shaving problems :(

[dsschanze]

So anyway...I'm a little embarrassed to ask, but I can't keep going through the itching. I'm 17-male and have been shaving my legs for about a year and a half now. I had absolutely no problems until about 3-4 months ago when everytime after I shave, I have lots of problems with ingrown hairs and itching. I shave in the shower with pretty warm water, shaving cream, and a Gillette Fusion (5 blade) razor. I would really like to stop having problems because those little red bumps detract from the rest of my legs. I appreciate any advice !

Happy riding,

ds

 

[swampy1970]

So anyway...I'm a little embarrassed to ask, but I can't keep going through the itching. I'm 17-male and have been shaving my legs for about a year and a half now. I had absolutely no problems until about 3-4 months ago when everytime after I shave, I have lots of problems with ingrown hairs and itching. I shave in the shower with pretty warm water, shaving cream, and a Gillette Fusion (5 blade) razor. I would really like to stop having problems because those little red bumps detract from the rest of my legs. I appreciate any advice !

Happy riding,

ds

Dear Itchy,

If you can't put out over 300watts for an hour (~25mph on a road bike) then do yourself a favour and let the fuzz grow, otherwise shave in long smooth strokes upwards, against the direction of the hairs. I used to find it easier and much quicker if you never lifted the razor and just kept it pressed against the skin while moving it up and down.

 

[matagi]

You could try using Sorbolene and glycerine cream instead of the shaving cream. Sorbolene and glycerine cream is often recommended by dermatologists as a soap substitute so it works well for shaving (this is what I use) and it has the added bonus that because it is also a moisturiser, your skin doesn't get dry after shaving (it could be dry skin that is causing the bumps and itching)

 

[garage sale GT]

Shave in the direction of the hairs.

Take a loofah sponge, a firm brush, or your fingers and scrub your skin until it gets a bit red, if shaving the right way doesn't do it.

 

[dsschanze]

Shave in the direction of the hairs.

Take a loofah sponge, a firm brush, or your fingers and scrub your skin until it gets a bit red, if shaving the right way doesn't do it.

What does scrubbing the skin do?

 

[garage sale GT]

What does scrubbing the skin do?

Exfoliates.

 

[Yojimbo_]

Try a different razor with fewer blades. Those 5 blade things cause problems for some people.

 

[matagi]

The problem with exfoliation is that if you do it too vigorously, you can cause further irritation. Personally, I've never done it.

However, I swear by the use of sorbolene and glycerine cream as a "shaving cream". FWIW I use a 3-blade.