Pimples after shaving are an unpleasant phenomenon, but, unfortunately, common. From time to time, even a mature, healthy man who has long grown out of puberty can encounter it. Most people do not attach any importance to this phenomenon and put up with it, taking it for an inevitable reality. The alarm begins to sound only when the problem reaches the scale of a catastrophe and real craters and volcanoes appear on the face.
In fact, rashes on the face that bother you after shaving are not such an innocent symptom as it might seem at first glance. It cannot be ignored; you must definitely find the cause and try to eliminate it. Any skin inflammation, especially on the face, can become complicated and cause infection to spread throughout the body. In addition, knowing the cause of acne on the skin after shaving, it is not at all difficult to get rid of them once and for all.
What do pimples look like after shaving and where do they appear?
If a man develops pimples on his face after shaving his stubble, most likely he is not shaving according to the rules or is violating hygiene and sanitary standards. And if it is possible to examine the pimples that appear after the depilation procedure, you can determine their nature and etiology. Experts offer the following ways to assess the appearance of acne:
- red rashes are the result of an allergic reaction to cosmetics or a consequence of skin irritation;
- white rashes indicate a bacterial infection and the presence of pus in acne;
- neoplasms with hyperpigmentation are a consequence of ingrown hairs.
For men, the most problematic skin is the facial skin, as they have to shave the stubble on their cheeks and chin every day.
Accordingly, most often pimples after shaving in men occur on the neck, cheeks and chin. Women regularly depilate several areas of the body at once - the groin area, lower limbs and armpits. For reference! According to statistics, rashes and pimples after shaving occur much more often in women, since their epidermis is much thinner and softer.
Methods for dealing with irritation
Pimples after shaving are a solvable problem. When using special measures, within a few hours the condition of the skin can improve significantly, and after a day or two, the face will take on a wonderful appearance.
In addition to “universal” reasons, there are also individual characteristics of the skin, which lead to acne appearing as a result of shaving.
A few simple rules that will help you say goodbye to acne once and for all:
- you need to get rid of the machines that you have already used. Used razors are very harmful to clean skin;
- Shave no more often than once every two days. The resulting micro wounds, which do not cause any trouble, can become very seriously inflamed if they are damaged again and again;
- Your razor is yours alone. Whether it is a girlfriend or a wife, sharing such an intimate thing with her is not worth it;
- Don’t be lazy to prepare well for shaving. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and skin should be well cleaned.
If, despite following all the rules, irritation does not go away, you should visit an even better option - consult a dermatologist.
Causes
Only if a man was able to determine why acne appears after shaving, will it be possible to avoid this phenomenon in the future and select effective methods to combat the rash. Experts name several typical problems:
- Mechanical damage . Any wounds and uneven skin are damaged during shaving, after which bacteria and germs enter the open wounds.
- Incorrectly selected cosmetic products . This often leads to the development of allergies or insufficient skin care.
- Incorrectly selected shaving tools . Each skin type may be suitable for a razor or electric razor, so you need to base it on the characteristics of the skin's reaction to a particular tool.
- Dull machine blade . Many men, in order to save money, use disposable machines for a long time, although they cannot be used more than 1-2 times. A dull blade pulls out and even scrapes out stubble, which leads to skin injuries and irritation.
- Incorrectly performed stubble shaving . It is forbidden to press the machine on the skin of the face, move the machine against the hairline, or move the machine parallel to the line of the blades.
In addition, many men make the mistake of choosing low-quality cosmetics for facial skin care. Cheap products contain perfumed additives instead of antiseptics, which are unable to disinfect the skin of the face and soothe it after shaving.
Rules for depilation in the intimate area
It is always easier to prevent a problem than to eliminate the consequences later. Here are some tips on how to do bikini waxing to prevent acne:
- Use only high-quality and clean shaving machines. Do not use dull blades. Use the device only for shaving intimate areas. There should be a separate machine for processing other hairy areas.
- Use only proven shaving creams and foams that do not irritate the skin. These hygiene products improve the glide of the razor, so the dermis is not damaged.
- You should only shave clean skin. Therefore, it must be washed with soap before the procedure.
- Hair is better removed from steamed skin, so it is best to take a warm shower before shaving.
- During depilation, you need to take the most convenient position for this. Even if it is not aesthetic.
- When shaving, the skin should be stretched with the fingers of your free hand. This way it will be less damaged.
- After the procedure, you should not wash your intimate parts with toilet soap or rub them with a washcloth. This can cause irritation. The bikini area should be rinsed with warm water and gently blotted with a soft towel.
- When shaving is finished, your intimate areas should be lubricated with a moisturizer.
