No matter how often you shave, your skin is never completely ready for that sharp blade – or 3 to 5 blades, if you’re using a cartridge razor. It also assumes that your blade is sharp in the first place, as no skin is ever ready for a dull, bulky blade either.
Nicks and cuts are the result of poor preparation, hasty shaving habits, poor razor hygiene and more. They’re also completely preventable, and the extra time and care spent will save you the agony on the other end, not to mention the time it takes to clean the blood and heal the wound.
Below are our tips for preventing nicks and cuts, as well as what to do if you need to treat a new one. Act slowly with the preventive, and quickly with the treatment. Either way, you’re on the right track to regaining smooth, healthy skin.
How to prevent nicks and cuts from shaving
Follow a full, slow shave regimen
The best answer to this question: how to avoid nicks and cuts? – is to practice a complete and slow shaving regime. It starts with cleansing with lukewarm water before the diet and the subsequent application of skin nourishing pre-shave oil, both of which are essential in making your skin receptive to the blade, and so is the body hair. that you are about to cut. mow. And most of all, take it slow. Many accidents can be avoided by simply taking the time it takes for each step and not rushing.
Pre-shave oil by Brickell $ 27
Maximize the glide of the razor
These pre-shave steps don’t just help your skin. Those warm splashes and nourishing pre-shave oil also smooth the skin and give the razor a smooth, easy surface to glide on. Two other ways to reduce blade friction are to cut your whiskers into a stubble before shaving – to minimize razor drag – and to use a gentle facial scrub (or double scrub / cleanser) at first. of your diet, to eliminate the dead. , rough skin. It also prevents chafing and chafing from the razor, in addition to preventing the pores from clogging.
Gentle Exfoliating Cream by Birkenstock $ 42
Hold your hand
If you give your skin the proper preparation and lubrication, you don’t need to apply a lot of pressure while shaving. The blade should glide smoothly over everything, and you can avoid cutting your skin as a result.
If you shave with a safety blade, the angle at which you shave is also imperative for a close, smooth, and nick-free shave. The magic number is 30 degrees, to be exact. Start by pushing the rounded end of the safety head against your skin, then tilt it inward towards you – slowly – and the moment the razor hits your skin is plus or minus 30 degrees. Apply very little pressure, allowing the weighted razor to handle the pull for you.
Double-edged safety razor by Fendrihan $ 45
Adopt good razor hygiene
How you store and clean your razor plays an important role in whether or not you get a clean, irritation-free shave. But the other part of a hygienic shave, and the one that can prevent nicks and cuts, is the proper replenishment of the razor. You should replace your blades every 6-8 shaves to prevent them from getting dull and dragging against the skin. (Or replace it every 2-3 weeks, whichever comes first.)
How to treat nicks and cuts from shaving
1. Apply a hot press
First, apply pressure and hot water to the cut site. This helps prevent immediate infection and slows blood loss. After 30 to 60 seconds, the small cuts should be plugged and you can move on to the next steps.
2. Follow that with a touch of cold (and maybe ice)
As you would after a shave, apply cold water to your face to close your pores. Then target the notch or cut with an ice cube, applying it for 30 seconds to constrict the blood vessels.
3. Disinfect immediately
You must now completely disinfect the cup. Use witch hazel, an antibacterial agent after shaving, or an alum block (also called a styptic block or pen) – but nothing with alcohol or an astringent that is too drying.
Witch Hazel Toner by Mario Badescu $ 14
Tea tree oil aftershave elixir by SheaMoisture $ 10
Styptic pencil per Clubman $ 3
4. Apply a dense balm
Again, this step exists in any shaving regimen, and it shouldn’t be overlooked now. It neutralizes the infection potential of the shaving process and creates a nourishing yet defensive layer on the skin. This “shield” prevents everyday toxins and bacteria from entering the cup.
5. Spot check with balm
Your nickname might benefit from an extra layer of nourishing balm – a liquid bandage, if you will, and potentially even an actual bandage – to prevent the buildup of particles, toxins, or bacteria. It will also speed up the healing process. Use a non-petroleum emollient – sometimes even a lip balm works effectively if it hasn’t already graced your not-so-sterile (or any other) lips.
RESTORE healing balm by Doctor Rogers $ 30
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