Shaving Can Result in Acne Bumps

Shaving can cause a persistent inflammation of the skin. During the shaving process, the razor can damage the skin and the hair follicles in the skin. As the hair re-grows, it can become trapped within the hair follicle. When the hair follicle becomes trapped it can cause swelling, redness and irritation. It is this swelling process that results in bumps resembling acne pimples. Curly hair tends to curl into the skin instead of straight out the follicle, leading to an inflammation reaction. These inflamed papules or pustules can become infected. If left untreated over time, this can cause keloid scarring in the beard area.

To reduce the occrrence of this type of shaving realted acne, it is beneficial to cleanse the skin properly between shaves. Use a wash cloth to gently exfoliate and remove the dead skin cells.

Shaving with the correct razor can make all the difference. We recommend using an electric razor and shave with the skin wet using a sensitive skin cream such as Noxzema shave for sensitive skin with Dimethicone skin protectant. An electric razor won’t give you the closest shave, but it will help prevent breakouts. If you can’t use an electric razor, the next best choice is a single blade razor. The reason for choosing a single blade razor over the multi-blade razors is that the multi-blade razors lift the hair out of the follicles before cutting. This process is great for getting a smooth shave because it actually cuts the hair below the surface of the skin. This can create breakouts, because with the hair no longer sticking out through the epidermis, the skin’s natural healing process causes the skin to grow over the hair follicle where the hair used to be and sealing the hair follicle. As the hair grows, it has to fight its way through this sealed follicle, which irritates the skin and causes an inflammatory response, which leads to breakouts.

Shaving properly can make a difference. We’ve always been taught to shave against the grain for a closer shave, but this actually cuts the hair below the epidermis, having a similar effect that the multi-blade razors have. It is best to shave with the grain, which typically means shaving down instead of up. This is true for both men and women. Not only is this effective in preventing breakouts, it helps with nicks and cuts as well.