Suffering from acne can be one of life’s most embarrassing and frustrating things, it makes you feel hopeless! Even if you’ve purchased all of the newest and best creams on the market. You still might wake up every morning to find new pimples and spots on your face. Shaving with acne can be really complicated. Shaving can cause sensitivity as it removes the top layer of the skin. As we’re sure you can imagine, and have probably experienced, shaving with acne can lead to significant cuts due to the inflammation of the skin and the razor blade coming into contact.

For men, shaving with a face full of zits presents its own serious challenges. Cutting into a large pimple can lead to a pretty serious looking wound that could lead to permanent acne scars and pock marks. Is it even possible to get a clean, close shave when you suffer with acne?

Let’s look at the specific difficulties related to shaving with acne and what changes you can make to get a quality shave while simultaneously dealing with your acne problems.

The Difficulties of Shaving with Acne

For men with acne, shaving presents a fairly serious problem. Not only do you have to try and get rid of the unwanted five o’clock shadow, but also avoid nicking a good-sized pimple that has popped up smack dab in the middle of your chin.

Chances are that your skin is already sensitive from having suffered repeated outbreaks of acne. On top of that, shaving can cause razor bumps, which though aren’t acne in the traditional sense, sure appear like zits.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the fancy, medical term for razor bumps. They are caused by recently shaved hair re-growing into your skin instead of out of the hair follicle. This can lead to itching and inflammation which may appear like pimples.

For men who already suffer from acne, adding a couple razor bumps to your already irritated facial skin isn’t exactly what most people are going for. Furthermore, the itching sensation that razor bumps cause can lead to skin abrasions and eventual infections.

Might it be better to simply forego shaving all together and grow out a full beard to cover up your pimples? While the bearded look certainly offers a number of benefits to the masculine look, you can find ways to shave while avoiding razor bumps and not disturbing the pimples you are trying to get rid of.

Top Tips For Shaving With Acne:

Below you will find the best ways to both avoid razor bumps and shave in a way that won’t cause damage to your acne.

1) Hydrocortisone Cream & Witch Hazel

If you find that a couple of hours after shaving you seem to have more pimples than when before you lathered up with shaving cream, chances are that you are suffering from razor bumps. To deal with these pimple-like skin lesions, rub your skin with hydrocortisone cream and witch hazel.

Hydrocortisone cream is a mild, topical steroid that helps to reduce inflammation. It will lower the swelling caused by your razor bumps and will also help to reduce the inflammation of your regular acne which will help you avoid most nicks caused by swollen pimples.

As a natural complement to hydrocortisone, witch hazel extract comes from the plant of the same name. Witch hazel will help to dry up your skin. Once the top layer of your skin dries up, new cell growth is promoted which will help to heal razor bumps and is also effective as a natural remedy for your acne.

2) Use A Sharp Razor & Creams To Reduce Friction

Nothing will cause more skin irritation or aggravate your already acne filled face than trying to shave with a dull razor. The International Dermal Institute recommends using sharp razors and quality shaving creams that help to reduce friction. This can limit the number of razor bumps and help protect your acne.

If you have coarse and curly facial hair, it might be in your best interest to use a pre-shave product on your beard that will soften your facial hair and make it cut easier. It is also a good idea to shave after taking a hot shower first. The warm water will open your pores making shaving less stressful on your skin.

3) Use Benzoyl Peroxide For Serious Cases

If you suffer from chronic acne or razor bumps, you might want to consider using benzoyl peroxide. Repeated cases of razor bumps can actually turn into acne by trapping oils inside the small skin lesions and producing pus, much like your white-headed pimple.

Benzoyl peroxide is the main ingredient in most over the counter acne treatment. By using benzoyl peroxide on your face after every shave, you will simultaneously be treating your current acne while helping to prevent future razor bumps that could turn into acne.

4) Use The Correct Razor

If you suffer from acne, then we will say to consider your skin to be sensitive, whilst the acne is prominent. Because of this, we recommend using a razor that is great for sensitive skin.

The Philips One blade is a great razor for skin sensitivity or acne suffering. The reason being that the razor doesn’t cut as close as a Gillette razor for example. As the razor doesn’t get as close to the skin, the chances of the razor coming into contact with a spot or pimple or reduced. Therefore, you’re less likely to a) cut the acne or spot or b) be left with a face full of razor bumps.

You can buy the Philips one blade for under £30 from Amazon here.

The Importance of Learning to Shave with Acne

No one enjoys having acne, and trying to fit your razor between two giant pimples can be a frustrating part of your morning routine. Furthermore, improper shaving can lead to razor bumps which will only further irritate your facial complexion. By following these simple tips for shaving with acne, you can effectively avoid future skin problems.