A COLD OR HAY FEVER
A sore nose and upper lip don’t make shaving easier. Here’s how to keep it comfortable when you’re under the weather.
When you have a cold or hay fever, the skin under your nose and across your upper lip takes a beating from tissues and constant wiping. Then you try to shave over it. You don’t have to skip shaving altogether, but a few adjustments make it much more comfortable.
Why Shaving Is Harder When You’re Ill
Constant wiping leaves the skin under your nose red and tender, and a razor can make it worse.
A sudden sneeze with a razor near your face is an obvious risk. Put the razor down when you feel one coming.
Feeling rough makes it easy to rush and press. See how to stop shaving nicks and cuts.
Skin that’s already irritated needs a lighter touch, not the usual routine.
Three Things to Get Right
If the skin there is raw, leave it for a day or two, or use only the lightest strokes. Never shave over broken or cracked skin.
Action: Skip raw skin until it settles.Shave when you’re least congested, such as after a warm shower, and put the razor down if you feel a sneeze coming.
Action: Razor down at the first hint of a sneeze.After shaving, use a plain, gentle moisturiser on your face. A little on the sore area under your nose can help keep it comfortable. See dry, tight skin after shaving.
Action: Plain, gentle moisturiser.A Gentle Routine for When You’re Unwell
Look at your upper lip and nose area. If the skin is raw or cracked, leave it alone.
Wash with warm water to soften stubble and ease congestion.
Use plenty of lather and the lightest touch, with a fresh cartridge. No pressure.
Rinse with cool water, pat dry and moisturise. Then get some rest.
Mistakes vs the Better Way
✗ The Common Mistakes
- Shaving over raw or cracked skin
- Continuing when a sneeze is coming
- Rushing because you feel rough
- Using a worn blade
- Skipping moisturiser
✓ The Better Way
- Leaving raw skin to heal
- Razor down at the first hint of a sneeze
- Taking your time
- A fresh, sharp cartridge
- A gentle moisturiser afterwards
If your skin ends up red or sore afterwards, our razor burn guide can help.
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Frequently asked questions
You can, if you feel up to it. Go gently, and leave out any area where the skin is raw or cracked, such as under your nose.
Constant wiping with tissues irritates the skin there. A plain, gentle moisturiser can help keep it comfortable, and it’s best not to shave over it until it settles.
Yes. Rinse your face with water to remove pollen first, go gently and put the razor down whenever you feel a sneeze coming.
Yes. Start with the £9.99 starter kit, which includes a premium handle. You can change, delay or cancel at any time for free.
When you’re ill, the aim is a comfortable shave, not a perfect one. Leave sore areas alone, put the razor down for sneezes and moisturise gently afterwards.