Proper Shaving Techniques
Posted on 02. Jan, 2009 by admin in Acne Prevention
Proper Shaving Techniques to Prevent Acne
A large number of us are very familiar with the breakouts that appear as acne-like bumps that are caused by shaving or Pseudofolliculitis barbae. These frustrating bumps are caused from an inflammation within the hair follicles that generally occurs after you shave. Hairs can become trapped within the hair follicle as they are starting to grow back after you have plucked, waxed or shaved, and it can result in swelling and uncomfortable irritation. Bumps from shaving will happen most frequently in individuals that have hair that is curly, however it can happen to anyone. There are a few easy tips that you can follow to help prevent breakouts from these bothersome bumps.
Warm your skin – By prepping the area that you plan to shave with water that is warm this hydrating process will help your skin to be more pliable, and your blood vessels with be dilated from the heat as well, which means a better blood flow.
Lather it up – The type of shaving cream that you use can help a great deal with problems of Pseudofolliculitis barbae. Making sure to use shaving cream that is thin and filmy will help with a smoother glide of the razor, resulting in less irritation.
The right razor will help – If it is at all possible an electric razor is best to use. You will not be provided with as close of a shave but you will be able to take advantage of fewer breakouts. If you are someone who simply prefers the smoothness that a blade provides, it is best to use a razor with a single blade, and it is important that you use a new blade every time that you shave. Shaving with razors that have double or triple edge blades actually results in a shave that goes beneath the epidermis, listing the hairs up out of the follicle. As your skin grows back over the follicle’s opening it will actually have to fight its way out of the area that has closed over the follicle which can cause inflammation.
Shave with the grain – You are much more likely to receive bumps from shaving, the closer that you shave. For women and men both, it is best if you will learn to shave with the natural grain, meaning a shave in a downward direction instead of upwards. Doing so will also lessen the amount of irritation, cuts and nicks that you receive.
Tone that skin up – After you have completed the shaving process you can apply antibacterial gel, a toner that is alcohol-free, or an alternative that is gentle to your skin would be witch hazel. These will help with killing bacteria before it has a chance to get down into the hair follicles that are open. This will also help a great deal in stopping Pseudofolliculitis barbae before it has had a chance to begin. You can easily find salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in the form of a gel.
Numerous people have found a tremendous amount of relief from problems with Pseudofolliculitis barbae simply by following these helpful tips. If you experience bumps after shaving that seem to persist, you may want to contact your dermatologist so he can prescribe a topical type of acne treatment that is more aggressive.
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