Hi there, Razor Burn King or Queen. First and foremost, I want to congratulate you on your perseverance. If you’re reading this then you need to know that perseverance is key in combating razor burn and preventing razor burn on legs, neck and any other area where you shave.
Razor burn is a skin irritation caused by shaving the skin. It usually appears as red areas on the skin and can be considered a form of irritant contact dermatitis (skin rash). Its symptoms may include burning, redness, itching, and stinging. Anyone who shaves can get razor burn. It usually appears on the legs, armpits, or face soon after you shave those parts of your body. If you shave, take care in how you do it to help reduce the frequency of razor burn on your skin.
Razor burn is not quite the same thing as razor bumps, although the two terms are often used interchangeably. Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that result from hair removal, with the hair curling into the skin as it grows back. Both conditions can result in red and irritated skin, but razor bumps are characterized by the tell-tale bumps, which may look like small pimples. Razor burn, on the other hand, looks more like red streaks or blotches across the skin.
Razor burn can affect any part of the body that is subject to shaving, including the face, pubic area, legs, and underarms. Signs and symptoms of razor burn include:
- rash
- redness
- itchiness
- swelling
- tenderness
- burning sensation
- small red bumps
Table of Contents
Razor burn vs. razor bumps
Razor burn and razor bumps are often mistaken for one another. However, they are considered to be two separate conditions.
While razor burn is a skin irritation caused by shaving, razor bumps are the result of ingrown hairs.
Ingrown hair occurs when hair that has been shaved or removed by other means, such as plucking or waxing, grows back at an angle. This causes it to turn into the skin.
People with coarse or curly hair tend to be most affected by ingrown hair, although it can affect people of any hair type.
Symptoms of ingrown hair include:
- red bumps
- swelling
- rash
- tenderness
- itchiness
In some cases, ingrown hairs can cause the hair follicle to become infected, which is a condition known as folliculitis.
A version of razor bumps called pseudofolliculitis barbae affects up to 60 percent of African American men and many other people whose hair is curly. Severe cases of pseudofolliculitis barbae can require medical treatment.
How to prevent razor burn
The good news is that there are things you can do to stop the bumps from occurring in many cases. Prevention techniques include the following:
Tips
- If possible, a person should try to shave every other day, or even less frequently.
- shaving after showering, when hair is softest
- Use a non-irritating shaving cream.
- exfoliating the skin to help prevent ingrown hairs
- Use an electric razor
- Avoid pulling skin while shaving.
- rinsing the blade after every stroke
- Reduce the frequency of shaving.
- Replace your razor frequently.
- cleaning and drying shaving tools after use to reduce the risk of bacterial growth, making sure to use rubbing alcohol on the blade if necessary
- not leaning too heavily on the blade, instead using light, short strokes, as well as only using as many strokes as necessary; over-shaving an area is a significant cause of razor burn
- Make short, light razor strokes in the same direction as your hair grows.
- avoiding wearing tight clothing or tight underwear after shaving, as this can irritate newly shaved skin
- Some people may wish to try hair removal techniques like hair removal creams, or depilatories, which dissolve the hair and reduce the risk of razor bumps. However, hair removal creams contain chemicals that can irritate some people’s skin. A person should not use these products if their skin is already red, inflamed, or sensitive. Another option is laser hair removal. Dermatologists and other healthcare providers can perform this technique. The AAD state that laser hair removal requires multiple treatments to produce results, but the hair tends to grow back finer and lighter than before.
When making use of shaving blades
The most important thing that you can do to prevent razor burn and other shaving irritations is to practice good shaving techniques. Some recommendations include:
Shaving preparation: Preparing your facial hair for the shave is the first crucial step towards shaving. Make sure you wash your face thoroughly with warm water as it helps you open up the pores.
Lather up: You must use the right shaving products to prevent the occurrence of shaving rash on neck. And, using the right shaving gel or foam is step one. Make sure you use an excellent shaving gel or a foam so that you have enough lubrication while shaving.
Replace worn-out blades: Don’t get burned by bad blades. Make sure you replace the worn out blades if you see that there is dullness while shaving or if you require more strokes than usual. Changing the blades can also help minimize tug and pull during the shave. Swapping your blades in time will not only give you a close and clean shave but also keep you away from post-shave irritation and razor burns.
