Your Health

Health Day - ONLINE EDITION

Simple Tips for Smoother Shaving

How to avoid skin irritation, acne aggravation

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 01/26/2013 2:00 PM | Comments: 0

How to avoid skin irritation, acne aggravation.

SATURDAY, Jan. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Shaving can sometimes be rough, but there are ways for men and women to get a smooth shave with a minimum amount of skin irritation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Wet your skin and hair to soften it before you shave. Taking a shower or bath makes it easy. After you apply a shaving cream or gel, be sure to shave in the direction that the hair grows.

To minimize skin irritation, change razor blades or throw away disposable razors after five to seven shaves.

Men with acne need to take special care because skin irritation caused by shaving can make acne worse, according to the AAD. These men should experiment with electric or disposable blade razors to see which one works best for them. Razors should have sharp blades.

Use a light touch when shaving to prevent nicks and don't try to shave off acne, as both can make acne worse.

"If you have any questions about shaving, especially shaving acne-prone skin, see a board-certified dermatologist," Dr. Thomas Rohrer, a dermatologist in Chestnut Hill, Mass., said in an AAD news release. "Treating an underlying skin condition, such as acne, can go a long way in reducing irritation caused by shaving."

More information

The Nemours Foundation offers children an overview of shaving.

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Your Health

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.