Must-Follow Tips for Shaving Your Face if You Have Acne

If you have acne on your face, you need to switch to an acne-safe shaving routine.

Shaving can irritate skin and lead to more breakouts. Shaving creams can clog pores, electric razors often irritate skin and harbor bacteria, and even razor blades can cause a lot of friction and irritation.

Instead, our acne experts recommend sticking to a gentle shaving routine with the goal of less friction and pressure, fewer passes over the skin, and products that won’t clog pores.

Follow these tips for a clean, comfortable shave that’s gentle on acne-prone skin:

1. Wash Your Face Before You Shave

Clean skin creates a better starting point for shaving and leads to less irritation.

We recommend using The Acne Lab Cleanser 101 to gently wash away oil, sweat, and buildup. Being gentle with your skin is key, so don’t scrub or use a harsh exfoliator before putting a razor on your skin.

2. Use Cleanser 101 Instead of Traditional Shave Cream

Many traditional shaving products contain ingredients that clog pores, which only encourages more breakouts.

The Acne Lab Cleanser 101 doesn’t just cleanse skin. It works great as a shaving cream, and it’s free of pore cloggers.

How to use Cleanser 101 as a shave cream: After you have cleansed your skin, reapply a thin layer of cleanser to damp skin. Shave and rinse.

3. Choose a Single-Blade Razor

Use a clean, sharp single-blade razor rather than an electric razor.

Electric razors can create more repeated friction and heat against the skin, and it’s easy to make multiple passes over the same area trying to get a closer shave. For acne-prone skin, unnecessary friction and repeated passes can lead to more irritation.

Electric razor heads can also trap oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, which you can spread across your face as you shave.

A single blade is a cleaner way to shave and lets you make one controlled pass with less friction.

4. Shave in the Direction Your Hair Grows

Avoid shaving against the grain of your hair. While it can give a closer shave, it can also increase irritation and the risk of razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Instead, follow the direction your hair grows, using light pressure and short, controlled strokes.

5. Don’t Shave Over Active Breakouts

Whenever possible, avoid dragging the razor directly over raised or inflamed pimples.

Going over an active breakout can irritate it, cause bleeding, and potentially make the area more inflamed. Work around larger or more irritated blemishes instead.

6. Rinse Your Skin and Don’t Scrub

Once you’re finished shaving, rinse your face with cool or lukewarm water.

Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Don’t scrub or rub your freshly shaved skin.

7. Continue with the Rest of Your Skincare Routine

After shaving, continue with the routine your acne expert has given you.

If you’re following The Acne Lab’s Clear Skin Program, you’ll follow your The Acne Lab Cleanser 101 with The Acne Lab Toner 101 and the rest of your routine.

The goal is to leave your skin calm, comfortable, and hydrated.

Need More Help?

Have questions about shaving with acne-prone skin or building the right routine? Book a consultation and we’ll help you put all the pieces