Simple ways to prevent and treat razor burns

While stepping out of the house if one notices a few unwanted and unpleasant body or facial hair, one is quite conscious and may lose confidence. The first thing that one picks up is a razor. Shaving is the fastest and the most economical way to remove body hair. But it does come with a few challenges like razor burns, razor cuts, and ingrowth hair or razor bumps. 

What is a razor burn?

Razor burn is a skin condition that is caused by shaving inappropriately. Even though it is a common condition, it is quite painful. They are typically red bumps or rashes that appear after shaving. Other symptoms can be itching, a burning sensation, the area feeling hot, tenderness, and papule. 

Razor burns can happen to anyone who runs the razor through in the wrong manner. Razor burns can happen in the legs, bikini area, underarms, or face. This condition is temporary in nature and disappears over time. Even though it is temporary, there are many ways to prevent or avoid it. One need not worry if he/she forgets the prevention rules and still gets a razor burn. There are equally many ways to bring relief to the burning sensation or itchiness or any kind of discomfort. This article will take us through a few such ways that can be easily followed at home.

Before venturing into ways to prevent one should understand why they get razor burns. There are a few reasons listed below that may cause razor burns. 

Causes of razor burns

1. Running a razor through dry skin without using any cream or gel.
2. Using a clogged razor. 
3. Shaving frequently and in the same area. 
4. Shaving in a fast and rigorous manner.
5. Shaving in the opposite direction of the growth of hair. 
6. Having sensitive skin.

Preventing razor burns

1. Lathering up with shaving cream or shaving gel or soap and water is a must. Shaving becomes a smooth and easy process when the skin is wet, lubricated, and warm. Using warm water opens up the pores and softens the hair follicles. Thus helping to a great extent. 
2. One can check the sensitivity of their skin before using a product. More than shaving these products may cause burns. Using a mild soap that lathers well always helps. 
3. Every stroke might have a heap on the razor. It is advisable to rinse every time. This not only prevents clogging but gives a clear picture of the shaved and to-be shaved area. 
4. Shaving in the direction of the growth of hair never ends up in razor burns. 
5. Shaving might be an option when someone is in a hurry. But deliberate and slow shaving prevents such burns. A rushed affair might only aggravate matters. 
6. Exfoliating or rubbing off after shaving to remove the stuck-up hair also is a way to prevent razor burns.
7. Shaving daily or frequently is a major reason to irritate skin and cause razor burns. Shaving in the same area only increases irritation. It is advisable to give a break for a day or two before picking up the razor. 
8. It is extremely important to keep the razor clean and dry always. Wet and dirty razors might result in a rusty, damaged razor. This is another cause of razor burns. Replacing razor blades after 10-15 shaves actually saves from distress. 

Treating razor burns 

Even after following all the rules of shaving and ensuring precautions to the T, one ends up with a painful shaving experience many times. Few home remedies calm the irritating skin and soothe itchiness.

1. As the skin has been razed through, it does suffer from aberrations, Hence the irritation. It is best not to touch the area for some time.
2. A cold compress or an ice pack would work wonders. This closes the pores and offers immediate relief. 
3. A humble aloe vera is an excellent soother. You can apply its sticky gooey sap to calm your skin, or you can use readily available aloe vera gel to treat any cuts. This natural remedy doesn’t cause further irritation, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for relief without the risk of side effects. 
4. One can also look out for commercially available astringents and after-shave gels to soothe irritation and treat burns. 
5. Natural oils like coconut oil, tea tree oil, and almond oil are a few options to calm razed skin and treat razor burns. 
6. A paste made with either oatmeal or baking soda if applied and left to dry can work wonders on razor burns. 

Final Words 

Razor burn is a result of harsh treatment on the skin. Being gentle and a careful approach might aid in having smooth skin post-shaving.  

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