You shouldn’t have to suffer razor burn every morning just because you want your face to feel clean-shaven and smooth.
If you shave every day, and you have sensitive skin, you’re probably no stranger to razor bumps, ingrown hairs, irritation, as well as chronic dryness.
But you (and your handsome face) deserve better than this.
Read on for how to prevent razor burn and leave your sensitive skin feeling calm and looking smooth and healthy every day.
A smooth, easy shave will leave your skin looking healthy
Shaving every day can cause irritation in any type of skin, but when your skin is already sensitive and dry extra care is needed.
Equipped with these 5 tips you can shave smoothly and avoid the usual redness, razor burn, painful red bumps and ingrown hairs.
ACTION PLAN: How to prevent razor burn
Follow these smart shaving tips to leave your sensitive skin looking smooth and calm.
Tip #1 - Prep your skin well
A smooth, comfortable shave starts with good preparation.
The first thing to do is splash your face gently with warm (not hot!) water. This will open up your pores and soften your facial hair, so that you can shave with less irritation.
A great time to shave is when you’re taking a shower – or just afterwards. Your skin will be warm and moist and your hair will be easier to cut.
It’s the reason that a barber will apply a hot towel to your face when you have a professional shave. You can use the same principal yourself at home. Just use a warm wrung out washcloth to gently heat your skin.
The main thing to remember is that we want your skin to be warm, moist and relaxed.
Next you can apply your shaving cream.
For guys with sensitive skin it's important to always use the best skincare products, to keep your skin healthy and happy.
And a nourishing shave cream is essential.
It will create a rich barrier between your face and the razor. This will protect your skin and prevent any razor burn. It also provides lubrication for the shaving process itself, softening your beard and helping to maintain your skin's hydration level too.
We explain here why it's the best shaving product around: "Shave Cream vs Shave Gel vs Shaving Foam: Which is better?"
Best Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin
Our Protective Shave Cream is enriched with moisturizing Glycerin and includes Shea Butter to nourish and protect your skin throughout your shave.
It includes Apricot Stone Oil to soften your beard for easier shaving too.
We've also added Aloe Vera and Allantoin to soothe your sensitive skin and purifying Tea Tree Oil to help reduce any redness and irritation.
And like all of our products, our Protective Shave Cream is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic and non-irritating.
It has also undergone and passed the rigorous European Cosmetic Regulations.
Plus it’s cruelty free.
Tip #2 - Always shave WITH the grain
Shaving is a skill, and it’s one that's worth perfecting - especially if your skin is sensitive.
The most important thing to remember is to always shave WITH the grain.
It’s tempting, we know, to shave against the direction of hair growth. It seems to give you a closer shave. But really it’s not worth the razor burn!
Shaving against the grain will aggravate your sensitive skin even more and it can distort the hair follicles causing ingrown hairs to form.
Instead use our Protective Shave Cream, and shave WITH the grain.
The cream will help lift the hairs up and away from your skin. Allowing you to shave WITH the grain – and still get a super, close shave.
You can have a shave that is smooth and friction-free (and without needing to risk irritation).
Tip #3 - Use light, easy strokes
Try to apply minimal pressure. Hold your razor at the very end of the handle, gripping it lightly. Then let the razor do the work. The only pressure applied should come from the weight of the razor.
Use short, confident shaving strokes. And try to avoid going over the same spot several times as this will result in severe irritation.
It’s the hardest shaving skill to master but cutting every hair without having to repeat a spot is how you avoid cuts, scrapes, and razor rash.
Whatever type of razor you prefer, remember to change the blades often. The dull, damaged edge of an over-used razor blade will pull against your skin, causing painful redness and razor burn.
Swapping out your blades every 3-4 shaves will ensure an effortless, pain-free cut.
Tip # 4 – Gently pat dry
Always pat your face dry very gently after shaving. Your skin is still traumatized, so no rubbing or pulling.
Try to use a soft, clean towel that you keep only for you to use (and only on your face!)
Tip #5 – Moisturize afterwards
It can take up to 48 hours for your freshly-shaved face to fully heal, and keeping your skin well hydrated during that time is the best defence against irritation and dryness.
