Does Shaving Cause Acne? Truth About Razor Bumps and Breakouts

 

Acne is a condition that affects 85% of people at some stage in their lives. It presents as red, angry pimples (usually in clusters) in various areas of the body, but especially the face and neck. These pimples appear as a result of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands, which leads to an aggressive skin reaction.

Acne can be unsightly and embarrassing, and can potentially leave unwanted scarring in chronic cases. It usually appears during adolescence, which is also the same time a young man will begin shaving. But can shaving actually cause acne to appear?

Before exploring the answer to the question, Does Shaving Cause Acne? it is important to understand the difference between acne and shaving rash / razor bumps.

Does Shaving Cause acne? Acne vs Razor Bumps

When people ask does shaving cause acne?, the confusion often comes from mixing up razor bumps with acne breakouts. Razor bumps are small, red, or pink spots that often appear after a close shave, especially when using multi-blade razors. With these razors, the first blade lifts the hair out of the follicle while the second or third blade slices the hair beneath the skin’s surface, creating that smooth, clean-shaven feeling many men want.

The problem is that the skin naturally tries to repair itself quickly. A new layer of skin forms over the freshly cut hair root, and when the hair begins to grow back, it pushes against the skin. This causes irritation, swelling, and redness as the hair struggles to break through. The result is a red, inflamed bump that looks like a pimple—commonly seen on shaved areas like the neck, chin, and cheeks. This is why many people think shaving directly causes acne, when in reality, these are razor bumps, not true acne pimples.

Acne, on the other hand, has different underlying causes. While acne may look similar to razor bumps, it is driven by biological factors such as hormones and bacteria. Hormonal activity—especially during adolescence—triggers skin changes that can lead to acne breakouts. Testosterone, the male hormone that influences beard growth, voice depth, and even metabolism, also stimulates androgen receptor cells in the skin. When testosterone levels fluctuate, the skin can react by overproducing oil, which clogs pores and leads to acne.

Lifestyle choices like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can help regulate hormones and reduce acne. However, persistent or severe breakouts should be discussed with a doctor or dermatologist.

Bacteria also plays a significant role. The bacteria responsible for acne, Propionibacterium acnes, naturally lives on the skin. Normally harmless, it becomes problematic when clogged pores trap excess oil and dead skin cells, creating a breeding ground for bacterial growth. The immune system responds by sending cells to fight the bacteria, leading to swelling, redness, and pus-filled pimples. Unlike razor bumps, acne can appear almost anywhere—your forehead, scalp, cheeks, chin, back, chest, and arms.

One common myth is that eating chocolate causes acne. The truth is, diet has far less influence than hormones, bacteria, or shaving irritation. So while you might struggle with breakouts from shaving or hormonal imbalance, indulging in a chocolate bar won’t make your acne worse.

In short, while shaving can lead to razor bumps and shaving pimples, it doesn’t directly cause acne. Understanding the difference between shaving irritation and acne breakouts is key to finding the right treatment and preventing unnecessary skin problems. So does Shaving Cause Acne?

 Does shaving cause acne? Shaving With Acne

Acne can make shaving really difficult. If you have a large, pussy white-head on your chin surrounded by stubble, the last thing you want to do is run a sharp razor over it. Yet, leaving it alone would mean not leaving the house for several days!

Shaving over acne can worsen the acne because it further irritates the skin. Also, the application of certain shaving gels and aftershaves can make the acne worse by clogging the pores further – we will touch on this later in the article.

An electric razor is one option for acne sufferers of any age. An electric razor doesn’t tend to cut as deep as a three-blade razor, so may not irritate the acne as much, and certainly will reduce the risk of razor bumps. Here are three of the most popular electric razors for acne sufferers:

Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 Men’s Electric Razor, 4-Blade Cordless with Wet/Dry Shaver Convenience

Features

• Electric razor is the 4-blade, dual-motor shaving system with precision-honed 30° angle Nanotech blades for maximum durability and sharpness
• Powerful Hyper Performance Dual Motor which features a linear drive that delivers 14,000 cuts her minute – that’s 56,000 cross-cutting actions per minute across 4 blades – while a second motor vibrates the Arc 4 shaver head up and down to help lift and hold hair for a clean, smooth, efficient shave
• The Panasonic Arc 4 Multi-Flex pivoting head enables the men’s electric shaver to glide smoothly along the individual contours of the face, chin, neck and jaw and Multi-fit ARC foils gently conform to facial contours, for enhanced shaving comfort
• The Panasonic shaver’s built-in Pop-Up Trimmer details sideburns and mustaches; wet/dry electric razor operation makes shaving in or out of the shower quick and convenient
• Shaves per Charge (3 minutes per one shave) approximately 14 Shaves

This award winning, three-blade electric razor features multi-fit ARC foils that accurately conform to facial contours, for optimal shaving comfort.

Braun Series 5 52S Electric Shaver Head Replacement Cassette – Silver

Features

• COMPATABILITY: This replacement head works with these Series 5 models: 5030, 5040 and 5090
• PEAK PERFORMANCE: to maintain your best shave, we recommend replacing the shaver head every 18 months
• CLOSE SHAVE: The replacement head get’s your shaver back to 100% performance and a closer shave.
• SIMPLE REPLACEMENT: easily attach your new shaver head in 2 steps
• QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP: 100% made in Germany and compatible with Series 5 electric shavers

This popular electric razor uses innovative FlexMotionTec to perform efficiently using less pressure, which minimises skin irritation.

