Klairs Escuela de la Piel

Post-Shave Irritation: A Gentle Routine for Sensitive Skin

Shaving scrapes more than hair — it removes a thin layer of skin too. On sensitive skin that often means redness, stinging or small bumps. A few changes before and after the razor make a big difference. Before you shave Shave after a warm (not hot) shower, when hair is softer. Use a cushioning shave gel or cream, not just water. Use a sharp blade and shave with the direction of growth. Skip exfoliating acids and retinoids the night before. After you shave Rinse with cool water and pat dry — don't rub. Skip stinging aftershaves with high alcohol or strong fragrance. Pat in a fragrance-free hydrating toner such as the Supple Preparation Unscented Toner. Finish with a calming moisturizer. One reviewer wrote that the Midnight Blue Calming Cream is so calming they stopped using a separate shave balm. Razor bumps and ingrown hairs Don't pick or squeeze them. Give skin a day off between shaves if you can. See a doctor or dermatologist if bumps are painful, filled with pus, or keep coming back. FAQ How do I stop my face from burning after shaving? Rinse with cool water, avoid alcohol-heavy or fragranced aftershaves, and apply a fragrance-free toner and calming moisturizer. Can I use moisturizer instead of aftershave? Yes. A calming moisturizer can replace an aftershave balm for many people, especially with sensitive skin. Should I use exfoliating acids before shaving? Not the night before or right before shaving — it can make skin more reactive to the razor. What causes razor bumps? Often hairs curling back into the skin after shaving. See a dermatologist if they're painful or frequent. Note: figures come from cosmetic clinical/consumer studies measuring the appearance and feel of skin. They are not medical claims; individual results vary; not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Always patch test.