Hair Care as Skin Care: Face-Shaving Tips for Skin with Rosacea

It's been over a month since the contact dermatitis episode that put me in rosacea jail. While focusing on barrier repair, I've had to fight a daily itch to dermaplane. In addition to a variety of sensitivities and autoimmune conditions, I have hirsutism related to PMOS. In this community we talk about acne, redness, signs of aging, dehydration, oil, and a number complexion concerns that we address with our routines. But another area of concern is facial hair where, socially anyway, it is not expected to be. Cultural and ethnic variances exist, of course.

Shaving, in addition to hair removal, can be a helpful form of exfoliation when done properly and with care for post-treatment skin. I love the freshness that follows a shave.

But I'm still anxious to try it again.

And I'm also anxious about the whiskers.

And I'm also anxious about starting a topical treatment for rosacea where my research leads me to believe that a sound barrier is essential for success with avoiding the side-effects of the medication.

Ultimately, I've decided to hold off on potentially stressing my barrier prior to treatment. In the meantime, I found tips from the National Rosacea Society that I want to save for myself for later when my skin feels ready.

Caveat: The article has a gender bias, but we know facial hair does not. 🙊

🚿 Prepping your skin.
Take a warm (not hot) shower, or use your hands and a soft washcloth to apply warm water and a gentle cleanser to your face before shaving. This will soften the hair, remove dirt and oils, and soothe the skin.

💈 Shaving.
Take your time! And always shave with the grain of the hair, not against it. This will minimize irritation from friction. You may prefer to use an electric razor to avoid the irritation of a dull razor blade. However, if you want a closer shave, try using disposable, multi-blade razors, and replacing the razor every 1-3 shaves. A sharper blade is less likely to irritate your skin. If you are shaving a beard or longer stubble, try starting with an electric razor, and then use a fresh, sharp multi-blade razor for the close shave.

🧴 Using shaving creams and lotions.
Avoid any shaving creams or lotions that burn or sting your skin, and look for products made for sensitive skin or skin prone to redness.

😶‍🌫️ Rinsing and drying.
When you have finished shaving, rinse again with lukewarm water, not hot or cold. Pat (don’t rub) your face dry with a soft towel.

💊 After-shave care.
Once your face is completely dry, you may apply your topical rosacea medications. Then, wait five to 10 minutes before applying moisturizer.

🚫 Topicals to Avoid
Traditional aftershaves and toners often contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol or witch hazel that can cause irritation or damage the skin’s moisture barrier, and may also include fragrances that could trigger a flare-up.

🍀 Topicals to Use
Use a post-shave balm and/or moisturizer designed for sensitive skin to help soothe your face. Apply gently, as your skin may be extra sensitive after shaving.

Questions:
- Do you remember to prep your skin? Confession: it never occurred to me to use a warm compress.

- Favorite razor or dermaplane tool? I'm heartbroken that Versed discontinued their razor.

- Has anyone had success using a shaving lotion, gel, or oil that they like?

- What post-shave balm or moisturizer would you immediately reach for?

Source: https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skin-care/face-shaving-tips-for-skin-with-rosacea