Shaving w/ razor = increased acne??

[jbone]

I have up until recently been using an electric razor. Since I decided it was a good idea to get into wet shaving I decided to break out the old mach3 razor and get a little bit of practice before my straight blade comes in. (I know, I know, im not expecting them to similar but just trying to get back into the routine).

Heres the problem that I had long forgotten about... About a day or two after shaving, I seem to have a severe breakout of acne on and under my chin. This was a problem I never had with the electric which is why for the past year or two ive been shaving with that. Im 22 y/o, somewhat sensitive skin, and acne is typically very mild. Does anyone have any ideas as to why this happens, and how to fix it? I wash my face prior to shaving and use a fresh razor.

P.S.- sorry for the long post:o

[moviemaniac]

What other equipment do you use? Shaving cream or shaving soap or goo from the can?
Use gentle, light stokes with the razor and go only with the grain on the first pass.
Are you sure it's acne? It might very well be ingrown hairs - a common problem deriving from using multi-blade razors. A DE could solve that problem.

[JayKay]

I agree. If its only under your chin and on your neck it is most likely razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. They all can be remedied with good technique and proper prep.

[msandoval858]

You probably have an irritation or ingrown issue, very common with the Mach3 blades. The right blade and technique will set you straight.

[jbone]

thanks for the insight guys!

I am currently using crap in a can!! (Colgate) However, today I just got my order of TOBS, and proraso in the mail.:D I will definitely try shaving with the grain on the first pass. I do everywhere else except for the chin and neck, so I will definitely give it a shot!

It is definitely acne. I had almost 20 "white heads" that I had to pop (sorry for the graphics). And those came with some mean razor burn too. Hopefully with the new creams, going with the grain on the first pass, and getting my new razor will help cure this problem (with some practice). Thanks you again!!!!:happy088

[JayKay]

That comes with the razor burn. If I shave to close on my chin and get razor burn I'll wind up with white heads. Acne is a completely different story and generally genetic. It doesnt come and go, it stays with you for most of your life unless you see a dermatologist. Its due to razor burn.

[rick]

WTG only for a while.

Your face needs time to adjust and you need time to hone your technique (pun intended ;))

N-S passes and dont get all bunched up about BBS shaves
When you can go for a week without irritation - bumps, redness, soreness, etc...- add a new pass.
Go for a XTG pass and give it the week long test then add a ATG pass and see how the results are.
Some guys will tell you they go for a 7 pass BBS shave 2x a day and some prolly do, but......that aint normal.

[VetsJetsnGuns]

I had the same thing- I got acne from mach3's. It took ~7 shaves for my skin to get used to the DE, but all the skin problems went away when everything settled down.

[jbone]

thanks again for the help!! I learned more about acne in this thread than I ever knew:D

[zirvan]

I definitely saw an improvement in my skin since using a DE. If you're prone, I'd make sure to follow up with something like Thayer's or an alum block for it's antibacterial properties