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Shaving leading to my acne?

post #1 of 8
3/16/07 at 9:15am
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For the past 3 years (I'm 17) I've had some wicked acne. It's always been there but at times it's been worse than others. I've gotten really fed up with it and the fact that none of the 3 step or any other acne remover has really even worked as it's said it would. But I've noticed that if I shave one night, the next morning i'll have broken out slightly or wickedly. But as soon as I go like 3-5 days w/o shaving as I've done right now, it's actually not all that bad. just a few white heads here and there. My mom said it might be because shaving. I use an electric razor being as I don't want to cut the zits open with a non-electric and can't get rid of them long enough to use it. But could I be having such annoying acne due to an electric razor? Right now it's one my dad has. Some blue one with a straight bar. No 3 heads or anything fancy. Would upgrading to a better shaver do something more or should I try something like Accutane? 'Cause I really want to. One of my friends took it back in 7th grade when she had severe acne and she hasn't had a zit since.
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post #2 of 8
3/16/07 at 5:26pm
It could be ingrown hairs. www.tendskin.com is the solution if this is indeed the problem. It's like aftershave in that it's got alcohol and stings a bit, but it should clear up the problem. It sounds like what you have may not actually be acne. Do the bumps come only where you shave, or all over your face?
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post #3 of 8
3/16/07 at 7:49pm
Don't take Accutane for shaving breakouts, only if you have acne normally. I would suggest an electric Norelco-like shaver, cause those don't get as close. Personally, I use electric shavers (but not in Mustache March), and I don't break out at all, and I have acne. I'll be starting Accutane next week probably. Acne.org has a lot of info on it, check it out. In the end, I wouldn't reccomend accutane for shaving breakouts. Make sure the razor is thoroughly cleaned, and getting your hair hot before shaving helps, it makes the hairs soft.
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post #4 of 8
3/16/07 at 10:00pm
You may want to try some aftershave or post-shave repair stuff with salicyic (sp?) acid in it. It sounds like the shaving is irritating your skin too much, causing breakouts. Are you applying an aftershave? If not, you may be drying out your skin too much after shaving --> body produces more oil --> more acne.
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post #5 of 8
3/18/07 at 6:57pm
It could be due to bacteria on the razor. You don't make it clear whether this problem is associated with reusing the same razor without cleaning it.
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post #6 of 8
3/18/07 at 7:12pm
can you go w/stubble or a beard?
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post #7 of 8
3/18/07 at 7:26pm
I used to use an electric, and I would get ingrown hairs that would turn into whiteheads. Here's what I recommend:

Sometime over a school break or weekend, go a few days without shaving to let your skin calm down. Get yourself your own razors - the Sensor type (2 blades) are pretty good and not too expensive. You don't want to use someone else's razor or electric shaver, as it can introduce bacteria into your skin. Get some Aveeno oatmeal shave gel, it's the best I've found for sensitive skin. And get some Cetaphil lotion to put on afterwards (derms recommend this stuff, it's very gentle). Scrub/soak your beard with a very warm/hot washcloth until it's softened up, then shave, rinse and use the lotion after. Give it a couple days and see what happens.

Shaving generally helps acne, because it scrapes away the layer of dirt and dead skin on the surface of your face that helps clog up your pores and cause zits. So with a good shaving regimen you should actually be clearer.
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post #8 of 8
3/19/07 at 12:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mensimageconsultant View Post
It could be due to bacteria on the razor. You don't make it clear whether this problem is associated with reusing the same razor without cleaning it.
I agree it could be due to bacteria on the razor.
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