The Best Way to Shave to Prevent Acne

Many people confuse shaving bumps with acne breakouts because they are similar in appearance. Shaving bumps develop due to irritation in the hair follicle that is associated with shaving. As soon as the sheared hair begins to grow back, it gets trapped inside the hair follicle, resulting in skin enlargement and inflammation. Many people face this problem; however, it is most common among people with curly hair.

Warm Up your Skin before Shaving

In order to prevent shaving acne, warm up your skin by washing it with warm water. This technique makes the rigid skin cells flexible and opens up the blood vessels. It is for this reason that many people prefer shaving right after taking a warm shower. They find it easier to shear the softened hairs. It is also recommended that you foam the hairy area of the skin before shaving. Using the right kind of shaving cream helps reduce the occurrence of shaving bumps as it helps the razor work its way smoothly on the skin and reduces the chances of inflammation.

Use the Right Razor

According to Acne Treatment Bulletin, the best razor for preventing shaving bumps is an electric-powered shaver. However, if you prefer to use a manual blade shaver, make sure that every time you shave the facial hair, you use a razor with a single cutting edge.

People who shave on a frequent basis are more prone to acquiring shaving bumps and acne. If you are also one of the frequent shavers, then you are suggested to shave in the downward direction rather than the upward direction. Upward motion can cause severe inflammation as it tends to make notches and scratches on the skin.

Use a Toner after Shaving

It is important to use a gentle toner on your skin right after shaving. But keep in mind that a toner with alcoholic ingredients can cause itchiness, dryness and severe irritation. In fact, it is preferable to use a natural astringent such as witch hazel, which is considered a milder and safer substitute of after-shave toner. In addition to this, you can also choose an antibacterial gel, which is known to have the same effect as a gentle toner. Antibacterial gels prevents bacteria from getting into the gaps of follicles, thus preventing shaving acne before it even starts.