Simple Tips for Smoother Shaving
How to avoid skin irritation, acne aggravation
January 26, 2013
SATURDAY, Jan. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Shaving can sometimes be rough, but there are ways for men and women to get a smooth shave with a minimum amount of skin irritation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Wet your skin and hair to soften it before you shave. Taking a shower or bath makes it easy. After you apply a shaving cream or gel, be sure to shave in the direction that the hair grows.
To minimize skin irritation, change razor blades or throw away disposable razors after five to seven shaves.
Men with acne need to take special care because skin irritation caused by shaving can make acne worse, according to the AAD. These men should experiment with electric or disposable blade razors to see which one works best for them. Razors should have sharp blades.
Use a light touch when shaving to prevent nicks and don't try to shave off acne, as both can make acne worse.
"If you have any questions about shaving, especially shaving acne-prone skin, see a board-certified dermatologist," Dr. Thomas Rohrer, a dermatologist in Chestnut Hill, Mass., said in an AAD news release. "Treating an underlying skin condition, such as acne, can go a long way in reducing irritation caused by shaving."
More information
The Nemours Foundation offers children an overview of shaving.
-- Robert Preidt
SOURCE: American Academy of Dermatology, news release, Jan. 8, 2013
Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 
Articles by HealthDay®. Health Day is an independent company not affiliated with the BlueCross BlueShield Association.
The information available on the BCBSA health and wellness news feeds, including text, graphics, and other materials are for informational purposes only. BCBSA does not recommend or endorse any products, companies, physicians, procedures, opinons or other information that may appear on the site or in these feeds. Reliance on any information in the feeds is at the users own risk. The visitor of this website acknowledges that the information available on or through this news feeds is not and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
