Many people believe that shaving can cause acne by irritating the skin and causing pores to become blocked. Others believe that the hair causes acne because it traps oils and bacteria on the skin. So, does shaving cause acne?
The answer is not always clear. Some people believe that shaving does lead to Acne, whereas some do not agree with this statement. However, some studies have been done to determine if there exists a correlation between Acne and Shaving as well as other factors of hygiene such as washing the face or using sunscreen etcetera.
Let’s examine this statement and see if shaving really causes acne.
What Causes Acne?
Many factors can contribute to the development of acne, including hormones, diet, stress levels, and genetics. While shaving may not be a direct cause of acne, it can irritate the skin and worsen existing acne. If you’re prone to breakouts, it’s essential to take extra care when shaving to avoid irritating your skin.
How Does Shaving Cause Acne?
Shaving can cause acne in a few different ways. Here are some common ones.
First, when you shave, you’re essentially scraping off a layer of skin. This can irritate the skin and lead to redness, swelling, and even infection. Second, shaving can cause microscopic cuts in the skin that allow bacteria to enter the body and cause an infection.
Third, when you shave, you remove the protective barrier of hair that usually traps dirt and oil on the skin’s surface. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
How Can I Avoid Causing Acne When I Shave?
If you’re prone to breakouts, you can do a few things to avoid causing acne when you shave.
Always Use A Sharp, Clean Razor
This is the first thing you need to consider when you’re shaving. It would be best always to use a clean, sharp razor when you shave. If your razor is dull, it’s probably time to replace it.
Use Good Quality Shaving Cream Or Gel
Shaving gels and creams help keep the skin moisturized while providing a close shave. These products constitute milder ingredients than soap or shaving cream so that they won’t irritate the skin as much as traditional soap and cream.
Wash Your Face Thoroughly After You Shave
Many people don’t realize this, but if you’re not washing your face after shaving, it can cause problems for your pores and leave them clogged with dirt and oil from the skin’s surface. If this happens over a long time, it can lead to acne breakouts on your face.
Always wash your face before bedtime so that any leftover dirt from the day isn’t trapped overnight in the skin pores. This will help prevent breakouts.
Avoid Scratching Your Skin When You Shave
It’s not uncommon to scratch or pick at your skin when shaving, especially if it’s irritated by shaving cream or gel. But this can cause tiny cuts in the skin that provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the body and cause an infection. Avoid scratching by holding off on shaving until the area heals, or use a razor with a guard to protect against nicks and cuts while shaving.
Having Acne Outbreak? Don’t Shave
If you’re having an active breakout, it’s best to avoid shaving for several days until it has subsided or stopped entirely so that it doesn’t irritate the skin or make it worse.
Be Careful With Razors And Blades
It’s not uncommon for razors and blades to become dull over time and cause irritation when you use them. It’s best to replace razors regularly anyway, so this isn’t too much of an issue with them. Still, if you do decide that your razor is getting old, there are particular tips you can use to keep it sharp and minimize irritation when shaving.
Self-Care Shaving To Avoid Acne
Now that you know shaving can cause acne, and despite everything, you have to look neat and presentable. There are some things you can do to ensure you avoid acne at all costs.
Warm Up Your Face Before Shaving
Before you shave, it’s best to warm up your face by washing it with warm water for about 2 minutes. This will help loosen the facial hair and make it easier to shave with acne.
Use A Pre-Shave Oil
This is one of the most effective ways to prevent acne when shaving. This is because it helps soften the facial hair so that you can shave or trim it flush with the skin. If you’re sensitive to specific ingredients, some pre-shave oils fit the best sensitive skin that won’t irritate your face.
Shave In Shower
If you can’t take a hot shower every day, try taking one every other day instead and using a post-shave oil instead of soap when shaving. This will help prevent irritation and avoid the build-up of bacteria on your skin after shaving, which could cause acne breakouts in general.
Don’t Shave Too Close to Bedtime
The area around your nose, chin, and neck will be the most sensitive when sleeping, so it’s best to wait until you wake up before shaving. This will allow your skin to heal from shaving and keep your face from getting irritated.
Be Gentle With Your Razor
If you’re using a razor, use gentle strokes when shaving. This will help prevent nicks and cuts on your face, which can cause infection.
Use a Facial Cleanser After Shaving
You can use facial cleansers specifically designed for sensitive skin or even soap and water. These facial cleansers will help exfoliate the skin and remove any dead skin cells accumulated after shaving so it doesn’t become too dry or irritated the next time you shave.
Reduce Friction By Lathering Up
Avoid using too much pressure when shaving by not putting too much pressure on the razor while shaving. This will prevent the skin from becoming irritated when you shave.
Shave In A Diagonal, Downward Motion
This will prevent any cuts or nicks on your face. This also helps prevent the growth of ingrown hair, leading to acne.
Final Verdict
It’s easy to see that shaving can cause irritation and even acne breakouts. This is because the skin is exposed to many friction and bacteria from the shaving. Luckily, you know what causes acne after shaving and how to prevent it with the above guidelines.
