Does shaving prevent acne?

Does shaving prevent acne? A question that every middle school and high school aged male who suffers from acne has wondered at one time or another.  If it is good for your skin, since it removes dead skin cells and allows new skin cells to grow, shouldn’t it help cut down on acne breakouts?  Unfortunately, the answer is: very little to no

Acne is caused, for the most part, because of an overabundance of the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes or an imbalance in hormones.  And shaving will not correct either of these problems.  However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent unnecessary pain when shaving due to acne outbreaks.

For additional shaving tips and insight into men’s skincare, click here.

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To help cut down on the discomfort caused by shaving with acne, follow these price Xenical instructions:

Step 1 – Prep Your Skin.

To help reduce acne breakouts or skin irritation due to shaving begin by cleansing the skin to remove excess oil and to kill bacteria.  It existing bacteria is not removed it can be spread by shaving.  After cleansing the face, use warm water or a skin prep for sensitive skin before shaving to soften the beard and make it easier for the blade to remove.  A great pre-shave prep is Mario Badescu’s Pre-shave Conditioner.

Step 2 – Avoid Outbreak Areas.

If you have existing acne, do not let that deter you from shaving.  When lathering your face, be sure to avoid breakout areas.  This will help you remember where they are so you do not exacerbate the breakout or cause a tear in the skin.  A tear in the skin will allow bacteria to penetrate into the epidermis, making it more difficult to rid.

Step 3 – Razor Selection.

Many Dermatologists will suggest using an electric razor for individuals with acne if blade shaving causes too much irritation.  Electric razors do not shave as closely, but many prefer the comfort.  If you use an electric razor, it is important to use an electric razor gel to help get your shave as close as possible.  Mario Badescu makes a great Electric Shaving Lotion. I have yet to use this particular product, but have heard nothing but great things from those who do.

If shaving with a blade is bearable, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Use a single blade rather than two or three blade razors.  Single blade razors only shave the top layer of the skin, whereas two and three-blade razors shave below the dermis, which can easily cause irritation as the hair begins to grow and has to fight it’s way to the dermis.
2. Use proper technique.  Smaller, softer strokes will do an effective job removing hair and will help reduce irritation.  Using shorter strokes will also help avoid breakout areas.

Other Shave Tips For Those With Acne:

- Shave only as needed.  It is not necessary to shave on a daily basis.  If you can get away with a little facial hair growth then let it grow.  However, everyone is different.  If you feel that shaving help cut down on the amount of oil produced by your skin, then you can get away with shaving more often.

- Exfoliate.  This is not a step that is recommended for everyone with acne, as some have more sensitive skin than others.  Also, shaving exfoliates the skin, and no one with sensitive or acne-prone skin should over-exfoliate that area.  However, the nose, t-zone and forehead area may need gentle exfoliation.

- Conceal.  Help heal and dry acne breakouts while covering the redness at the same time.  Here is a medicated healing and concealing powder very helpful to use after shaving.

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