How Often Should Razors Be Changed To Prevent Bacterial Infections On The Skin?

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JAKARTA - Dermatologist Lauren Ploch, MD, MEd, says how often a person should change razors depends on how often he shaves and the size of the surface area being shaved.

According to her, as quoted from Livestrong, Saturday, August 20, the rule is to change the razor after five to 10 shaves, or more often if someone shaves a wider part of the body every day. If a person shaves every day, the blade will dull faster and will need to be replaced more regularly.

Ploch says there's no point shaving with an old razor that's even rusty. It can even irritate the skin and lead to a bacterial or fungal infection. Shaving with a rusty blade can also cause ingrown hairs. He advises one to use a clean razor as it can help reduce the risk of infection. Then, to keep it hygienic, you should wash it with water.

"Alcohol can help decontaminate the knife, but wiping the knife with alcohol can damage it. It's more important to change the knife regularly and rinse it after use," he said.

He doesn't recommend scrubbing the knife with a sponge or towel, which can make it dull faster. Instead, gently pat the handle to remove excess water and allow the razor to dry after use.