Aftershave rituals: Aftershave products play a crucial role in your shaving procedure. Make sure you use the right aftershave product.
Neck irritation is a problem faced by many men after shaving the neck area. Moisturizing your neck is a good way to avoid shaving rash on the neck. Also, make sure you pre-prep your skin before shaving for best results. You can use razors with lubricant strips to bring out the best from your shave. All these tips and a little care while shaving, will give you a smooth shave effortlessly. However, if the neck irritation persists for a long time, make sure to consult a dermatologist.
Treating razor burn
Razor burn is an uncomfortable and annoying condition, but it usually resolves itself with time.
However, there are a number of treatments available to ease the symptoms of razor burn, ranging from over-the-counter products to at-home remedies. Options include:
Avoid shaving or touching the area
By leaving the skin alone, it gives the area time to heal and can reduce the risk of further inflammation, irritation, or infection.
Cool compresses
Placing a cool, wet compress on the affected area can help to reduce itching and inflammation.
To make a cold compress, simply place a clean washcloth under a stream of cold water. Wring off the excess and apply to the skin for up to 20 minutes. This can be repeated as often as needed.
Astringent liquids
One of the most popular home remedies for razor burn is the application of a natural astringent liquid. These help to reduce the inflammation and redness associated with both razor bumps and razor burn.
Examples of popular natural astringents include:
- apple cider vinegar
- chilled, brewed black tea
- tea tree oil (a few drops mixed with water)
- witch hazel extract
These can be applied directly to the face or added to a cold compress.
Natural oils
Several natural oils can be used to soften and hydrate the skin, which can reduce the sensations of itching, tenderness, and burning.
Some of the most popular oils include:
- avocado oil
- coconut oil
- olive oil
- sweet almond oil
Other emollients, including unscented lotions, aftershaves, and moisturizers, can also be applied to dry skin. People should not use products that contain alcohol because it is a known skin irritant.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel, taken from the aloe vera plant, is often used for burns, cuts, and scrapes. Anecdotal evidence reports its soothing abilities in cases of razor burn.
In addition, research shows that certain enzymes in the aloe vera plant reduce inflammation when applied to the skin.
People wishing to use aloe vera can squeeze the gel directly from the plant onto the affected area, or use a commercially available aloe vera product for sensitive or damaged skin.
Oatmeal bath
Oatmeal is often used to treat a variety of skin issues, particularly inflammatory conditions. According to some research, it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain its effectiveness as a natural remedy for razor burn.
Adding either regular or colloidal oatmeal, or an oatmeal-based bath product, to a tub of lukewarm water can help to provide symptom relief. This can be especially helpful for razor burn on the pubic area or legs.
Baking soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural salt that is mainly used in baking. However, it is a popular natural treatment for a variety of ailments, including razor burn and razor bumps.
Mix a cup of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and apply to the skin using a cotton pad. Once the mixture dries, rinse it off. Repeat up to twice daily until symptoms resolve.
Alternatively, 1 cup of baking soda can be added to a lukewarm bath to alleviate symptoms.
Over-the-counter lotions
Several over-the-counter products are available to treat razor burn. Aftershave lotion for both men and women may provide benefits, while baby products such as baby oil or diaper rash creams are both gentle and soothing for irritated skin.
Products containing hydrocortisone can reduce swelling and redness. Salicylic acid, a product typically used to treat acne, may also be beneficial for those with razor burn.
Those with razor bumps in addition to razor burn may benefit from lotions containing glycolic acid, which has been shown to reduce lesions by 60 percent. This could allow people to resume a daily shaving routine.
Specially formulated razor bump creams are also available to prevent ingrown hairs, including Bump Stopper and Tend Skin.Antibiotics for infection
Razor burn is often accompanied by bumps. While these generally resolve without complication, there is the possibility of infection.
If the bumps appear to be infected, show white or pus-filled heads, or become tender or painful to the touch, those affected should consult a doctor. Antibiotic treatment may be required.
Conclusion
To avoid razor burn, you need to take care of your skin after shaving. Everyone knows about the importance of good shaving technique, but it’s just as important to take care of your skin effectively afterwards.