How to Prevent Acne When Shaving Your Chest

Pimples can form when sebum gets blocked in pores by dead skin cells in hair follicles. Bacteria grows inside the follicles, which then rupture near the surface and form whiteheads or blackheads. You should not touch or irritate acne-prone skin, and this can make shaving acne-prone areas like the face and chest difficult.

Close-up of a shirtless man's torso with a woman in a red bikini top cuddling him. (Image: Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Step 1

Wash your chest with warm water. Sitting in a hot bath can be helpful, as it allows your hair follicles to open up. Soak your body for at least three minutes to soften your skin.

Step 2

Apply a pre-shave oil such as jojoba oil. Acne.org suggests this helps to further soften skin and prepare it for a close shave.

Step 3

Trim any extra hairs that are too long to shave with a small pair of scissors.

Step 4

Use a quality, nondisposable razor with a sharp blade. Apply a water-based shaving gel for sensitive skin. Always shave in the direction of hair growth, and stretch your skin to pull it taut for a closer shave.

Step 5

Wash the gel and hair off generously with warm water. TeensHealth suggests finishing off the rinse with cold water to close off pores.

Things You'll Need

Jojoba oil
Small pair of scissors
Nondisposable razor
Mild cleanser
Noncomedogenic shaving cream

Tip

Add some drops of tea tree and lavender essential oils to jojoba oil for an aftershave oil that can help acne. These essential oils are known to help prevent and treat acne. Never pick or squeeze bumps that form. Try using an electric razor until your skin calms down again. Shave in front of a mirror in a well-lit area. Waxing your chest hair is another option for hair removal, but is more painful. Try adding a few pumps of an acne-medicated soap to your shaving gel.

Warning

Be patient when shaving your chest area. Shave with care to prevent nicks and cuts. If you are experiencing troublesome acne on your chest, you may want to discontinue shaving and contact your dermatologist.