Three Hazards to Avoid When Shaving

When you shave your facial hair, you have to try doing it safely because you can encounter three potential hazards while shaving. By using men's electric shavers, you can actually eliminate almost 100% of the likelihood of ever encountering these hazards, although they do happen from time to time. The three potential hazards that you need to avoid when shaving are cuts, razor burns, and razor bumps. By exercising caution and by shaving carefully, you can avoid these hazards.

Cuts are caused by sharp razor blades. When using traditional razors, you can accidentally cut your skin by sliding or moving the shave parallel to the blade instead of perpendicular to it. You can also accidentally cut yourself if you run your razor over a skin bump (for example, a mole or a pimple). The sharp blade can easily cut away the protruding part of the skin bump. If you accidentally cut yourself while shaving, you can perform immediate first aid to stop the bleeding. For example, pour a little alcohol on a cotton ball and press the cotton ball on the cut. Apply gentle pressure for a few minutes to stop the bleeding. Another way is to cover the cut with a small piece of clean toilet paper or tissue. Some people stop the bleed by rubbing a small amount of petroleum jelly on the affected area.

The second hazard commonly encountered in shaving is the so-called razor burn. It is simply a burning sensation on the skin brought about by irritation from the use of either or both a blunt razor blade or improper shaving technique. Razor burns usually appear as prickly or itchy rashes on the skin about a couple of days after you shave. Though, they also disappear on their own without any intervention. To avoid razor burns, always use a sharp or fresh blade, use a lubricating cream or lather while shaving, avoid pressing the blade too deeply into the skin, and only slide your razor in the direction of the hair (not against it).

The last type of hazard is pseudofolliculitis barbae, commonly known as razor bumps or ingrown hair. Such bumps form when growing hair curls into the skin as it grows. Normally and ideally, hair should grow straight from out of the hair follicle. If it curls back into the skin, the condition can cause an inflammation. You can avoid pseudofolliculitis by not shaving too close to the skin. In most cases, you can remove ingrown hairs by using tweezers to pluck out the hairs. For more severe conditions, you need to seek the help of a dermatologist.

It is important that you shave carefully when using traditional shaves and razors. Or, to minimize your risk of cuts, razor burns, or pseudofolliculitis, you can choose to use men's electric shavers for your facial hair care routine.