Whether you shave with a straight razor or safety razor, you are bound to develop some minor nicks and cuts. Even if you follow all of the unwritten rules of shaving, sliding the razor across your skin in the wrong manner may draw blood. The good news is that you can treat minor cuts such as this by using a styptic pencil. If this is your first time hearing about styptic pencils, keep reading to learn what they are and how they work.
What is a Styptic Pencil?
A styptic pencil is essentially a small stick of medicine that's applied to minor cuts in an effort to stop bleeding. Most commonly anhydrous aluminium sulfate is used as the main ingredient, which acts as a vasoconstrictor to slow and eventually stop blood flow. Different styptic pencils may contain other ingredients, however, some of which are used to stop blood flow while others are used to heal the skin and prevent infection. In any case, the primary function of a styptic pencil is to stop bleeding, making it an invaluable tool for men who shave on a daily basis.
How to Use a Styptic Pencil
Using a styptic pencil is an easy and straightforward process. If you accidentally cut yourself while shaving, take the pencil and rub it directly on the wound. It may initially sting at first, but the pain will quickly subside. Within minutes, the bleeding should stop, indicating the styptic pencil performed its intended task. Of course, you'll want to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you are using it correctly and as intended.
Preventing Cuts While Shaving
Rather than treating cuts with a styptic pencil or powder, you should work to prevent them. Again, there's no way to completely prevent all cuts while shaving, but you can certainly reduce the number by following some basic steps. First and foremost, only shave with a sharp, clean razor. Some guys try to stretch their razors out a little longer, assuming it will save them money. But dull razors don't offer the same clean cut, which in turn causes accidental nicks of the skin.
You can also protect your skin from shaving cuts by using a thick layer of shaving cream or lotion. Shaving cream/lotion helps to condition your face, allowing the razor to glide more freely and unrestricted. This, combined with using a sharp razor, will go a long ways in preventing accidental nicks and cuts.
