A beard is one of the best things a man can have. But not all men see it that way. If you’re one of those men who don’t appreciate this gift, then you tend to shave your beard frequently.
If so, you may be struggling with the itching problems that come after shaving.
Even if the itching doesn’t last that long, it is still a problem since a lot of men tend to shave up to two times a week. Some might shave even more frequently since their beard grows faster than average.
You’d be surprised how many men suffer from this issue. Luckily for you, we have put a tremendous effort into finding a solution, and eventually, we did find one.
In this article, you will fully understand what is causing this problem as well as the means to prevent it from happening again.
Why Do I Get the Itching?
Getting itchy skin after shaving is actually quite common. So, there is no need to panic. Your skin naturally carries healthy bacteria, including a type called Staphylococcus aureus, which normally lives on the skin without causing problems.
The issue starts when your hair follicles become irritated. After shaving, these tiny openings in your skin can become sensitive, especially if the razor pulls on the hair or creates small cuts.
When the follicles get irritated, they may become inflamed. This can disturb the balance of the skin’s natural bacteria. In some cases, this change may lead to a condition called folliculitis, which is one of the main reasons people feel itching or discomfort after shaving.
In more serious cases, this irritation can cause small red bumps to appear on the skin. These bumps are a sign that the follicles may be reacting to bacteria, friction, or other shaving-related stress.
Related article: Do Electric Shavers Cause Ingrown Hair? Exploring the Truth
Another reason behind this itching is that the gel you’re using isn’t right for you. Don’t get tempted by the tv commercials, some gels contain way too much alcohol, and once you use it, it dries out your skin and makes it red, itchy, and tight.
It highly unlikely, but the itching could be an allergic reaction to some of the ingredients and fragrances.
How to Choose the Best Itching Products
Choosing the products is crucial, as we mentioned above, your itching could be an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients, or your skin is being dried out by the massive amount of alcoholic in the gel you’re using.
Don’t worry, there is a solution. Many companies have noticed how common shaving irritation can be and have created products to help people deal with it.
After years of research, they found that gentle, natural ingredients may help calm the skin after shaving. Because of this, many shaving creams now include ingredients like glycerin, Aloe Vera, vitamin E, and natural oils.
These ingredients are often used because they can help keep the skin soft and reduce dryness. For many people, switching to a shaving cream with skin-friendly ingredients may make the shaving process feel much more comfortable.
Leave no Trace of the Shaving Cream on Your Skin
Shaving gel is designed to make it easier to shave the beard and to temporarily protect the skin during the process. But it isn’t intended to stay there for long; this is the thing most men don’t pay attention to, if some of the gel stays on your skin it can cause the skin to dry out.
And if this happens, guess what? You get that annoying itching we’ve been talking about. You want to prevent that from happening, well simple, make sure not a single drop of that gel stays on your face.
When you’re done, and it’s time to dry your skin, do it slowly and carefully like you’re petting a cat. Your skin is sensitive, and you should treat it accordingly. Or you’ll only make it worse.
Razor Can Also Be a Cause to the Itching
Inexperienced men can cut themselves easily with the razor, even experienced shavers sometimes make such mistakes, and when they do, they get what we call a razor burn or rash. Razor burn will make your skin hot, sore, and red, alongside incredible itching. Keep a close eye if you get a razor burn, it might cause some severe symptoms.
The solution to this is obvious, merely change your razor to a better one that fulfills your needs.
Also, try to use more gel than you used to, it helps in some instances.
Moisturize More
Both the skin and the hair need their oils to maintain their natural form and flexibility. Unfortunately, the shaving gel absorbs those oils causing the skin to dry out.
To prevent this from happening, specific measures must take place.
One of the popular solutions to this problem is applying pre-shaving oil just before you start shaving.
The role of these oils is to protect the skin and keep it moist; they also prevent the razor from pulling and make sure it glides off.
When the whole process of shaving is done, we advise you to apply an aftershave lotion. It acts as an astringent to reduce skin irritation as well as cleaning out any cuts.
Wait for the Right Moment to Shave
It is crucial to wait for the right moment to shave. Many men shave before showering, and once they’re done, they get into the shower. And that isn’t healthy.
The hot water affects the skin, making it ready to be shaved, and the hair by softening it. When these changes happen, shaving can become a much more comfortable experience. Your skin feels softer, and the risk of small cuts or itching may be reduced.
That’s why it is often better to shave right after taking a shower. You can also shave during your shower, as long as your skin has had enough time to soak in warm water. The warm water helps soften the hair and makes it easier for the razor to glide across your skin.
You Simply Can’t Shave Without a Shaving Gel
Shaving gel should be a red line that no men should touch during shaving. You can’t just shave without one.
We mentioned that some products may contain enough alcohol to cause itching. But that does not mean you should throw away every shaving gel you have and use only water.
Some people get great results with just soap and water, but that does not work for everyone. It is better to try different products and find the one that feels right for your skin and shaving style.
Here is a simple tip: if you apply gel to an area, shave it, and notice that some hair is still left behind, don’t go over the dry skin again. Apply a fresh layer of gel first, then shave the area once more. This can help reduce friction and prevent extra irritation.
Pay Attention to Which Shaving Direction is Best
There are two ways you can shave, either with the grain or against it, so which one is better?
Shaving against the grain can give the power to cut off hair very close to the skin, but it also increases the risks of razor cuts and skin irritation.
However, shaving with the grain gives you a more comfortable shave but doesn’t have the same risks, so it’s apparently the winner here.
Using the Right Strokes
There’s a common mistake many men make is that trying to finish shaving as quickly as possible.
This increases the chance of getting cuts; we must always leave enough time for shaving.
Also, you should always use shot and light strokes because doing so ensures that you’re gentle on the skin. If you go for one of those long strokes, at some point you’d have to apply more pressure, and you may cut yourself.
One last thing, don’t forget to wash the razor between strokes.
Summary
The different factors can contribute to the itching after shaving, so when you get it, don’t worry about it because it’s a normal and an everyday thing.
Just take the necessary precautions, and you‘ll be fine.
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