While most creams will immediately hydrate your skin, you can up the ante by using a moisturizer that will soothe, relieve and repair your post-shave skin at the same time.
There are many healing ingredients to look for in a moisturizer, and we chose Aloe Vera, Allantoin and D-Panthenol for our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer.
They are all excellent natural ingredients that will soothe your skin and restore the hydrolipidic protective barrier.
In fact, to nourish and repair your sensitive skin after shaving, our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer is one of the best moisturizers for men with sensitive skin out there!
It’s been developed to lock in moisture and is clinically proven to dramatically increase skin hydration levels for over 8 hours after application.
Best Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
One of the keys to reducing sensitivity in your skin is to keep it well-hydrated. So try to moisturize your face every morning and night. As well as after your shave.
Our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer contains Hyaluronic Acid (the gold standard of moisturizing agents) to provide long-term hydration and keep your freshly-shaved skin smooth and supple.
At the same time it reduces fine lines and wrinkles, restores elasticity and improves skin texture.
Leaving you with a smooth, even-toned complexion.
Plus it’s super-light, absorbs instantly and won’t leave a greasy film on your face.
We’ve got lots of excellent advice on caring for sensitive skin here: “A skincare routine to calm your sensitive skin".
And for more on preparing your skin well and correct shaving technique check out: “SHAVE: 9 Tips For a Pain Free Shave”.
Shaving your head
If you're losing your hair and want to go for a clean shaven look, be aware that your scalp can be just as prone to irritation as your face - especially if you have sensitive skin.
But following the guidance above will keep it to a minimum.
And we've got more here: "7 Rules for Going Bald Gracefully".
Shaving body hair
Shaving the hair on your body can also result in ingrown hairs and irritation if you have sensitive skin. So care is needed to keep your skin smooth and clear.
For more on manscaping, and alternatives to shaving when it comes to removing body hair, check out: "MANSCAPING: Mastering the art of grooming your body hair".
FAQ's
What is razor burn?
Razor burn is an irritated redness, accompanied by a stinging sensation, that you can get after shaving your face. If you have sensitive skin, you are probably more susceptible than most to razor burn after shaving.
The irritation is caused by skin being pulled during shaving, and the hair follicles being tugged by the scraping action of the razor blade.
Using a good Protective Shave Cream will lubricate your skin and protect from the irritation caused by the blade – ensuring you have a friction-free shave.
Are Otis Skincare products suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes.
All our products are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic and non-irritating.
They have all undergone and passed the rigorous European Cosmetic Regulations.
Plus they’re all cruelty free.
How often should I shave my sensitive skin?
It’s really a question of how you shave your skin, rather than how often. If you prep your skin well, use a nourishing, protective shaving cream, adopt a good shaving technique and apply a moisturizer afterwards, then it is fine to shave every day if you want to and it shouldn’t cause you any problems.
What helps with razor burn after shaving?
Moisturizer.
Keep your skin well hydrated by applying a good quality moisturizer after your shave. This will help your skin to heal from any razor burn and irritation, and to avoid any dryness. Keeping your skin moisturized will also help to reduce sensitivity.
Is shaving every day bad for sensitive skin?
Dragging a blade across your face is always going to be a traumatic experience for your skin! But if you prepare your skin well, use the correct shaving cream and technique and hydrate your skin well afterwards, then there’s no reason why you can’t comfortably shave every day.
How can I shave when I have acne?
Shaving with acne can be tricky. It must be done carefully, otherwise it can cause irritation, spread bacteria and worsen the condition!
We've got more here on clearing up jawline acne - along with the best way to shave an affected area: "How to Clear Up Acne on Your Jawline".
The Takeaway
You shouldn’t have to suffer razor burn and irritation just because you want your face to feel clean-shaven and smooth every day.
Follow these 5 tips for shaving sensitive skin and you’ll have a smooth, comfortable shave that is free from irritation, and will leave your skin looking smooth and feeling calm.
Tip #1 – Prep your skin well and use a Protective Shave Cream
Tip #2 – Always shave WITH the grain
Tip #3 – Use light, easy strokes
Tip #4 – Pat dry gently
Tip #5 – Always moisturize post-shave with a soothing, hydrating moisturizer that will restore the protective hydrolipidic barrier
All you need to stay looking handsome.
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