Routine 101

The Do's and Don'ts of Facial Hair Skincare

Q: How Do I Avoid Razor Bumps, Acne, And Flakiness?

Avoid razor bumps by shaving with the grain, or in the direction hair is growing. This might take some getting used to, but going against the grain increases chances of irritation and ingrowns.

By Hanna Yowell

Filed Under

Breakouts

Dehydration

Routine 101

Whether you’re maintaining or shaving your scruff,  here’s how to avoid ingrowns and irritation—from your daily routine to monthly facials.

Should I Exfoliate Before I Shave?

Do Exfoliate On Shaving Off Days

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface—a key step to keeping skin healthy and clear. Regarding facial hair, this step in your skincare routine is particularly important to prevent ingrown hairs, acne, and bumps. Use a gentle physical exfoliant like the Daily Microfoliant on the entire face to prevent and treat inflammation about three times per week.

Don’t Exfoliate The Same Day You Shave

However, because shaving is a form of physical exfoliation, make sure to only use your exfoliating products on days you don’t shave.

How Do I Prep Skin For Shaving?

Do Open Up Pores And Use A Shave Gel Or Cream

While exfoliation is key for keeping pores clear on your shaving off-days, there are still a few more steps to ensure a smooth shave. Right before you shave, rinse your skin with warm water and apply a pre-shave gel or cream, like Ursa Major’s Stellar Shave Cream to nourish and protect skin.

Don’t Use Dull or Old Tools

The exact cadence will depend on your individual routine, but you’ll want to swap out your blade between about every 3-10 uses. Indicators that it’s time to switch are if you feel the razor pulling at your hair or if skin appears more irritated.

Using a shave gel or cream, rinsing the razor after each stroke, and keeping your razor clean and dry between uses are simple ways to prolong the use of your tools.

How Do I Avoid Razor Bumps, Acne, And Flakiness?

Do Shave in the Direction of the Hair Growth

Avoid razor bumps by shaving with the grain, or in the direction hair is growing. This might take some getting used to, but going against the grain increases chances of irritation and ingrowns.

Do Moisturize Regularly

Especially in the colder, dryer months, dehydration can cause flakiness and dullness. For those who are clean shaven or just have a bit of scruff, use a hydrating moisturizer like Naturopathica’s Rosemary Oil-Reducing Moisturizer consistently at morning and at night, as well as right after you shave. For fuller beards, beard oils and conditioners will be your go-tos.

Don’t Shave Over Any Open Cuts

Despite your best efforts, if you do happen to get a razor cut or nick, treat it right away by compressing the area gently with with a warm washcloth, applying an alcohol-free toner or aftershave, and once the bleeding has stopped, spot treating the area with your moisturizer. Then, make sure to avoid shaving over the area until it’s fully healed.

Do Come in For Facials

No matter how much facial hair you’re working with, monthly facials can be extremely beneficial for those with any level of scruff. For those with shorter beards or stubble, the LED Light Therapy treatment will work wonders to treat any acne or inflammation. Plus, we have a High-Frequency Beard Comb available that kills bacteria trapped in facial hair of all lengths.