Electric razors can cause your skin to dry out as there is no shaving foam barrier between the blade and the skin. This can leave your skin irritated and prone to acne breakouts. The best way to combat this is to apply a moisturiser or balm after your shave.
Using an electric razor dries out your skin, leaving it very irritated which leads to more acne. Increased friction occurs, and you have no defense against it without a safety razor's sidekick shaving cream.
Little and Often Electric shavers work much better the shorter your facial hair, so little and often is the key. Shave every day, even on the weekend. Tempting as it is to have a couple of days off, the longer the hair the more difficult and uncomfortable the shave will be, which doesn't bode well for Monday morning.
Normally, using an electric shaver will provide more comfort, less irritation, and no nicks and cuts. All of these while still offering an adequately close shave. Most men with sensitive skin that is prone to irritation, razor burn, ingrown hairs and bumps will likely benefit from switching to an electric razor.
After shaving, hair follicles can get stuck inside your skin, due to clogged pores, thereby causing red bumps. Along with red bumps, you may also experience a burning sensation on your skin, tenderness and itchiness. Some may notice blister-like pus-filled pimples as well.
The cause of acne after shaving may be because you're shaving with too much friction, which can irritate your skin. However, you may find that the chemicals in your shaving cream irritate your skin, causing acne around the mouth and jawline area.
If your blemishes appear soon after shaving, the following could be to blame: Dirty/Old Razor Blades Old razor blades can harbor bacteria, which can then make their way into your skin when you drag your blade across your face. Be sure to swap out your razor every five shaves—10 is the absolute max.
Switch to an Electric Razor or Single Blade
If your acne looks and feels worse after shaving with your multi-blade razor, try switching to a nice quality single-blade razor or an electric razor instead. You won't get as smooth a shave, but these razors are much less irritating and gentler on the already-inflamed skin.
Unless you're using one of the new breed of wet and dry shavers – which can be used with or without water – you'll get much better results from an electric shaver if your stubble is bone dry and stiff. To make sure it's free of dirt and sebum (the skin's natural oil) use an alcohol-based pre-electric shave product.
If you have acne-prone skin, you need to be extra careful while shaving. Keep your skin clean and follow a good aftershave routine to avoid clogged pores that lead to acne. It is important to note that shaving does not cause acne.
Bacterial folliculitis.
This common type is a rash of itchy, pus-filled bumps. It occurs when hair follicles become infected with bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Staph bacteria live on the skin all the time. And they can cause problems when they enter the body through a cut or other wound.
Razor bumps irritate hair follicles, causing redness and swelling. Acne happens when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, which then can also grow inflamed. Understanding the difference between the two is key to taking proper action.
According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, you should change your razor blades or throw away disposable razors after every five to seven shaves, if not sooner. High-quality razor blades should last five to seven shaves if you take care of them properly and keep them clean.
Ideally, you want to change your razor blade after 5-10 shaves. Gillette actually recommends 5-7 shaves, but this is just a general rule and it actually comes down more to the thickness and density of your facial hair.
Electric Shaving
PROS: No blades to buy, easy, quick, done dry, razor catches cuttings. CONS: Not a close shave at all, can easily cause irritation and ingrown hairs (razor burn), needs batteries/time to charge, often hard to use in tight spots.
Pros of Wet Shaving
The wet shaving method has many benefit, such as: A closer shave – When you use the wet shaving method, you experience a closer shave than with dry shaving because the lubrication from water or shaving cream can bring the blade closer to the skin.
Foil electric shavers are designed for a close shave and when it comes to removing pubic hair, you don't want to go right to the skin - especially when you'll be needing to pull it taut to remove the hair.
For people with acne, it is preferable to shave every day (or at least every other day), and using the right method, products and tools are essential. Check out these tips: Start with a warm (not hot) shower. Heat and humidity will soften your beard and make your shave smoother and less irritating.
To clear this type of acne blemish, try washing your face twice daily with an acne face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If you have a lot of papules, it can be helpful to see a dermatologist.
Applying regular baby or talcum powder to the face before shaving is a neat trick to reduce friction on your face between the skin and the electric razor and thus allows for a smooth shave. This is especially important for those unfortunate sufferers of sensitive skin.