Although diet choices and hormonal imbalances are the major reasons for acne in adolescents and young adults, poor shaving methods can also be harmful to human skin, especially the face.
Acne is a skin problem that occurs when the hair follicles are obstructed by oils and dead skin cells which might lead to severe irritation when new hair struggles to break out of the skin. An estimate reflects that over eighty-five (85) percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne.
This article will provide answers to several curiosities regarding the effect of electric shavers on the skin, being the reason or cause for acne.
Does Electric Shaver Cause Acne?
An electric shaver has the ability to spread acne and dark spots. Although arguably, pimples are caused by clogged pores that about the formation of blackheads or whiteheads. Shaving causes pimples when the blade cuts the hair follicles down below the skin and causes an ingrown. A newly growing hair forces this ingrown out to make way for itself and this action triggers a lot of irritation which leads to a breakout.
Electric shaver causes harm to tender skin and invariably causes bumps and razor rash. It dries out the skin, leaving it irritated and this leads to more acne. Likewise, there can be a collection of bacteria on your shaver thereby, causing pimples. Pimples begin to form when this harmful bacteria comes in contact with the skin.
Are Electric Shavers Better For Acne?
Electric razors are not the best to use especially for an acne–prone type of skin. Quite a several people think that Electric razors are comfortable to use and provide less irritation and bumps. However, the shaver causes bumps as a result of the friction from the razor.
Acne.org founder, Dan Kern gave his review on the electric shaver where he ascertained that he had used several electric shavers and they had always caused irritation and redness on his face after use, despite the “low irritation” and “made for sensitive skin” inscribed in their ads.
Research proved that blade shaving is better as it produces less irritation compared to electric shavers. The best way to shave when you have acne is to avoid irritation. Dermatologists believe that physically irritating the skin is a minor contributor to acne. Also, friction, tension and persistent pressure results from shaving with an electric shaver, making it inadvisable to use for acne or acne-prone skin.
How To Prevent Acne After Shaving With Electric Razor?
Here are a few tips on how to prevent acne after shaving with an electric shaver
Rinse your face with Cold Water
The best way to conclude the shaving process is to use cold water to rinse the freshly shaven skin. This will result in closed pores and the cold temperature will help reduce inflammation.
Hot water attracts dirt to the skin and leads to the rising of acne on the skin. It is best to use cold water and apply a gentle skin cleanser on the face after washing.
Use Aftershave Cream
An aftershave cream or lotion is useful for moisturizing as well as reducing irritation
Apply Antibacterial Gel or An Alcohol-free Toner
Doing this helps in killing bacteria before it goes into the hair pores. Likewise, it prevents the formation of shaving bumps on the skin.
You Can Also Use An Acne Treatment System
Different types of acne treatments are available which can be your last choice if you already got it.
A Guide To Shaving With Acne
During the shaving process, preparing for shaving, choosing the right products and using the right technique are important. However, they are step by step processes to follow especially when shaving with acne. These can be grouped into 3 categories which includes preparation, choosing a product and using right technique
Preparation
This is also called a pre-shave routine. The ultimate thing to consider while planning a pre-shave routine is how you can make the shave the easiest on your skin. Regardless of skin type, having a proper pre-shave routine will protect the skin and make shaving more comfortable.
Preparation includes:
- Starting with warm water: Warm water as well as the steam from it helps soften the hair and open up skin pores
- Mapping out beard grain: It is essential to shave only the first few passes with the grain. Shaving against the grain brings about increased chances of irritation
- Apply Lather Generously: This involves creating a rich, protective layer covering all the facial and neck hair.
Choosing a Product
The most important product to be mindful of while choosing is your razor. The best recommendation when choosing a razor is a single-blade safety razor. Single Blade safety razor helps avoid pressure and gives a super clean shave. Other important products to consider include suitable shaving cream and brush which are essential to saving skin from future breakouts
The Shaving technique
One popular mistake that people make while shaving is the use of pressure while shaving. The belief that applying pressure while shaving to have a clean shave has been a major reason for the breakout of acne of especially, acne-prone or sensitive skin.
The application of pressure while shaving causes friction and friction, therefore, leading to irritation. When it comes to shaving with acne, it is much advisable to take light strokes around the affected areas as well as avoid shaving directly over them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shaving Face Help Acne?
Shaving the face does not help Acne, it is advisable to stop shaving when the skin is affected by acne, especially painful and inflamed cystic acne. Shaving across affected areas or intentional shaving off the top of pimples doesn’t help them clear faster, it causes more harm and damage to the skin by opening it up to infection.
Another implication is that it prolongs the healing process by turning affected areas to open sore and eventually, a scar that takes longer to go away.
However, in cases where the acne is minor, shaving can still take place in a gentle form and following the guide to shaving. In General terms, shaving doesn’t help cure or reduce acne.
Does Aftershave Cause Acne
Several controversial answers have been given to this question. However, the best answer to give to it is Yes and No. (It depends)
Aftershave can cause acne and at the same time can help it, depending on the user’s type of skin. Aftershave contains a fair amount of alcohol which can be very helpful in Killing bacteria on the skin but the same component of aftershave can also cause irritation on the skin which may lead to more cases of acne or breakout.
A research work advises that a good moisturizer and skincare routine can be used in place of aftershave, especially in cases where the user has acne-prone skin.
Conclusion
Acne that results after shaving can lead to serious skin problems. It is much better to make use of the right shaving products, avoid the use of electric razor and follow the right shaving techniques in order to avoid razor bumps and acne. Cleaning the shaving blade after use as well as sterilizing it before use will save you from skin problems that may arise due to poor shaving methods.
