Adult acne like breakouts we know as "shaving bumps" or Pseudofolliculitis barbae occur mainly on the beard are in men where can make shaving very difficult. This condition is due to curly and ingrown hairs. As hairs begin to grow back after shaving, waxing or plucking, they get trapped inside the follicle and resulting in irritation and swelling.
Not only being a cosmetic liability, these bumps can become itchy, painful and tender too. If you still want to keep on shaving, you better learn how to "shave smart" in order to prevent adult acne breakouts. There are 5 important things that help for shaving in the most pain-free and healthy way:
Soften Your Hairs
Taking a warm shower can helping you in shaving. The steaming from the hot water can help to soften your beard. To let your hairs become more erect and making them easier to cut, you have to wash your face before shaving.
Lather Well
Lather the beard area with a non-irritating, lubricating shaving gel or benzoyl peroxide-containing prescription shaving foam. Thinner, filmier shaving creams help the razor glide over the skin, reducing irritation.
Choose the Right Razor
An electric razor with gently pressure can be used to reduce the closeness of the shave. You also can use a guarded razor to avoid a close shave. Cover these razors with a plastic coating can prevent the razor from contacting the skin directly and produces fewer traumas to the skin.
Go With the Grain
When shaving, shave with downward strokes. By shaving in the same direction, typically down can helping in less pull on the hairs and less tendency to cut them too short. Besides minimize skin irritation, shaving with the grain may help with nicks and cuts, too.
Tone Up
Try to apply a mild alcohol-free toner or antibacterial gel after you have done. It can prevent the bacteria gets into the open follicles. Acne medication such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are available in gel form.
It can be very easy to prevent Pseudofolliculitis barbae by using the steps above. However, if your shaving bumps persist, a more aggressive topical acne treatment might be prescribed by your dermatologist.
