BootsnAll Travel Community

I tend to have sensitive skin on my face and usually can't shave without cutting myself at least once. I am planning an upcoming RTW trip in places that I am sure don't have the most hygenic water in the world. Are there any health issues that I should be concerned about when washing my face after shaving? Anyone ever get an infection from shaving their face while traveling?

Better idea: Stop shaving.

You do not really have to wash straight away.

Just massage the excess shaving cream/gel into the skin and it disappears.

you should just relax and take your time to shave. Dont be in a rush. Or you better go to a hairdresser or any saloon to get it shaved: they do it with precautions

quote:

Better idea: Stop shaving

VERY BAD IDEA. You should never relinquish on something when solutions are available.

What next? Will we shower only with bottled water?

I shave daily when traveling (gotta look my best!) and have experienced no troubles, ever.
If you are in a really skanky place, then go to a barber shop and get a shave.
Well worth the experience, in my opinion.

So far, I've cut myself a few times while shaving, and not died of an infectious disease yet. I could be an exception, though.

Seriously, if you make sure to use SHARP blades, like a gillette mach 3 (only good for about two weeks, then replace blade) you'll eliminate a lot of that issue.

I make it a point not to shave with cold water unless I can absolutely help it, since shaving with hot water is far less inclined to cause cuts.

Barbers are fun too, especially when they set your ears on fire to get rid of that terrible ear hair.

just make sure that you havent drank any alcohol before shaving. otherwise the blood will take a long time to clot no matter how small the cut

If you're drinking alcohol before you shave that might explain the cuts in the first place

Four words: Battery Powered Electric Shaver

Actually, those mach3 blades will last a lot longer than 2 weeks if you only shave 2 or 3 times a week. I've been using my blade for 5 months so far! Then again, I have exceptionally tough skin and shave only with water so it might be different for other people

I agree: if you buy a new high zoot Mach III blade, use a bar of shaving soap (any bar soap will do, but shaving soap is better) and shave after a hot shower then you will have no problems. One blade lasts at least several weeks.

signed,

"Baby Face" static

I shave daily (or more often -- must be the Hungarian blood in me) whether traveling or at home. I've never had a problem caused by cutting myself in a place with dodgy water. The only problem I've had is swimming in the Dead Sea after shaving and not even cutting myself as far as I could tell -- felt like someone had thrown acid on my face. If I go back there, I'll skip a day before venturing in the brine.

I cant believe that you can get 2 weeks from a mach 3 blade. I get 1 week tops. I am very dark mind you and need to shave every day.

Why not get a Styptic Pencil, which would help with the cuts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styptic

Thought about going with old style Double Edge, I find if you have a thick beard they are infinitely better than an M3, just make sure you learn how to use it properly. Another good thing, depending on the cut you might not even notice until you've finished plus there will only be one cut, not 3!

Also the styptic pen is a good idea, pretty much stops the bleeding instantly and they way it does it means you will have a natural barrier over the cut much faster.

As much as I love the Mach III, I've got to say that the Gilette Fusion is even better! Blades are expensive but you can get them for about 1/2 price in bulk via Ebay.