MEN’S GUIDE TO DEALING WITH POST-SHAVE BREAKOUTS

If you consistently experience red bumps and irritation after shaving, you are dealing with a common problem known as post-shave breakouts. While the occasional irritation might be inevitable, there are simple steps you can take to minimise these issues and keep your skin looking its best. From making minor tweaks to your shaving technique to choosing the right skincare products, here’s what you can do for a smoother shave.

What Causes Post-Shave Breakouts?

Post-shave breakouts are usually a combination of clogged pores, razor burn, and bacterial buildup. Let's take a closer look at what causes them.

Ingrown hairs 

Also known as Pseudofolliculitis, these are ingrown hairs that cause an inflammatory reaction. They appear as small, red and sometimes painful pimple-like bumps. This happens when a shaved hair, with its newly sharpened tip, curls back on itself and re-enters the skin instead of growing outwards. The body reacts to the trapped hair as a foreign object, leading to inflammation. You may be prone to this type of bump if you have curly or coarse hair, which is more likely to curve and pierce the skin.

Improper Shaving Techniques

Are you shaving the wrong way? Shaving against the grain, applying too much pressure, or using a dull blade can all cause irritation. Repeatedly passing the razor over the same area also increases the risk of developing shaving spots.

Lack of Lubrication

Inadequate lubrication when shaving is a leading cause of friction and irritation. Shaving without a shaving cream, gel, or foam creates drag between the blade and the skin, which can damage the skin's surface and lead to redness and bumps.

Sensitive Skin and Acne Prone Skin

If your skin is naturally sensitive, you may be more prone to razor bumps. Sensitive skin may react more intensely to the mechanical action of shaving, leading to increased inflammation and the subsequent development of irritation and bumps.

Frequent Shaving 

Shaving too frequently, especially when the skin has not had adequate time to fully recover from the previous shave, can increase the likelihood of irritation and razor bumps. Allowing the skin some rest between shaves can help prevent inflammation.

Razor Bumps and Post-Shave Breakouts - Prevention Guide

Preventing breakouts is all about tweaking your shaving routine. By making a few simple adjustments, you can reduce irritation and keep your skin looking its best. Here are some tips to get you started.

Pre-Shave Preparation to Prevent Razor Bumps

• Cleanse Thoroughly
  Always start with a clean face. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil and bacteria before the blade even touches your skin. This ensures impurities are not pushed into your pores during the shave.
  

• Exfoliate Gently
  Don't overdo it with the exfoliating, but a gentle scrub a few times a week can help remove dead skin cells and keep the path clear for new hair growth.

Follow Proper Shaving Techniques

• Use the right Products
  Never dry shave or use plain soap. A quality shaving cream, gel, or oil is essential as it creates a protective barrier, allowing the blade to glide smoothly and reducing friction and irritation.
  

• Use a Sharp, Clean Blade
  A dull blade drags and pulls at the hair, leading to irritation and a higher chance of ingrown hairs. Replace your blade regularly and rinse it thoroughly after every pass to prevent build-up.
  

• Shave With the Grain
  Always shave in the direction of hair growth. While shaving against the grain might give a closer shave, it increases the risk of the hair being cut too short and curling back into the skin, causing razor bumps. 

Post-Shave Steps

• Rinse with Cold Water
  Immediately after shaving, rinse your face with cool or cold water. This helps to wash away any remaining shaving residue and close your pores, which locks out bacteria and reduces inflammation.
  

• Soothe and Hydrate
  Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Do not rub, as this can cause irritation. Follow up with a soothing aftershave balm or moisturiser. This step will help replenish moisture and support the skin barrier's recovery.

What to Do When a Breakout Happens

If you still develop a breakout, avoid the urge to pick at the bumps, as this can worsen the inflammation, spread bacteria and lead to scarring.

• Cool or Warm Compress - For general irritation and razor burn, a cold compress will help soothe the heated skin and reduce redness. For ingrown hairs, a warm compress may encourage the trapped hair to emerge.
  

• Topical Treatments -  Products that contain Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide in them can help gradually get rid of dead skin cells, help unclog pores and clear out ingrown hairs.
  

• Give Your Skin a Break -  If the area is severely inflamed, the best solution is to stop shaving for a few days to allow the skin to fully heal. If your razor bumps persist for weeks or become infected, consult a dermatologist. 

The Barbology London Shave-Ready Routine to Prevent Breakouts

At Barbology London, our products are designed for the needs of the modern man, offering a range of innovative, natural and high-quality products for your everyday skincare.
Our face and beard care range is made with a natural and invigorating blend of essential oils with formulations that are also vegan and cruelty-free. By using only natural ingredients and being free from harmful chemicals, our routine is perfectly suited even for sensitive skin.

To get the best results, follow our simple skincare routine below to protect your skin from issues such as post-shave breakouts.

Step 1 - Cleanse and Clear Impurities

Barbology Hair and Beard Shampoo

This multipurpose cleanser is designed to wash away the daily build-up of impurities, dirt and excess oil from your skin and facial hair. It’s formulated with tea tree oil, known for its clarifying properties, helping to keep discomfort and odours away. By ensuring a clean surface for your razor, you can prevent bacteria from being pushed into your pores during the shave

Step 2 -  Replenish and Soothe

Barbology Face Moisturiser & Beard Conditioner
This 2 in 1 moisturiser and conditioner features active menthol, instantly calms and cools the skin, effectively reducing the redness and irritation that leads to razor burn and bumps. The unique blend of essential oils and moisturising properties helps keep the skin beneath your beard rejuvenated and flake-free. 

Step 3 - Condition and Protect

Barbology Vegan Men's Beard and Face Oil

Include the Barbology London Beard and Face Oil as part of your daily routine to maintain your skin's long-term health.  It is formulated with a blend of the finest natural ingredients to create a light and non-greasy feel that deeply conditions your skin and hair. Regular application helps keep the skin barrier strong and resilient, reducing the likelihood of irritation while supporting healthy beard growth. 

A clear, healthy face is all about getting into good habits and using quality products. Upgrade your regimen with Barbology London today for smooth and healthy skin.