Something that might cross your mind while you’re doing your daily shaving routine is if shaving your face on a daily basis can be bad for you. Certainly, it can’t be good to be dragging a razor blade across your face on a daily basis. It might seem like common sense that over time, a razor blade can really cause some serious damage to one’s face. But, is that actually true?
Well, depending on the type of razor you use, you will want to use caution and develop safe shaving habits in order to avoid any adverse side effects.
So, does shaving your face everyday cause skin damage? Shaving one’s face everyday will not cause skin damage provided that you are using a sharp blade with a lubricating shaving cream. However, using an electric shaver may cause irreversible skin damage if not careful.
Although there are different types of shavers on the market, between electric and razor shaving, there are a few steps that you can take to diminish the amount of damage you’re doing to your skin.
It’s important to take good care of your skin when you’re shaving. If you do not, you might begin to look older than you really are, which is never a good thing. So, Let’s discover which steps we can take to avoid doing critical damage to ourselves.
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Which Form of Shaving Causes The Most Skin Damage?
When you’re making the choice to make your daily shave either a wet shave (with a razor blade and shaving cream) or use an electric razor, there are some pros and cons that require exploration.
When you shave with an electric razor, the shaver itself doesn’t technically “shave”, but it tears the hairs at the blade. When you do this, it’s almost a form of ripping the hair apart, and when you do this close to the skin, it can produce an awful, ugly razor rash.
Getting a razor rash can be especially detrimental if you have sensitive skin. In the past, I have attempted to use the electric razor, primarily for its convenience, but every time I use it, I would get incredibly irritated skin. My face would turn bright red and I would get razor bumps that resembled acne all over my face. It wasn’t a good look.
Unfortunately, I have dark hairs, so shaving with a trimmer wasn’t an option for me, because it wouldn’t get the hairs close enough.
So, if you’re using an electric shaver and you have sensitive skin, it’s important to take into account that you might get the inevitable razor bumps. Razor bumps, if left untreated, can cause irreversible skin damage. When you get razor bumps, it’s the cause of your hairs getting twisted and curled up in your follicle. This irritates the follicle and, if not attended to, over time can cause darkening of the skin, itching, and pain.
Which Type of Shaving is Safest For Your Skin?
If you are looking for ways to avoid skin damage, which is going to be most people, I would always recommend doing a wet shave. When you’re using a high quality blade paired with a high quality shaving cream, there is a world of difference when compared to shaving electrically.
My number one recommendation that I have used for years is the Gillette Fusion ProGlide. This razor comes with a swivel head that is great at shaping the grooves on your face. This also helps diminish the amount of irritation that you can get while shaving. I use this with their sensitive shaving cream. I always come out with a smooth-shave with practically zero side effects such as razor bump or itch. 
After trial and error for so many years, I have finally found something that works. Gillette has been making razors for years and they really hit the ball out of the park with this one.
So, if you’re looking for a safer alternative than electric shaving, the wet shaving method with a standard blade and gel is going to be your best bet at reducing skin damage.
Although, even after reading this, some people might dismiss the standard razor shave for an electric shave sheerly for its convenience. Most people believe that it is a major time saver… And, I would have to push back on this a bit.
When you’re shaving with an electric razor, you’re saving no more time than you would with a razor shave. Sometimes, with an electric razor, it takes 5 or 6 passes to get the shave you desire. When you use a razor blade, you’ll get that perfectly smooth skin even after 1-2 passes, depending on the thickness of your hair.
For me, the pros outweigh the cons. Just go for the razor shave. Your skin will thank you for it.
How to Reduce Skin Damage After Shaving
If you have incredibly irritable skin like mine, sometimes using just a razor blade isn’t enough, which is why I might use these top tips to treat irritated skin after shaving.
Let a Hot Towel Soak Over Your Face
First, I’d recommend using a hot towel to put over your face before you shave. This can be a time suck, so if you have the time, I’d definitely recommend this. When you use a hot towel and place it over your face for about 30 seconds to one-minute, your opening your pores and softening the hairs on your face.
This is why so many barber shops do this before they shave you. It gives you a tremendous advantage against razor bumps.
To do this, simply turn your water faucet on to the max heat temperature. Let is soak for a bit. The towel should come out of the water steaming. Once it’s at a safe temperature, place the towel over your face and hold it there for approximately 30-60 seconds. The hairs on your face will soften and will give you a much smoother shave.
Use Tea Tree Oil
Second, I’d recommend using some tea tree oil after you shave. This incredible essential oil is almost like a miracle against razor bumps. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic which is your number 1 weapon against skin damage after shaving.
Exfoliate Your Face After Shaving
Third, I always recommend exfoliating after you shave to reduce skin damage.
When you exfoliate your face after shaving, you’re wiping away dead skin that can clog up your pores. This can cause irritations and acne, so it’s a serious way to keep your face looking awesome.
After I shave, I always use Jack Black Face Buff. I swear by this stuff. It is gentle enough to use on a daily basis. It’s got an awesome tingly effect too, which makes your face feel super clean and fresh. Give it a go… I promise you won’t forget to exfoliate your face ever again. It’s super effective against skin damage, especially post shave.
Always Moisturize Your Face
Lastly, after you shave, it’s important to moisturize your face and avoid aftershaves with alcohol in them. Alcohol will dry your face out, and make you look older. Like before I used Jack Black’s Face Buff, I use the Jack Black Daily Facial Moisturizer. This product line has seriously knocked it out of the park for me. I’ve struggled to find products that work for my sensitive skin, and this is the one. 
By moisturizing your face, you’re putting back all the essential oils and moisture back into your face that we essentially stripped while shaving and exfoliating. Moisturizing your face is the icing on top of the cake when it comes to shaving.
In conclusion, we discovered the dangers that come with shaving, how you can reduce skin damage from shaving, and the best method of shaving to keep your skin top notch.
If you take all of these handy tips into account, you’ll notice a big change in how your skin looks and feels after your daily shave.