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How to get rid of stuff » Health Problems » How to Get Rid of Razor Burn
 

How to Get Rid of Razor Burn

March 8th, 2006 by admin
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1. What is razor burn?

Razor burn (aka razor bumps) is the result of shaving off puckered hair follicles and irregular skin. It is often accompanied by ingrown hairs (Tips on how to get rid of ingrown hairs) and is caused by inadequate shaving preparation and poor technique. This article will show you how to treat and prevent razor burn.

2. Razor burn treatments

Since razor burn usually results in scabbing and raised skin, the best way to get rid of it is to allow it to heal before shaving again. There are of course, additional steps you can take to speed up the healing process:

Do:

  • Use a mild exfoliant that contains salicylic acid daily. This will slough off old, dead surface skin that otherwise could clog up your pores and limit oxygen to the effected areas. Do not scrub razor-burned skin. (ow!)
  • Use aloe vera or tea tree oil creams and sprays. They will speed up your recovery and soothe that raw feeling that accompanies razor burn.
  • Shave carefully until it heals, switch to a razor with a single-blade or wire guard for a while. The shave won't be close, but you won't be slicing your skin up before it can heal either. (Learn how to get rid of razor bumps)
  • If you continue shaving, combine these steps with the preventative steps in the next section.

Do not:

  • Use any products containing alcohol - it will dry out your skin and increase irritation.
  • Scrub or scratch razor burned skin. It will increase irritation and the risk of infection.
  • Apply colognes or perfumes to razor burned skin.

3. How to prevent razor burn

Proper razor burn prevention involves reducing the likelihood of slicing off anything other than hair. Adopt the following steps for a few weeks and see how they work for you:

1. Prepare your skin and hair for the shave:

  • Bathe and exfoliate first. You can use a loofah, shower puff, or a chemical exfoliant that contains salicylic acid to remove dirt, oil and dead skin so the razor will glide smoothly and evenly.
  • Cover the area to be shaved with conditioner or skin lotion and let it sit for a few minutes prior to shaving - don't rub it into the skin. This will soften the hair and make the shave much easier. Don't let it sit longer than five minutes either as your skin will start to absorb the moisture and puff up, keeping you from getting a close shave. Alternatively, you can soak some wash cloths with the hot, steamy water and apply them to your skin for a few minutes.
  • Shaving brushTrade in your shaving cream or gel for some old-fashioned shaving soap, a mug and a badger brush. These soaps are less expensive, provide superior lubrication, and the use of the brush stands the hair up for a superior shave. Find them at your local supermarket.

2. Shaving technique:

  • Make sure your blade is clean and sharp.
  • Shave in slow, small strokes tapping the razor under hot water to clean it between each stroke. A blade full of hair won't sit evenly against the skin.
  • Loose skin should be held taut - but not stretched.
  • Apply only as much pressure as is needed.
  • Shave with the grain as much as is possible to achieve the closeness you desire.
  • If you must double back over an area, apply more lubricant (soap or cream) first.

Brrrrrrrr!3. Post-shave skin care:

  • Splash cold water or run an ice cube over your freshly shaven skin to close up your pores. Ice works just as well as alcohol and will not dry out your skin.
  • Apply an aloe vera (For other uses of aloe vera, read 12 wondrous benefits of aloe vera) or tea tree oil balm to moisturize, soothe and cool your skin.
If after following the previous steps you still find yourself getting razor burn and ingrown hairs, consider experimenting with alternative hair removal methods. There are creams and powders that dissolve hair as well as waxes and sugar solutions that pluck it. If you're set on shaving, see if your barber or stylist will teach you how to shave with a straight razor.

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  1. January 16th, 2010 at 7:57 pm    amber Says:

    But how would you use an electric razor on your area? Wouldnt that just make things worse? I think im allergic to the metal in the razor cause it always makes me bleed after im done. and i always put on lotion or baby oil after im done shaving. One of my friends told me that deoderant works on your bikini area if you put it on after you shave. She said it gets rid of the bumps. idk tho.

  2. November 15th, 2009 at 7:58 pm    dude Says:

    Okay so im 19 and been shaving since effing 8th grade. At first the razor burn was rare then in high school it was downright hideous. Its backed off a bit now but its still there. I’ve tried everything imaginable. New shaving methods, cold water, shave in shower, face washes, blah. Its just on my neck too. WTF?!!?

  3. July 29th, 2009 at 3:53 pm    Jake Says:

    Try a soft exfoliant before shaving like St Ives Apricot Scrub. And make sure you dont have goosebumps when you shave! They cause your hair to stand unevenly to trap heat and shaving them will cut your skin and cause razor burn. Using shaving cream instead of soap will help too, and always moisturise the area afterwards.

  4. June 18th, 2009 at 6:01 pm    Ashley Says:

    oh my god. i really wish i had read this before i went on and shaved my bikini area :(

    i am itching like hell right now… but good thing im done school so i dont have to go out in public and worry about scratching that area in front of people. haha.

  5. June 1st, 2009 at 7:11 am    Marcus Says:

    hey yo i jus tried shavin my balls 4 the first time last week n i got the bumps n want them gone

  6. May 29th, 2009 at 5:42 am    Kara Says:

    Both me and my boy friend tried several post shave treatments for razor burn. After trying and throwing out who knows how many partially used creams & jells we found one that worked.

    Its PrivaShave for Women and PowerShave for Men.

    Has anybody else here tried it?

  7. May 7th, 2009 at 9:13 pm    Emma Says:

    I’ve been reading some of these comments and it is horrible how we all suffer from razor burn. WHENEVER I shave my legs I get horrible bumps. They’re red and raised and look like zits on the back of my thighs. Even when I shave with special creams and gels, new razors, and put on lotion afterwards, NOTHING HELPS. ): I think I’ve got good legs but they are covered in this “razor burn”, so i’m always scared to wear shorts and swimsuits because it looks like leg acne. I HATE IT. And the worst part is my sister gets perfectly smooth legs when she shaves. ):
    Well, about products that might help, I’m hopefully going to try this product called TendSkin. It has a really good reputation. (:
    Good luck to you all!
    (:

  8. April 9th, 2009 at 6:27 am    jeri Says:

    Im 15 and I’ve been shaving for about a year. I put lots of lotion on my shaved areas (which is everywhere) and I still get those horrible bumps. It puts me down cause it sorta looks like herpes. Any advice plez and thank up

  9. March 27th, 2009 at 1:46 am    billy Says:

    my skin looks like pure ass rite now.. I have razor bumps and burn out the ass.. im so pissed.. im about to try this shit though

  10. March 11th, 2009 at 2:12 pm    vanessa benavides Says:

    Okay so, i dont even know if its razor burn but thats is what everyone tlls me. It really itches and I stopped shaving. I scratched so hard it started to bleed a little on some mini bumps. Any suggestions?(im trying to not scratch or shave)

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