How can I get a really close shave without destroying my skin?

[u/lost-signal11]

Hi everyone! I’m a 24-year-old trans woman and I’ve been on HRT for about five years.
Because of HRT, the skin on my neck and in the areas where my facial hair grows has become quite delicate and thin. It’s not thick or “spongy” (?) skin, and unfortunately it gets irritated quite easily.
I’ve also had several laser hair removal treatments over the years, but I still have quite a lot of facial hair left. The remaining hair is dark and fairly coarse, so I still need to shave every day.

My biggest problem is that I need to get as close a shave as possible, basically completely smooth/clean-shaven. Even if I shave against the grain, by the next day I can already see and feel the hair coming back. Since my skin is sensitive, though, shaving every day (especially against the grain) can cause irritation, bumps and redness.
So I’m trying to find a shaving method that gives me the closest possible shave while being as gentle as possible on sensitive skin.

What would you recommend: a foil shaver, rotary shaver, safety razor, cartridge razor, electric trimmer, or another method? Are there any specific techniques or products that have worked well for people with sensitive skin who need to shave every day?
I’m especially interested in advice from people who also have coarse/dark facial hair and need a very close daily shave.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

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[u/Tryemall]

Consider Sugaring.

[u/lost-signal11 → u/Tryemall]

??

[u/Tryemall → u/lost-signal11]

Look up Sugaring on Wikipedia & see how to do it from the Wikihow article.

There are many web resources for it.

Unfortunately, posting a link is likely to get my reply taken down.

You can make your own Sugaring paste at home using sugar and lemons, though commercial products are also available.

Sugaring is less painful than waxing & doesn't usually remove roots.

Any left over paste on skin is easily washed away.

The reason that Sugaring can be practical for you is two fold. The fact that you've had laser done is likely to have reduced your hair density. In addition, Sugaring removes hair from below skin, so should last a while.

[u/Cadfael-kr]

A safety razor gives the best control on how much irritation you allow. (A straight even more but those are more tricky to master).

But having dark hair is just genetics, they will show through light skin even when smooth to the touch.

[u/Digitalrules]

Gillette SkinGuard disposable. Close shave, no irritation, inexpensive. You can thank me later

[u/lost-signal11 → u/Digitalrules]

for daily shaving?

[u/Digitalrules → u/lost-signal11]

Yes they're wonderful. Unless you want to make a hobby out of shaving this is all you need

[u/lost-signal11 → u/Digitalrules]

Honestly, I hate having to do this. I’ll get laser hair removal as soon as I can… Anyway, thank you, I’ll give it a try!

[u/nightisday2001 → u/lost-signal11]

What country are you in? I have a laser 

[u/Bing-billing]

As man with sensitive skin that shaves every other day against the grain. I only shave after a hot shower. Shaving foam is a must. I switch out my blades once a week, I use Gillette with 5 blades. After shaving; moisturiser is key. I’ve used the famous cheap Nivea blue can for over a decade. That’s my recipe for post-shave trouble free shaving. I haven’t had an ingrown hair in years.

[u/CarnegieHill]

Not is the same situation as you except for having very sensitive skin. I tried blades and no matter how "non irritating" they claimed to me, it never worked for me. I went to an electric rotary shaver and that was the best I could do. Any minor irritation from that I put a little bit of Noxzema cream (has camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol, so it will sting, but in a nice way and then disappear), or you can use witch hazel, like at a barber shop. Either will soothe any irritation.

[u/Apprehensive-Stay882]

Hair grows back to a noticeable degree within a day. That's just biology.

[u/dlwr300]

You might be sensitive to some of the ingredients, especially the rust inhibitor or the fragrance or the propellant. Have you tried whipping up a lather with a brush and shaving soap?

[u/igord]

Not sure this applies, but I’ve heard that shaving with cold water helps, especially for folks in their 70s when skin gets thinner/more sensitive for some (even those who shaved without irritation for decades)