Philips Norelco Shaver 8900 Rechargeable Wet/Dry Electric Shaver with Click-on Beard Styler Attachment, S8950/91

Features

• The Philips Norelco shaver 8900 is designed to contour to the curves of your face and cut closer to the skin; Experience a premium wet or dry shaving experience day after day in a convenient, cordless shaver
• Unique contour detect technology follows the curves of your face to cut up to 20 percent more hair in a single pass; The V track precision blades deliver a comfortable shave that is 30 percent closer to your skin
• The smart click beard styler is designed to prevent skin irritation with its rounded tips and comb and include 5 built in length settings for trimming stubble to a short beard
• Shave wherever and however you’d like; Enjoy a convenient dry shave or a comfortable wet shave with gel or foam, or even in the shower
• The rechargeable Lithium ion battery delivers the power of a corded shaver without the hassle of a cord; 50 minutes of shaving time, with a 3 level LED battery indicator; Automatic voltage: 100-240 V

This electric razor can provide a closer shave than similar electric razors on the market, but still help prevent rash and minimise the irritation of acne.

A safety razor is another option for men who suffer with acne, or who want to avoid razor bumps. A safety razor used to be the number one razor before the invention of multi-blade razors. They contain a double edged blade that you insert into the head of the razor.

It doesn’t give you the closest shave on the first swipe, so it takes a few strokes to achieve the desired smoothness. This shouldn’t irritate your acne spots, but will if you go over the same area too many times. Still, it’s far better for acne than a three-blade razor which will only cut into the inflamed skin making it worse.

Shaving Products For Acne

So back to the answer to the question, Does Shaving Cause Acne? While shaving itself may not be the root cause of acne, it can make acne worse through the razor type and products such as shaving creams, foams and aftershaves.

As a rule of thumb, cheap foams and gels contain unwanted, unnecessary chemicals which do not benefit your skin in the slightest. They’re usually added to make the product longer lasting and able to transform from a gel to a foam while being applied.

Rubbing these chemicals into your already-sore spots can make them sting and swell even more.

It is best to swap to an organic, lightweight shaving cream with added moisturiser to keep your skin happy and settled. Here are three particularly effective products:

The Body Shop For Men Maca Root Shave Cream Regular, 6.3 Fluid Ounces

Features

• The Body Shop For Men Maca Root Shave Cream Regular

Contains Peruvian maca root which refreshes and softens the skin, preparing it for a cleaner, healthier shave.

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave Shaving Cream, Green Tea & Bamboo Shaving Soap, 11 oz

Features

• This remarkable 11oz shaving cream in convenient pump is second to none with unique 4 in 1 formula shaving cream provides a clean shave while it softens, smoothes, soothes, and moisturizes your skin-use on legs, face, and underarms.
• In addition to the Olive Oil and Coconut Oil moisturizers this shave soap includes Golden Seal, Lemongrass, and Aloe Vera to sooth plus a natural Green Tea & Bamboo scent to revitalize your scenses
• Let this one-of-a-kind moisture shave shaving cream nourish naturally with it’s exceptional botanical blends including Lemongrass and Soapwort for cleansing
• Phthalate-free
• Every ingredient in this product is deeply thought out from the Goldenseal to protect against nicks and scratches to the Lady’s Mantle which acts as an astringent and even cooling peppermint.

An organic shaving cream packed with pore clearing properties such as green tea.

Maison Lambert Organic Aftershave Balm for Men – Amazing for Sensitive Skin – Protective, Soothing and moisturizing, a Must Have for a Perfect Shave – Free Shipping – 2oz

Features

• 99% Organic – Vegan – Handmade in the pure French Tradition
• Alcohol Free and Chemical Free
• Heal, Soothe and Moisturize your face
• Hypoallergenic
• No animal testing – Free of Parabens, Sulfates, Dyes, Toxins, artificial fragrances, Ethyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, DEA and petroleum oil!

A lightweight, organic aftershave balm with no alcohol or preservatives.

Does Shaving Cause Acne? Top Tip:

Many organic, natural shaving products contain coconut oil or shea butter. While these gorgeous ingredients smell and feel amazing, they can clog the pores and make acne worse. It is best to choose lighter natural ingredients such as green tea, lemonbalm, mint and berries.

Product Ingredients To Avoid

When purchasing a shaving gel, cream or soap, it is good to look on the ingredients list first to ensure you’re not going to do your acne more harm by applying the product.

Common ingredients to avoid are:

• Potassium Chloride
• Sodium Laurel Sulfate
• ​Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol
• ​Benzoic Acid
• ​Coconut oil
• ​Avocado oil
• ​Carrageenans
• ​Dioctyl Succinate
• ​Glyceryl-3-Disostearate
• ​Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
• ​Isostearyl Isostearate
• ​Myristic Acid
• ​PG Monostearate
• ​Sodium Chloride
• Sulfated Castor Oil

Does Shaving Cause Acne? The Bottom Line

Once again, Does Shaving Cause Acne? Acne isn’t directly caused by shaving, but shaving can worsen acne. Shaving can also cause acne-like symptoms known as shaving bumps. In order to allow your acne to clear up, and avoid irritating it, there are steps you can take such as buying a different type of razor and watching out for harmful ingredients in your shaving products.

Acne can be unavoidable, especially within adolescence, but will clear up on its own. Often there are common biological or psychological factors that are behind the problem. You can, however, continue to shave safely without worsening your acne as long as you are mindful about your shaving products and techniques.

Love the article does cause acne? Why not check out more of our shaving articles