Razor burn is an irritation of the skin that often occurs following shaving. It tends to result in reddened, irritated skin along with red bumps, itchiness and stinging.
Some guys have sensitive skin and experience razor burn regularly. You may also already suffer from irritated skin when shaving, that leads to razor burn and razor bumps.
There are a number of reasons that men tend to get razor burn which we’ll discuss in more detail below. The best way to deal with razor burn is to avoid getting it in the first place.
But what do you do when you get razor burn and need to treat it ASAP?
How To Treat Razor Burn Fast
- Use a clean, cool washcloth compress and hold it against the skin for several minutes to reduce swelling.
- Aloe vera is an ingredient that can be used as a topical remedy applied directly to the affected area to soothe the skin.
- Coconut oil has moisturizing and healing properties too.
- Witch Hazel is an astringent that has anti-inflammatory properties that can help.
- An oatmeal bath can help too. Adding uncooked oatmeal to warm water and blending it and then applying the mash to your skin can have healing effects.
- See a doctor: If the pain won’t subside or the razor burn is chronic a doctor can help diagnose more significant problems and may prescribe a steroid such as a hydrocortisone cream.
- Use a post shave moisturizer. There are plenty of commercial moisturizers but again, stay away from alcohol-based ones and look for ones with natural products. Also used shaving-specific products that are designed to soothe your face specifically.
NOTE: Before using anything on your irritated skin in earnest, test a small area to ensure that it doesn’t make it worse.
Once you have razor burn, it’s a good idea to avoid aftershave since it tends to contain a high alcohol content. Alcohol dries the skin and stings especially if you have additionally cut your skin.
Avoid shaving the area in question until the pain and irritation has healed. If badly irritated skin is a chronic problem and you can’t figure it out on your own, consider seeing a dermatologist who might help to offer a medical response for you.
How To Avoid Razor Burn
Razor burn occurs for a wide variety of reasons many of which are avoidable:
- Using a cheap razor of low quality.
- Continuing to use a dull razor blade that should already have been replaced.
- Dry shaving ie. shaving without use of water or shaving cream.
- Shaving against the grain ie. shaving against the direction of hair growth.
- Pressing too hard on your razor especially in the instance where it’s already dulled and you overcompensate.
As mentioned above your shaving choices and shaving style may also play a role in whether or not you get razor burn.
So you can improve your shaving choices and become a better shaver.
Conclusion: What To Do For Razor Burn
- Some guys have sensitive skin that becomes reddened, painful and stings following shaving. This is razor burn.
- Razor burn tends to occur also because of shaving mistakes listed above. Avoiding these mistakes will significantly reduce the chances that you get razor burn or other skin irritation from shaving.
- Moisturizers, a cold compress and some essential oils can help to reduce the inflammation of razor burn and help it heal quicker. Test a small area of skin before using essential oils or other topical products to ensure there is no negative reaction.
- Don’t shave areas affected by razor burn until they have fully healed.
How often do you experience razor burn and how do you handle it? Let us know in the comments section below!