If you have naturally oily skin, then shaving can literally be a pain. Oily skin types are more prone to acne, razor bumps and razor burn, which become re-irritated each time you shave.
Luckily, there are ways to make shaving easier on your skin, even when your skin seems nearly impossible to manage and treat.
Here are four key tips for shaving with oily skin:
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1. Choose the Right Shaving Cream
When you shave with oily skin, you need even more lubrication than the average guy. Your skin typically overproduces oil because it’s damaged and dehydrated. Additionally, shaving without sufficient lubrication re-damages and irritates your skin.
Another consideration: Be on the lookout for non-comedogenic products. This means that these particular products are less likely to cause acne. Oily skin types are more acne-prone than others, and the wrong shaving cream can worsen or cause even more breakouts.
2. Cleanse and Exfoliate Before You Shave
Oily skin attracts more debris over the course of a day (or night), and it also responds poorly to excess dirt. Therefore, be sure to use a cleanser before you begin your daily shaving routine—every day.
Like most skin care products, cleansers work best when you choose one that is specifically formulated for your skin type. The best cleansers for oily skin are often:
- Foaming (as opposed to gels or creams, which don’t remove oil as aggressively)
- Sulfate-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Soothing (may contain ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, aloe, etc.)
3. Use a Sharp Blade
If you shave on a daily basis, then get into the habit of changing your razor blade at least twice per week. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, then you can’t afford to compromise on this.
Every time you drag your razor across your face, the blade dulls a little, even if your face is meticulously lubricated. A dull blade catches on your skin and causes irritation. If your face is already irritated, which is likely with oily skin, then this only makes matters worse. You end up in a repetitive cycle where your face never has a chance to heal from irritation because you shave each day and make it worse.
You can stop this vicious cycle and minimize skin damage and irritation simply by using a sharp blade as often as possible. New blades glide more easily and cut hair without pulling or catching skin, giving you a close shave without the razor burn and acne.
Your blade should be so sharp that you can glide without applying pressure. If you find that you have to press down harder on the handle of your razor to get a close shave, then this is an indication that it’s time for a new blade.
4. Moisturize Your Skin Every Time
Don’t forget to moisturize when you’re done! After shaving, your skin is irritated and likely to lose moisture at a faster rate. This can cause acne and hyperpigmentation. It can also encourage your skin to go into oil production overdrive. Either way, you can avoid it by making a point of moisturizing at the end of your shaving routine.
Applying a moisturizer on a regular basis helps restore healthy moisture levels in your skin, which can keep skin looking and feeling healthy.
Switch Up Your Shaving Routine
In summary, if you are struggling with oily skin, and you are dealing with constant irritation and acne breakouts as a result, then it is probably time to switch up your shaving routine. If you don’t have a morning or daily skin care routine, then now is the best time to start.
In short, your daily skin care routine should involve the following steps:
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate (if your skin needs it)
- Shave
- Moisturize
Ready to have happier, healthier post-shave skin? Follow the above four tips and your face will be in good shape every time.