How to Avoid Pimples After Shaving Your Beard?

Pimples and bumps after shaving are inflammatory reactions linked to the reintroduction of hair into the skin: they are called ingrown hairs or folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle). In the case of the beard, these inconveniences are known medically as beard pseudofolliculitis (BFP). PFB is sometimes accompanied by pain, darkening of the skin due to excessive localized melanin secretion, small papules (solid, rounded bumps) that may develop into pustules (pus-filled, blister-like lesions).

While anyone who shaves can develop pimples, they are more likely to affect African-American men. In fact, according to one study, between 45 and 85 percent of African-American men suffer from PFB. Hispanics and people with curly hair are also more likely to suffer from this skin condition.

Beware! If you have numerous pimples on your beard, see a dermatologist. Indeed, PFB can be confused with ringworm (tinea barbae), a fungal infection of the hairy areas that requires special medication.

Shaving pimples can be due to several factors:

• A lack of hygiene

If you are not in the habit of cleaning your razor after each use, imperfections will inevitably appear. Please keep in mind that dull blades are a breeding ground for bacteria. So, you should always take care of your razor blade. If you have trouble getting rid of your beard hair, it means that the razor blade is saturated and needs to be replaced.

• Poor shaving technique

Shaving is best done in the direction of hair growth to avoid hair ingrowth.

• A lack of care before, during and after shaving

Find our tips below to take care of your skin and hair during this practice.

• Before shaving

Shaving is always done on clean, dry skin and beard. This basic rule is sometimes neglected. But it is necessary to reduce the risk of irritation and the development of ingrown hairs. You can use, for example, our rebalancing cleanser with nettle or, if you prefer a gel texture, the purifying cleansing gel. Concentrated in purifying active ingredients such as zinc PCA, this gel purifies the skin, regulates sebum production and limits the development of imperfections. During this first cleaning step, be sure to use warm water to make the hair more supple and easier to shave. Also, don't hesitate to use a pre-shave oil, a lubricant that makes the razor glide more easily.

• During shaving

In order to avoid pimples from shaving, always use clean, well-maintained razor blades. Normally, one pass is enough to shave the hair. But with a blade already saturated with hair and dirt, it will take several strokes. Moreover, avoid using a rusty blade or one that is in poor condition so as not to damage the skin unnecessarily.

Next, never shave with water alone because it increases the risk of irritation and cuts. Always use a shaving foam or gel when you shave. This product will create a protective barrier between the razor blade and your skin: it reduces friction and therefore the risk of cuts. In addition, the presence of foam helps you determine the areas you've already shaved. This way, you avoid going over it several times and thus irritating your skin.

Finally, if you are particularly prone to pimples after shaving, shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving in the opposite direction increases the risk of cuts and irritation. Shaving quickly becomes uncomfortable. Moreover, this practice can twist the hair, which then deviates from its trajectory and curls back on itself to become an ingrown hair.

Tip! During your shaving session, always have the reflex to stretch the skin with your hands. This allows you to easily cut the hairs without wasting time.

• After shaving

The skin is often weakened and irritated after the passage of the blades. To soothe it, rinse it with cool water. This practice also helps to tighten the pores and calm any bleeding. To dry the skin, avoid rubbing but dab lightly with a soft, clean towel.

The choice of after-shave care should also be made carefully. You must both moisturize and nourish the skin deeply to prevent pimples. You have several choices: moisturizer, balm or after-shave lotion.

Moreover, if some pimples appear quickly after shaving, some essential oils are known for their anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. They should be mixed with so-called carrier vegetable oils. You can use tea tree, clary sage or spike lavender essential oil.

• ROOPAL V. KUNDU &al., Dermatologic Conditions in Skin of Color: Part II. Disorders Occurring Predominantly in Skin of Color, Am Fam Physician. (2013).