Shaving and Acne - Myth and Reality
“Shaving bumps”. These are the words with which we usually call those spots that appear after shaving and that seem to be acne spots. The question that arises, however, is obviously whether this has anything to do with acne.
According to the studies, it appears that this skin issue is a tricky one, but fortunately it is not related to acne. The shaving bumps’ scientific name is Pseudofolliculitis barbae, so that even from its name one could realize that these bumps are not what they appear to be.
So, what are they after all? According to the studies, the shaving bumps are nothing else than the result of the inflammation from the hair follicle that the shaving is bringing along. As the hair starts growing back after its having been shaved (waxed or plucked), it gets trapped inside the follicle, which results in further irritation and swelling. So, if you experience shave bumps, don’t worry. It is not acne, but it should however draw your attention.
You won’t have to buy expensive treatment or so on for getting rid of the fake acne spots brought by shaving; you just have to become a “smart shaver”, that is to follow a few simple steps for preventing the breakouts.
On the other hand, if you haven’t yet suffered from shaving bumps, you should know that they could appear anytime. Anyone can get them, although they seem to be more common in people with curly hair.
So, the steps of smart shaving are the following:
• Warm Water
It is very important that before event starting shaving, your face must be well prepared for this process. The face, or in fact the area you want to shave, has to be previously washed with warm water. This “warm hydration” makes the skin more pliable, as the heat has dilated your blood vessels and blood flow has been this way brought to those areas. This is why for some people bringing shaving in the shower represents the best solution.
• The Right Shaving Cream
These tricky bumps appear also because of the shaving cream you use. The thinner and filmier the shaving cream is, the more it helps the shaving razor to glide over the skin and to reduce this way the potential or already existent irritation.
• The Right Shaving Razor
Similar to the shaving cream, you should also use the right razor. An electric razor is usually indicated, rather than an ordinary razor. The electric one is more efficient in coping with the shaving bumps because it doesn’t shave too close, and you are likely not to break out.
Anyway, if you prefer blade shaving, you should use a new single-blade razor each time you shave. The single one is indicated rather than the double- or triple-edged blades, because these ones lift the hair out of the follicles for a shave that is in fact bellow the epidermis. The epidermis grows over the opening of the follicle, as part of the skin’s natural healing process, and then, when the hair grows back, it has to fight to get out of the closed follicle, which is further causing an inflammatory response of the skin. So, this is why the double- or triple-edged razors become practically the enemies of the skin’s health.
• Shave “Down”
You must always remember that the closer you’ll shave, the more prone to acne your skin will be. You’ll get shaving bumps in just minutes! For avoiding this annoying problem, try to get into the habit of shaving with the grain, so that your blade could cut only the hair and not also the skin.
For most of the men and women, shaving with the grain means shaving down rather than up. This will help you get rid of the irritation and shaving bumps and may be helpful also with cuts and nicks too.
• The Right Toner
And for doing the right thing till the end, you should also use the right toner. This one should be a mild alcohol-free toner or an antibacterial gel that will kill the bacteria that determines the apparition of inflammation into the open follicles. You can also use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid against the irritation and shaving bumps.
So, the so called shaving bumps are not acne. Still, they are very annoying and should be treated seriously. You should try to become a smart shaver and see whether the shaving bumps will disappear. If not, you should see a physician or a dermatologist, although you should never worry. Today, there are treatments and solutions for any type of skin problem.
However, we should mention that the shaving bumps represent a problem with which both men and women cope, because here shaving has the same effects as waxing or plucking. Furthermore, the shaving bumps could appear anywhere on you body.
Anyway, try to remember not to worry. Be smart, don’t worry!