How to prevent razor bumps and burns when shaving
Lifestyle
Audio By Carbonatix
10:30 AM on Monday, March 23
By Rachel Brown for Dove, Stacker
How to prevent razor bumps and burns when shaving
What are razor bumps and burns?
Razor burn is a very common skin irritation that happens after shaving. Razor bumps are little raised bumps, often red, white or black that appear as a symptom of razor burn. Other symptoms or razor burns include red, itchy or burning sensations on your skin. Typically razor burns are temporary and can be resolved at home by cleaning and moisturizing the affected area. Read on for tips from Dove on how to prevent razor bumps and burns.
What causes razor burns and bumps?
The most popular reasons you might experience razor burn, include:
- Dull razor blades
- Shaving against the grain
- Ingrown hairs
- Not using shaving cream or gel
- Using shaving cream or gel that irritates your skin
- Sensitive skin
- Not taking your time shaving
- Shaving too often
Tips for preventing and avoiding razor burns and bumps
Following a shaving routine to care for your skin can help prevent razor burns and bumps. We recommend the following steps for days you are shaving:
1. Start your shower with exfoliation.
Use a gentle body scrub to exfoliate the area you are shaving at the beginning of your shower or bath. This will help remove dead skin cells and open pores, allowing for a closer shave.
2. Prepare your skin before shaving.
To help minimize skin irritation after shaving, make sure you spend a few minutes under the shower before applying shaving cream. Shaving at the end of your shower makes remembering this easy. Warm water softens and raises the hair, working with the foam to make it easier to shave without catching the skin. If you are short on time, thoroughly dampen your underarms, legs or the area you are shaving with a warm, wet wash cloth before picking up your foam and razor to reduce discomfort after shaving.
3. Apply shaving cream or gel.
Shaving cream or gel provides an extra barrier between your skin and the razor. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or existing razor burn.
4. Shave in the right direction.
You should always try to shave in the direction of hair growth — i.e. stroking the razor from the root to the tip of the hair. This causes less disturbance to the skin, so you’re less likely to provoke a razor burn or an itchy rash.
5. Use a clean, sharp razor blade.
Using a sharp razor blade allows you to shave close to get a shave that is close to the skin, minimizing the risk for razor burn and bumps. Rinsing your razor blade after each stroke can help with this too.
6. Choose an antiperspirant deodorant that doesn’t irritate skin.
If you find yourself searching “how to calm razor burn?” it’s important to choose a deodorant that will help to care for and sooth dry underarms. Underarm skin tends to be more delicate, so a good way to choose an antiperspirant deodorant that doesn’t irritate skin is making sure it doesn’t contain alcohol.
7. Rinse skin with cold water.
Cold water can help close your pores, reducing the risk of bacteria entering after shaving.
8. Apply sensitive skin moisturizer.
After shaving, it’s important to soothe your skin with a moisturizer made for sensitive skin.
Does deodorant burn after shaving?
Deodorant can burn after shaving because shaving removes the top layer of skin, making your skin more sensitive to harsh ingredients. If your deodorant burns your armpits after shaving, consider switching to a sensitive skin deodorant. You can also shave at night or wait a few minutes to apply deodorant.
How to soothe and calm razor burn and bumps
Nearly everyone is going to experience razor burn some time in their lifetime. The good news is it is fairly easy to treat and should go away quickly. As soon as you notice your razor burn or bumps, apply a clean, cold washcloth to the affected area to reduce inflammation. After that moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Use a sensitive skin friendly body lotion with minimal fragrance to help soothe and replenish the irritated skin.
This story was produced by Dove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
