Shaving can also worsen acne. Razors can cut acne lesions, causing
pustules and cysts to rupture. If the cutting edge of the razor is not clean, it can spread bacteria and oil. If it is not sharp, it can
irritate the skin and cause a razor burn, which makes the skin appear
redder than usual.
In particular, shaving with a dry razor causes problems. Washing
the face before shaving softens the skin and beard. Conversely,
when the face is dry, the shaver’s skin and beard are tough. Therefore,
the shaver must apply more pressure to the razor in order
to remove facial hair. This irritates the skin and leads to razor burn. Consequently, most men with acne use a wet razor or an electric
razor, which requires even less pressure than a wet razor and is
thus gentler on the skin.
Shaving lotions can also cause problems. Lotions that are not
noncomedogenic can clog pores just as cosmetics can, and aftershave
lotions that contain alcohol can dry out the skin and cause
an increase in sebum production. In fact, because shaving and shaving
products present so many problems for men with acne, many
male acne patients try to avoid shaving whenever they can.
Aformer
acne patient explains: “I’ve had some bad experiences shaving,
like burning my face and turning it bright red, and slicing open
my pimples. Some of the scars I have are from pimples I destroyed
shaving. Even now, I try not to shave every day. I still get little pimples,
and shaving is hard on my skin. When I do shave, I use an
electric razor, and I don’t press hard.”
