It’s no big secret that nobody likes razor burn. Not only is razor burn irritation painful and annoying, it looks bad too. Thankfully, razor burn is preventable. By being aware of the causes of razor burns, and by utilizing proper tools and shaving techniques, you can prevent excess irritation and keep your skin feeling as smooth and fresh as a baby’s all year long!
Causes of Razor Burn
Razor burn, another word for shaving rash or razor rash, is an irritation of the skin caused by poor shaving technique. It occurs when skin is displaced and the hair follicle is pulled in an improper fashion by the razor blade. Razor burn typically appears as a mild rash or red, bumpy area. Razor burn typically manifests itself a few minutes after shaving and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the severity of the burn.
Prevention of Razor Burns
The key to razor burn prevention is twofold. First, you must prepare their face for shaving. Wash your face thoroughly with warm water and gently pat dry. This will open up your pores for shaving. Once you’ve wet your face, apply a pre-shave oil or lotion that will serve soften and lubricate as you shave. Select a quality shaving cream or lotion, and with rigorous circular motions, work it into a thick lather, ideally using a shaving brush. This thick lather is essential to protecting your face from nicks, cuts, and irritation.
For the shave itself, it’s vital that you use a good razor that is sharp. If you don’t use one already, consider investing in a single-blade safety razor. Today’s multi blade cartridges cut too closely into the skin and can easily cause razor burn irritation. For the prevention of razor burns, make sure that you are shaving properly—that is, with the grain and not against it.
How to Treat Razor Burn
Of course, even with all the precautions in the world, sometimes the causes of razor burns are inevitable, Razor burn is unsightly, painful, and something that you want to get rid of as soon as possible. If you have any open cuts or nicks on your face, you should address those before treating the burn. Use a Glyder to close the wound. A small dab should be sufficient to cauterize the cut and stop bleeding. Then, depending on the severity of the burn, you can apply a soothing lotion or natural remedy such as aloe vera. For more serious razor burn, consider a first aid treatment such as hydrocortisone cream. An after-sun product may also be effective. Use such products sparingly, as they can dry out the skin, and some, such as hydrocortisone cream, contain steroids which can thin out the skin if overused.