- The depilation procedure is best left overnight. During sleep, the dermis will calm down and absorb the products you use to moisturize it.
If you take into account all these rules, and pimples do not stop appearing, then it is not a matter of depilation. Inflammations occur for a different reason. Here you should consult a dermatologist.
How to get rid of acne?
If a man repeatedly develops pimples on his face after shaving, it is necessary to find effective methods to get rid of the irritation and rash. You can prevent further acne from occurring by:
- Use of products containing panthenol. These can be aerosols, ointments and creams with this composition, sold in pharmacies and specialty stores. They disinfect and soothe the skin, promoting rapid regeneration of skin cells and tissues. Apply the product to the skin in a thin layer after each shave.
- Using herbs for sensitive skin. To treat a rash, you can prepare a decoction of calendula or chamomile, and then treat the skin in the area of the rash twice a day. You can cleanse your face with aloe juice after each shave.
- Using tea tree oil dissolved with water in a ratio of 1:4, it is necessary to wipe problem areas of the skin. After this, you can rub moisturizer into the skin.
- You can dry the rash using calendula tincture, which disinfects and dries the rash. You can wipe your face with a cotton swab dipped in the tincture.
- Medicinal ointments, for example, Ichthyol or salicylic ointment, Vishnevsky ointment or Levomekol with an antibiotic in the composition, can speed up the healing process and restore skin health.
- Use oak bark decoction to relieve inflammation locally on the skin of the face. The decoction should be used 1-2 times a day until the pimples disappear completely.
After each shave, be sure to wipe the affected areas of the skin with hydrogen peroxide to eliminate pathogenic flora, which often causes the skin to become inflamed and acne to appear. If the rash gets worse and the above methods do not help, you should seek help from a dermatologist.
Acne on the back in men after 30
Acne can appear on the back of adult men for various reasons, including the following:
- impaired lipid circulation;
- improper material metabolism;
- disruptions in the production of certain hormones;
- manifestation of various diseases, such as follicular hyperkeratosis.
The back in men is a place of intense sebum secretion from the glands, the ducts of which can become clogged for various reasons. In the follicle canal, sebum begins to accumulate, as a result of which favorable conditions will be created for the development of microorganisms. For example, a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes breaks down sebum and produces biological substances that provoke inflammatory processes.
The course of the disease depends on emotional and mental factors, as well as on the functioning of the endocrine glands. The hormonal background of the body is closely related to the reaction to psychological stimuli in the surrounding world. Consequently, stress, depression and chronic fatigue can aggravate the problem of acne formation in the back area in men.
Prevention methods
You can avoid the risks of shaving causing severe irritation and acne by taking preventive measures. In addition, preventing a disease is much easier than treating it later. You can prevent acne, red or white pimples using the following manipulations:
- It is better not to shave every day, but at least every other day, to give the skin the opportunity to recover on its own. It is better to perform procedures in the morning.
- For shaving, it is better to use foam with bactericidal components and silicone content, which will allow the machine to glide over the skin while shaving.
- While shaving, the razor can be soaked in aloe juice; it should be guided strictly along the hairline.
- After shaving, the skin is softened, soothed and moisturized with lotions, balms or aftershave creams.
- If your skin is prone to acne and rashes, it is better to avoid creams, as they have a thick and greasy consistency.
Cucumber or aloe juice can also soothe your facial skin, and after each procedure there is no need to wipe it dry with a towel so as not to further injure the skin by contact with the fabric.
Only a responsible approach to each shaving procedure, the use of high-quality tools and cosmetics, comprehensive and competent facial skin care after shaving will avoid pimples and skin irritation.
How to shave your legs without causing irritation
To avoid injury to the skin, you need to steam it before shaving. Therefore, it is best to use the razor in the shower or while taking a bath. If you don't have time for this, you can soak your feet under hot water for a couple of minutes.
Once your skin is prepared, apply shaving cream. If you don't have it on hand, use hair balm. But do not use soap, as it will not provide the necessary lubrication. In addition, do not forget that the razor blades must be fresh. It is best if your machine has 5 of them. This number of blades does an excellent job of removing hairs.
After your legs are shaved, be sure to apply moisturizer or oil to them. But don't forget that you need to use a moisturizer every day, and not just after shaving, as dry skin is more susceptible to irritation.
When should you see a doctor?
If all of the listed preventive measures and methods of combating the appearance of pimples on the face do not produce results, the man needs to visit a dermatologist. The reason for visiting a medical specialist is inflammation of acne, the appearance of pustules, itching and further spread of the rash. A cause for concern may be their bleeding and increase in size.
