[sidneykidney]

I suspect from your description that nicks and cuts have become a frequent occurance. If that is the case what I would suggest is that for a while you only shave WTG. OK so you dont get a quite as good a shave, but the key here is to first help the route of your problem- your skin. Be kind to it, dont shave too often, wash, cleanse and exfoliate every so often. But take care of it first. When it calms down, your shaves will improve and you can start going XTG again and eventually ATG (if thats what you usually do). In my experience knicks beget knicks. Poor shave technique leads to skin bumps which get cut into- making a knick. This can thet easily get cut into on subsequent shaves. Pay attention to your angle- go for 30 degrees- dont push in with the razor and keep the skin taut (but not uncomfortably so.

Finally, immediately after you shave go for hot water rinse to remove any excess lather, then cold water rinse to close pores, then styptic/alum for any knicks, then moisturize with a low alcohol moisturizer. DONT use aftershave.

In summary: be kind to your skin and it will be kind to you. Let us know what happens.