How To Get Rid Of Razor Burn

Razor burns can cause quite a bit of discomfort. Classically speaking, a razor burn is that red skin that results from improper shaving. Next comes the question, why do razor burns develop? Well, there are many causes. Primarily, the razor burn can be a result of improper shaving technique or insufficient skin lubrication prior to shave or skin sensitivity issues. Usually, the razor burn area becomes itchy and there is a burning sensation. In many cases a red elevated bump may also develop.

Women have razor burns also

There are no gender restrictions to razor burns. Often when we talk about razor burns, we think of it as something that men experience only. Women also get affected from this problem. Razor burns can occur on the face or other parts of the body. Usually people go for the overkill when the razor burn begins to surface. They try to go for an expensive rash or moisturizing product because it is a common misconception that the expensive the product, better the results. The first thing to understand here is that razor burns are preventable, so before you actually get one, you can make sure you prevent it! There are simple dos and don’ts that can be followed and you can be razor burn free! Then comes the part where you do get the burn but don’t know how to treat it. Then again, there are simple (and cheap) methods of treatment which can help you learn how to get rid of razor burn.

Medical explanation for razor burns

Before we start off explaining the methodologies of treatment, let’s properly name our condition. Skin rash, abrasion, cut or shaving bump caused during the course of shaving is called pseudofolliculitis. Fancy name for a small problem, isn’t it! The causes of the rash can differ. Some rash can be caused by bacteria which may be resident on the shaving blade or in the water you’re using or the cream that you might use. Another major cause is improper shaving technique. This involves incorrect angles at which the razor (or a shaving machine) is used. Another problem can be lubrication of the skin. Insufficient lubrication of the skin can be another cause of a razor burn.

Your razor and the way you shave mean a lot

The sharpness of the razor blade plays its role as well. If your razor blade is dull, chances are that it will cause rashes on your skin. Post shaving treatment of the skin is important in this respect. Once you’re done shaving, always properly moisturize the area with a good moisturizer. Use warm water for cleansing afterwards and try to use an antiseptic in the water. Oil can also be used as an aftershave emollient. Another problem with shaving is that we usually try to rush with it. When we are bent on time, we try to get on with the shave and most often we apply to much pressure on the razor resulting in a cut or a bad case of razor burn. Always take your time and shave carefully to avoid razor burn problems. Shaving must be done in the direction of the hair growth. Shaving opposite to this direction can cause the pushing of hair back into its follicle which can further aggravate problems such as inward hair growth and shave bumps. Always use short strokes to shave while keeping proper control of the razor at all times.

How to treat a razor burn

Most razor burns are temporary in nature. Proper care can make them go away. This care includes using antiseptic if the burn is fungal in nature or avoiding the shave of razor burnt part for a while. Also, the use of chemicals on the burnt area should be avoided. Gels and creams that are manufactured from natural materials should be used. Permanence of a razor burn is not usual but it can happen. Skin problems such as eczema can stem out from a simple razor burn so as small as the problem may seem, it is a good idea to take special care of it.

Skin problems and the razor; different treatments to razor burns

So, you got up late this morning so you had to rush with everything. Rush through breakfast; rush through all morning preparation before you leave for work. While rushing through the early morning bathroom ritual which involves shaving, you might have accidently gotten a bad shaving burn. So what’s the remedy now? You’re way past the prevention stage. What’s the actual treatment of razor burn without involving expensive online cosmetic products?

Herbal treatments for razor burns

Since the term herbal is catching on these days, let’s see what can be done herbally to treat a bad case of razor burn. Aloe Vera can be used on the affected area to soothe the razor burn. Aloe Vera is known for its qualities as a very skin-friendly ingredient that occurs naturally. No wonder it is used in so many beauty and cosmetic products. Aloe Vera to be used can be extracted from the plant itself or to make matters simple a cream enriched with Aloe Vera can be used as an effective treatment. Another option is the eucalyptus salve plant. This works similar to the Aloe Vera in protection of the skin. Cold compresses can also be used to treat the rash. Cold compresses can reduce the skin redness and relieve pain caused by the rash. Cleaned, wet spearmint leaves can also be used and they can leave a cooling sensation on the affected area.

Home remedies

Simple home remedies are also a good way of how to get rid of razor burn. One of the treatments involves aspirin. A paste should be made using aspirin tablets and water. This paste should be used on the problematic area a few times. This will eventually cause the rash to diminish. Another natural product that can be used is avocado. Water – avocado paste can also be used for application. This will have a soothing effect and will bring relief to the affected area. White vinegar (Not synthetic vinegar!) can also be applied for faster results. Most commonly, ice can do the trick as well. This is quite similar to the affect of cold compresses. Applying ice on a razor burn can ease the rash pain and also stop skin aggravation.

When natural remedies don’t do the trick

Sometimes simple natural remedies don’t work and you have to rely on pharmaceuticals for a workable solution against razor burns. Benzyl peroxide is a chemical that can be purchased off the counter without any problem. Benzyl peroxide is very effective against mild razor burns. For anything serious, other options may have to be considered. This other option can be Cortisone cream. This too can be purchased easily from a pharmacy. If the razor burn is a result of a bacterial rash, an antibacterial cream such as ciprofloxacin may be taken. But it is advisable to consult a doctor if the problem is serious.

Razor Burns – Prevention is better than cure

Shaving burns is a problem that everyone has experienced at one point or the other. Most often we take about the actual treatment of razor burns but the important part is that razor burns can be very easily avoided and prevented. Usually this prevention is not talked about often. There are simple changes that can be made to the shaving equipment and shaving technique to avoid (or prevent) razor burns. This is way better than learning how to get rid of razor burn in the first place!
Preventing razor burns

First and foremost tip is to use a fresh razor each time you shave. Razor burns can be a result of a dull shaving blade. Old shaving blades can cause multiple problems. Firstly, the can be dull and secondly, they can be unsterile. This can cause bacterial problems and aggravate the skin problems resulting from razor burns. Old razor blades can also develop a tiny layer of rust on them. This fine layer of rust is usually invisible to the human eye but can be very harmful if the skin is cut during shaving. A new shaving razor gives you shave efficiency. You can achieve a good shave in a fewer strokes which means that you don’t have to over you’re your skin.

Take your time shaving

The second tip to prevention is to take your time. Never rush through your shave. Always have plenty of time on hand so you can perform the whole ‘ritual’ of shaving which involves proper skin lubrication, shaving with proper technique and the post shave skin care. Lubrication is another factor. Always use a good lubricator to grease your skin. Make sure your skin doesn’t dry out during the course of shave. Then comes the shaving technique itself; always shave in the direction of the hair growth. Refrain from applying undue pressure on the razor or shaving to close to the skin surface. Another factor is shaving the same area many times. Everyone does it! It is difficult to stop but try to shave a certain area only once. This way you can refrain from scraping the top part of your skin layer, which can be the cause of skin rash.

After shaving

Aftershaves which have alcohol or other volatile liquids should be avoided altogether. Often a skin rash is developed after the shave itself. Such a rash is usually a result of skin aggravation caused by aftershaves and post shaving moisturizers that have alcohol. This is where Glycolic acid comes to the rescue! Glycolic acid is known to be kind to the skin so an aftershave cream containing Glycolic acid can be a good idea instead of a nasty aftershave. Hydrocortisone cream is another option that can be availed. This cream can avoid itchiness of the shaved area. Another product that is very beneficial is bacitracin-based ointment. Anti-rash creams are classic examples of bacitracin-based creams.

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