What do acne on the face in adult men mean?
If there are disturbances in the functioning of the sebaceous glands, the skin of an adult cannot be ideal. Surely there are pimples on it, which do not threaten health, but indicate various internal diseases. The appearance of acne on the face of a man after 30 years is not a cosmetic problem, since representatives of the stronger sex are not susceptible to hormonal changes at this age. You can identify possible problems in the body by the areas in which acne occurs on the face:
- Acne on the chin is associated with disturbances in the digestive system or endocrine system problems, and also indicates a high content of toxins in the body.
- Acne around the mouth in autumn and winter is associated with colds. Dress warmly and keep your feet warm to help prevent rashes.
- Inflammation in the cheekbones and cheeks are symptoms of disorders in the endocrine system.
- Blackheads and ulcers on the forehead can be caused by problems with the pancreas, gallbladder and intestines.
- Pimples on the nose are caused by excessive sebum production in this area. It may also be due to endocrine disorders, problems with the immune system or the gastrointestinal tract.
- Small rashes near the eyebrows indicate general intoxication of the body and dysbacteriosis.
What are there
Pimples in the groin in men include all inflamed lesions on the skin: single pimples, blackheads and acne, various types of rashes, boils and cold rashes.
According to the mechanism of development of acne, there are:
Non-inflammatory (open and closed) rashes appear without symptoms of an inflammatory process. These include:
Inflamed acne is divided into the following types:
- papules (nodules) - small red bumps;
- pustules are purulent pimples with a red rim.
Harmless
In the groin area, sebaceous glands and hair follicles are located close to the surface of the skin.
Photo: furunculosis in the intimate area
- During epilation, when using a dull razor or as a result of neglecting hygienic requirements, the skin is damaged, infection enters the resulting wounds, causing inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. That's why when you shave, pimples appear where the hairs were removed.
- In addition, glands and follicles that show through the skin may themselves look like pimples. But this phenomenon is not a pathology and does not require treatment.
- Rashes caused by wearing synthetics, poor hygiene, colds or allergies are also not dangerous.
External treatment with an anti-inflammatory agent and treatment of the underlying disease will help get rid of them quickly.
But in some cases, the appearance of acne may indicate a dermatological disease.
- Hidradenitis inguinal. Inflammation of the sweat glands located in the groin area is caused by the penetration and activity of Staphylococcus aureus. The main sign of the pathology is small pimples and nodules that cause severe itching and pain.
- Contact dermatitis. Occurs as a result of an allergic reaction to synthetic fabrics or chemicals (hygiene products, laundry detergent, latex). It is manifested by the appearance of pimples, itching, redness and swelling of the skin in this area.
- Furunculosis. It occurs as a result of inflammation of the hair follicle, characterized by the appearance of a small formation, which gradually transforms into a large pimple. Externally, the boil is a red tumor with edematous nearby tissues. Later, a purulent head appears at the top of the formation, which can open on its own. Squeezing boils is strictly prohibited.
Dangerous
In some cases, acne in the groin becomes one of the symptoms of a dangerous dermatological or infectious disease.
Cysts
Fat
Photo: fatty cyst
A cyst is a subcutaneous deep pimple, formed as a result of the closure of the sebaceous gland and its duct by the skin.
The fat produced by the gland does not reach the surface of the skin, accumulates, and hardens. Cysts are usually small in size (not always noticeable) and do not cause pain.
When you press on the cyst, the contents may come out.
Photo: opened fatty cyst
If this does not happen, surgery is required. The operation is very simple and takes only a few minutes.
Bartholin gland cyst (bartholinitis)
A cyst appears when the excretory duct of the gland is blocked.
The mucus secreted by the gland accumulates under the skin and becomes more viscous and dense.
Bartholinitis is accompanied by painful sensations in the area of formation (during walking and sexual contact) only in the case of infection penetration into the gland, development of inflammation and abscess.
Such inflammations occur when infected with chlamydia and gonococci, staphylococcus, and E. coli.
Infectious
Syphilis
Systemic chronic infectious disease, sexually and domestically transmitted.
Photo: secondary syphilis
- It is accompanied by the appearance of a small pink rash in the groin and genitals, which gradually turns into open ulcers. With syphilis, rashes can also affect the palms and soles of the feet.
- The first signs of the disease may appear only 30–40 days after infection.
- In addition to a rash in the intimate area, syphilis causes headaches, fever, general health worsens, and the body becomes covered with pale spots.
Molluscum contagiosum
Photo: molluscum contagiosum
The disease is caused by a virus transmitted through sexual contact and household contact.
