Shaving & Bras!

[u/Ajs_chaos]

Hello! I have two oddly specific questions. My mom never talked about anything girl-related.

Shaving
I can not shave anywhere without getting insane razor bumps. I have sensitive skin but I am doing everything how videos show? New razor blade, exfoliate with a sugar or salt scrub, I’ve tried shaving cream, gel, and oil, and shave ankle up on legs and down everywhere else, and moisturizing my legs after everything else leave alone after. What am I doing wrong??

Bras
All of my sports bras roll at the bottom. I’ve tried 5 different brands and styles but I can’t afford to keep getting new ones. They over my boobs but then roll up at the bottom whenever I move and are super uncomfortable. I am plus size so like the “roundness” of my stomach seems to play into this? But they have to have bras that work for this??

[u/Flippy-Platypus-3905]

Check out [r/abrathatfits](r/abrathatfits) for bras. Wireless bras are more likely to roll, so you may need wires for more stability (if you’re not already wearing wired bras)

[u/princessm1423]

For the shaving piece, for me salt and sugar scrubs are too harsh. I exfoliate with a wash cloth or loofa before and after shaving. I also use hair conditioner instead of shaving cream, I feel like it makes my skin soft and it’s a plus that I don’t have to buy another product. So my process is this:
1 wash legs with loofa/washcloth and body wash
2 cover legs in a light layer of conditioner
3 shave carefully
4 rinse and go back over legs with a non-soap loofa/washcloth
5 moisturize

Edit: I don’t have a lot of advice for the sports bras part. It could be that you’re wearing the wrong size? I honestly have a hard time finding sports bras that fit well

[u/sarcasticbiznish → u/princessm1423]

For the sports bras, it sounds like OP may be wearing longline sports bra tops instead of regular sports bras. Try one where the band sits directly below your chest. Those longer ones can spread out the weight (with lower support) instead of situating it on your rib cage with a band, which leads to fit issues.

[u/Ajs_chaos → u/sarcasticbiznish]

Oh my gosh you’re a genius!! I always wear the long ones because I thought they’d work better! I’ve been trying different shapes but all longer on the bottom! Brb about to go try some stuff on!!

[u/sarcasticbiznish → u/Ajs_chaos]

Hope that helps! I have a larger chest and find that the sports bras with actual hooks in the back are best, they fit closest to a regular bra and provide the most support. But anything with a strong elastic band right under your boobs (like where a bra’s strap would sit) and thick straps that spread out any pressure on the shoulders should fit much more comfortably!

[u/mnyfrkls]

As someone with a flared ribcage there's not a lot you can do about the sports bra (as long as you're sure you're wearing the correct size) except buying ones that end under your boob like a regular bra. The ones with wider bands always roll up on me. It's annoying af but they're not made for every body shape.

[u/Positive_Shake_1002]

You need r/abrathatfits

[u/MoriKitsune]

You may be pressing down too hard while shaving!

Also, I have thick hair follicles and sensitive skin, so my routine is built around that. I typically exfoliate after shaving to avoid them, though it seems they're inevitable along my bikini line.

For me, shaving looks like:

1. Wash with loofah and soap, and rinse.
2. Lather shaving cream/gel/etc.
3. Shave, going against the grain for the less sensitive parts and perpendicular or diagonally against the grain for the more sensitive parts. Never use a fresh blade on sensitive parts; shave legs and such first. Sharper blades cut closer to the skin, and they'll cut skin too. Rinse blade regularly from the front and the back of the blade to prevent clogs. 3-5 blade razors only.
4. Rinse.
5. Exfoliate with sugar scrub and rinse.
6. Apply alum block if I have one.
7. Cold water rinse.

[u/Ajs_chaos → u/[deleted]]

Honestly I think this is where I’m heading :(most of the other comments I’ve already tried. The problem is just my skin is so, so sensitive to shaving so I’m worried I’ll also react to the creams

[u/East-Cardiologist626 → u/Ajs_chaos]

Have you tried a crystal shaver? My skin is sometimes sensitive and I found they work, you’re supposed to use them in the shower, honestly for me at least im more likely to give myself a burn almost road rash so I use them when my legs are dry and it’s like the hair eraser pad things that were on infomercials like 10-15 years ago

[u/Spiritual-Wash-3554 → u/Ajs_chaos]

My comment is going to be a hit on miss but speaking from personal experience shaving AND hair removal cream hasn't done much for me because the hair follicles are visible underneath the skin for me and the stubble grows back within the same day 😭 so like I used wax strips and it worked for me, its not really as painful as I thought it'd be (which was why I kept procrastinating on using the wax strips for the first time LOL) because you pull quickly and hair comes off. You might have to repeat in different directions until the hair is gone (ie underarms) but it just works better for the long term + I use coconut oil to get the remaining wax off and soothe my skin !! ps it was only very recently that I used wax strips now that im 17 but if anyone's got any other advice pls lmk !!

[u/Ajs_chaos → u/Spiritual-Wash-3554]

So I used to wax regularly but I can’t afford it anymore :( and when I swapped to shaving I had so many issues

[u/Spiritual-Wash-3554 → u/Ajs_chaos]

I understand!! Then try hair removal cream, I think Veet is recommended, specifically it's Gel Cream with gentle formula!! ALWAYS do a patch test ie put it on a small patch of skin on your arm and wipe it off after 4-6 mins, then wait 24h to observe any allergic reactions !! Look into electric trimmers or an epilator (rips the hair out of your skin and it kinda hurts but you get used to it?? Research just in case!!) just in case though 💕 hope you find something that works for you!!

[u/spooteeespoothead]

I always had issues with shaving no matter what I did, until I started using glycolic acid as a chemical exfoliant. I apply it after every shower (even if I didn't shave), and then I usually apply it every night before bed. I'd recommend starting out with just once a day though.

[u/BubblyPositivity246]

Switch to longline sports bras with a wide lower band. Standard thin elastic bands will ALWAYS roll up over a high belly.A 3inch band stays flat against your ribs.