you what helped me a lot i was using the brush like i was painting (not good) i started swirling the brush in circles so the lather would hold the hair up instead of gluing it to my face and it made a huge difference my shaves were %100 better with zero razor burn

I am a newbie too. Just had my first straight razor shave today with a razor that was honed by someone with great experience on a 30000 shapton. No doubt the razor was sharp enough but the razor pulled and I also got the burn and irritation. I did use a good glycercin soap. Is it possible the razor is too sharp, or is it probably my technique ( e.g. angle). If i understand the previous posts, I should use short strokes.

Pulling is a sign that the razor isn't sharp enough. Did you strop lots and carefully before the shave? If so, chances are it's your technique.

X

NOthing to add here but whatever moisturizer you use make sure it does not contain mineral oil or its equivalents. Most do and it will not help your skin and will likely slow down the healing process because it clogs the skin and it cannot breath. You want a hypoallergenic and oil-free moisturzier and get a non-alcohol toner after the shave. Most people like withhazel in place of toner after shaving but it also contains alcohol which irritates and dries the skin so I recommend avoiding products that do not help.

A good toner restores the skin's PH balance which is horribly upset right after shaving so that whatever your apply after the toner will be beneficial and our skin will be ready for it instead of trying to heal itself. A great toner solves this!

YOu will find that using the right post-shave products will help a lot.

I think you are applying too much pressure, making too many passes, and need practice on your technique as noted previously. It comes quickly just be patient but do let your skin rest and get some good products to use.

Certainly not everyone will agree with the above and has their routine/products that works for them, but I am telling you this will help.

I've given my face a day rest between my last three shaves. That seems to help with the red/irritated skin and nicks. I've used a lower angle too (I was at around 45 degrees before). I think the lower angle is important.
I've also been using Nivea aftershave balm. I don't know if the lower angle or the balm are better at reducing the razor burn.
My technique is improving.
Thanks for the advise.

mts,

#1-The nicks are technique maybe sharpness issues; the inflammation could be sensitivity to your cream/soap. #2-Just for grins and giggles try applying the lather to your face, but don't shave. Just let it sit there for as long as you would were you shaving. If your face remains cool, calm, and collected it's not the soap/cream so all is well there. If you begin to feel discomfort from the lather, you have one variable you can eliminate from the problem pile.

good shaving,