- The infection is characterized by the appearance of a pimple that resembles a flesh-colored wart with a depression in the center.
- Inside the pimple there is a curdled content in which the pathogen develops.
Molluscum contagiosum can appear on various parts of the body, including the groin area.
Squeezing out such formations is strictly prohibited, otherwise the infection may spread throughout the body.
Genital herpes
The causative agent of the infection is the herpes virus.
Photo: genital herpes
- The first symptoms appear 3–4 days after infection. The disease is accompanied by a burning sensation in the groin area, the rapid appearance of single blisters filled with clear or purulent fluid.
- The blisters merge and burst, forming a bleeding lesion (ulcer). Relapses of the disease can occur after an acute viral infection, hypothermia or nervous stress, as a result of weakened immunity.
Stages of development
According to the degree of spread, 3 stages of the inflammatory process are distinguished.
- Easy. It is characterized by the appearance of single, non-inflamed pimples, the number of which does not exceed 10.
- Average. Accompanied by the appearance of various types of rashes (comedones, inflamed and purulent pimples), the number of which reaches 40.
- Heavy. Inflammation covers large areas of the skin; the number of non-inflamed and inflamed elements, ulcers and small boils exceeds 40.
Soothing and restorative ointments with natural composition
In addition to medications for acne, there are ointments with natural ingredients that have many advantages and no contraindications.
Rescuer forte
Rescuer ointment gives good results. It contains many natural essential oils that soften the skin, relieve inflammation and promote rapid healing of microcracks. The product is applied in a thick layer, cover the affected area with a piece of gauze on top and leave until the morning.
Boro plus
The cream with boro plus herbal ingredients is widely popular. The drug has pronounced anti-inflammatory, antifungal properties, and also prevents purulent skin processes. It is applied in a thin layer to pimples up to 3 times a day.
Malavit
Less common, but intended for women's health, Malavit cream gel also has positive reviews in the treatment of rashes in the intimate area. Natural ingredients penetrate deep into the skin and soften it, removing pimples.
Machine and requirements for it
For the most comfortable and safe shaving of the intimate area, you need to choose the right razor. When choosing a machine, you should pay attention to the following points:
- the convenience of the machine, its reliable fixation in the hand;
- It is better to choose the handle of the product from a soft rubberized material rather than from plastic;
- three blades will shave hairs easier and faster, causing less damage to the skin;
- The rotating head will make movements smoother and less traumatic.
Regardless of the type of razor, during the hair removal procedure it is necessary to use emollients for depilation. Also, timely replacement of the razor or cassette will be the best prevention of cuts, their infection and various pimples. The blade is changed as often as possible, and the ideal option is to change it after each procedure. After shaving, pimples will appear in the intimate area much less often if you use special products.
Do not use the same razor on your legs, armpits and bikini area at the same time.
What is more effective: a machine or an epilator?
Modern epilators have become an alternative to simple machines for many, but each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Machine for shaving
Removing unwanted hairs with a razor familiar to everyone is a fairly quick procedure. Another significant advantage is the availability of this method and the low cost of the product compared to an epilator. But the machine also has its drawbacks. Sharp blades remove the top layer of the epidermis, thereby injuring the delicate area and leaving cuts. Despite the simplicity of the procedure, new hairs grow on the second or third day. As the razor cuts the hairs, they become thicker and stronger.
Epilator
Using an epilator, you can achieve a long-lasting effect when hair does not grow from 2 to 5 weeks. This result is obtained due to the fact that the electrical device removes the hair completely along with the bulb. The razor does not leave irritation or cuts. There may be some redness after the first procedure, but later, after regular hair removal, the hairs become thinner, softer, and much easier to remove. The advantage of an epilator is the rare replacement of parts compared to a machine, where the blade quickly becomes unusable.
The epilator also has disadvantages, including its high price, as well as the painfulness of the procedure. The degree of pain depends on the individual sensitivity of the woman. The power supply of a depilation device limits its mobility; a regular machine can be taken with you anywhere without any problems. For many, this depilation method becomes a favorite from the first use, but not everyone can overcome the pain and opt for a simple and affordable razor.
We do not recommend using an epilator for shaving in the deep bikini area; it can be very painful and traumatic, since the skin there is thin and delicate. As an option, give preference to wax strips or sugaring.
Oil mixture
To soothe irritated skin and moisturize it a little, you can prepare an oil mixture. The following oils are used for the base :
- peach;
- almond;
- olive;
- castor;
- linen;
- sea buckthorn;
- rosehip;
- grape seeds;
- any unrefined oil.
To 1 tbsp. l. oil base, add 4 drops of tea tree and treat the intimate area.