How to Prevent Pimples After Shaving

Razor irritation and razor burn are common shaving-related complaints, but so too are post-shave pimples. Does your skin break out after shaving away unwanted hair? Know that you’re not alone dealing with those unsightly little bumps. The good news is that we’re here to help. Keep reading to find out how to prevent pimples after shaving!

Why Do Pimples Appear After Shaving?

Before we go into a full post-shave pimple prevention plan, it’s important to understand why pimples appear after shaving in the first place. The main reason has to do with inflammation. When you run a razor on your skin, no matter how gentle you are, you are increasing the risk of skin trauma and irritation. This irritation can appear as slight redness or swelling and subside after a few hours, but if you follow an improper shaving technique for example you may experience post-shave pimples as well. These pimples can appear due to a number of reasons, including shaving in the wrong direction, shaving without adequate lubrication (or dry shaving), using old or dull razors, or using razors that are dirty and/or laden in bacteria. Other reasons may have to do with the hair itself. Thick, mature hair tends to get trapped beneath the surface when trying to emerge from the skin. 

So how can you prevent pimples after shaving? It's easier than you think. Read on for five easy steps to prevent pimples after shaving.   

Step 1: Exfoliate Your Skin  

Sloughing off dead skin cells not only helps for a smoother, closer shave but can also help keep your skin’s surface clean before shaving. Exfoliating is vital for your face, but it's also essential for the rest of your body. When you exfoliate before shaving, you'll also help to remove pore-clogging impurities that could otherwise have an opportunity to enter your pores and wreak havoc. 

Step 2: Apply a Pre-Shave Oil 

Moisturized skin can help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and irritated follicles when shaving. Lock in moisture and prep your skin for a smooth shave with a pre-shave oil. 

Step 3: Use a Clean Razor

It’s not uncommon for dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities to get trapped in your razor. Rinsing off your razor with each pass is helpful while shaving, but it won’t necessarily remove all traces of dirt. Not only can this buildup dull your razor’s blade over time, but it can promote bacteria growth and post-shave pimples. Before and after shaving, rinse your razor with warm water and wipe it down with an antibacterial wipe or spray. Also, avoid using the same razor for more than one week.

Step 4: Apply Shaving Cream

Shaving cream helps the razor effortlessly glide over the skin, thus reducing the risk of nicks, cuts, and irritation. Less irritation means less of a chance for acne blemishes to form.

Step 5: Moisturize After Shaving

Once you’re finished shaving, hydrate your skin with a moisturizer or aftershave. This is one of the most vital steps for preventing unsightly pimples after shaving. After you shave your body skin and gently dry off, apply a product containing shea butter like Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Soufflé to reintroduce any lost moisture. If your skin is prone to irritation, steer clear of formulas with alcohol, parabens, or fragrance. If you’re shaving your face, reach for a facial aftershave product that’s soothing and refreshing.

Editor’s note: Try to shave at the end of a shower or bath. Exposing your skin and hair to lukewarm water can help to soften it and reduce friction from shaving. To shave, go against hair growth by starting at your ankles and moving upwards. Also, if possible avoid going over the same areas of skin more than once.