Yahoo Lifestyle 9 Best Razors for Sensitive Skin That'll Provide a Clean Shave Without Irritation
In an age where there are countless ways to get rid of unwanted hair, we remain loyal to good, old-fashioned shaving. Can you blame us? Shaving is more comfortable than waxing and less costly than laser hair removal, not to mention it's quick, easy, and beginner-friendly.
But, with all there is to know and love about this trusted maintenance practice, things can get a little hairy (no pun intended) if your skin leans sensitive. You'll have to pay extra attention to avoid nicks, cuts, bumps, irritation, and ingrown hairs, which according to California-based board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, can all be caused by things like dry shaving (a.k.a. get your hands on a dependable shaving cream), shaving too fast, failure to moisturize, and shaving against the direction of your hair growth.
You'll also want to be mindful of swapping out your razor often — old, dull razors are less likely to cause irritation than a new, sharp blade (since you won't need to drag the razor over the skin with much force), says San Francisco-based board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, Tracy Evans, MD.
Aside from following the basic rules of proper shaving, the type of razor you use matters. There are several key features to consider when it comes to finding a sensitive skin-friendly razor, including the number of blades, blade spacing, and special features like a skin guard, lubricating strips, and finger grooves to help minimize the risk of cuts, says Dr. Shirazi. Below, we've rounded up nine of the best razors for sensitive skin that'll provide a smooth shave — minus the irritation.
$42.00, Hanni
$10.00, Billie
What's good about a weighted razor, you ask? Hanni's The Weighted Razor, one of the best safety razors on the market and the winner of a 2022 Allure Best of Beauty Award, makes it all make sense. Made out of 100 percent metal, this single-blade razor doesn't require harsh pressure or tugging, meaning you'll get a close shave with every single use. The extra-long handle makes body shaving a breeze, plus, it features finger grooves, which "can make holding the razor more comfortable and allow for better control when maneuvering over the skin," says Dr. Shirazi.
While single-blade Billie razors are ideal for those with sensitive skin, a multiple-blade razor — like the one in Billie's The Razor Starter Kit — means you'll get a clean shave with fewer passes needed. That, in turn, results in fewer chances of nicking yourself. Additionally, Dr. Evans says that a razor with multiple blades can help compensate for the fact that hairs grow in an irregular pattern. To keep razor burns at bay and cuts to a minimum, this razor features a soothing aloe moisturizer. This kit also comes with a nifty magnetic holder and two blade refills, so you're basically set.
$8.00, Flamingo
Athena Club The Best Shave Ever
$9.00, Athena Club
It's impossible to choose just one thing to gush over when it comes to Flamingo's 5-blade Razor, which happens to be an Allure 2022 Best of Beauty winner. The non-slip grip of the razor handle helps you maintain better control, which reduces the likelihood of accidentally nicking yourself, Dr. Shirazi attests. The five sharp blades offer a smooth, gentle shave as it lubricates with aloe and shea butter. And finally, the brand's 360° Comfort System consists of a pivoting head that goes in whatever direction you want it to.
We're dubbing Athena Club's The Best Shave Ever the unicorn of razors. It features a water-activated hyaluronic acid strip to protect against nicks and cuts, cushioned blades to improve the shaving experience, plus, a magnetic hook to hang the razor while not in use. Another major plus: It comes in several shades to suit your personal bathroom aesthetic. Like we said, unicorn.
Gillette Venus ComfortGlide Razor
$10.00, Amazon
Oui the People The Single Sensitive Skin Razor
$85.00, Oui the People
Thanks to the self-adjusting, curve-hugging design of the Gilette Venus Comfort Glide, it's easy to get into every nook and cranny on your face and body (including those hard-to-reach spots around your underarms and knees). The razor also comes with a lubricating strip, which "helps reduce friction and soothe the skin while you shave," notes Dr. Shirazi. Bonus: This set comes with two refills, so you can keep up your shaving routine without pause.
A weighted razor like The Single Sensitive Skin Razor from Oui the People does the job and does it well. It features a single blade — so it won't take off any of your skin during the shaving process — and is made of recyclable stainless steel, which is more durable than plastic disposable razors. This also comes with 10 replacement blades that'll last you through the summer and beyond, making that $85 price tag oh-so-worth it.
Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive Skin Razor
$13.00, Amazon
Kitsch Perfect Glide Safety Razor
$29.00, Ulta Beauty
$20.00, Truly Beauty
It's easier to prevent bumps and cuts than to treat them; hence, why a razor such as Schick Hydrosilk's Sensitive Skin is a real winner for those looking to get ahead of any potential irritation. The razor has skin guards to protect your skin at every stroke, which Dr. Shirazi says helps to "create a barrier between the blade and your skin to reduce friction, and thus, minimize the risk of nicks and cuts." A razor with skin guards is also great for the area between the lip and the nose, as it'll "protect the delicate edge of the skin in this area," says Dr. Evans.
One look at Kitsch's Perfect Glide Safety Razor and it's easy to see that it'll offer up some major eye candy as it sits in your shower. On top of that, it features a single blade, which Dr. Shirazi says creates less friction, and therefore, less skin irritation. Though each razor comes with five extra razor blades (yay for fuss-free swapping!), you can also buy a bundle that includes the brand's fan-favorite Solid Shave Butter, which is laced with hydrating shea butter to keep your skin uber-conditioned while shaving.
It's sayonara for razor bumps and redness, thanks to Truly Beauty's Truly Blue Razor. The aloe- and shea butter-infused gel bars on this razor are what make the tool extra special and suitable for those with sensitive skin. "Aloe vera helps soothe itchiness and irritation, and is also rich in phytosterols to prevent transepidermal water loss," explains Dr. Shirazi. As for the shea butter? Dr. Shirazi says that it's a powerful emollient with calming properties that's also a great source of allantoin to heal irritation.
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Originally Appeared on Allure
