Acne Care – Shaving

Shaving facial hair sometimes creates a dilemma when one has active acne. The need to hide the skin condition is counterbalanced by the need to eliminate the condition. This involves keeping the skin clean, which is more difficult to do if there is facial hair which can aggravate acne. Research which was conducted recently, indicates that the grooming habits of men do not involve a daily skin care regime. This is an essential requirement when treating facial acne, part of which involves shaving.

Both a manual razor and an electric razor can nick the skin. With an electric razor make sure the blades are not dull. Always clean out the razor head with an antibacterial wipe after use. If a manual razor is used, change the blade each time you shave. This will ensure that basic hygiene is being met and the blade will always be sharp. Always keep shavers personal - don't share them as you would not want other people's bacteria and mites to compound the skin condition further, and vice versa.

It is best to soften the the facial hair first. Heat and humidity does this or there are pre-shave products which can be used which can help to do this. Either shave after a shower or wash the face with hot water first using personal cloths and a towel, which only you use. When shaving use movements which are slow, careful and deliberate. Razor bumps, or Acne Keloidalis Nuchae, to give them their technical terminology, can result from shaving. Women, who shave their legs, often get this condition too. This happens because shaving can sometimes irritate the hair follicles, which then become susceptable to outside elements, such as dust and bacteria. To avoid razor bumps and hairs which may in grow and get trapped in a follicle, don't pull the skin too taut when shaving. Always apply gentle pressure on the razor, and shave in the direction of the hair growth. Try to avoid areas where the acne spot is more prominent than the facial hair. The area can be shaved once the spot has shrunk. It is probably better to use a traditional razor, as electric razors have been known to crush the facial hair and sometimes a hair can penetrate the skin. But the choice is a personal one.

Afterwards, a skin care regime for the treatment of acne can then be applied.

 

Information written by Christine Burden - TalkAcne Web Site Manager