How To Treat Razor Burn This Summer

Summer is the season to feel relaxed, happy, and confident, and it’s the time to wear those tube tops or short shorts. However, if pesky razor burn or razor bumps are making you self-conscious of your underarms, legs or bikini line, it’s time to do something about it.

Razor burn is very common but can really knock your confidence. Read on to learn more about razor burn, how to prevent and treat these little red bumps, and, in the words of Natasha Bedingfield, release your inhibitions.

What is razor burn?

Razor burn is a type of skin irritation that can show up anywhere that you shave, like your underarms, legs, face, chest or pubic area. It usually shows up within a few minutes or hours after shaving as a red, uncomfortable rash that feels itchy or stings.

Razor bumps are a similar complaint, and these are caused by the shaved hair curling back into your skin and creating an ingrown.

These uncomfortable post-shaving conditions are more likely to affect sensitive skin (like the underarms and bikini line), and those with naturally curly hair. They are also heavily impacted by your shaving technique and tools, so keep reading to make sure you’re shaving like a pro.

What causes razor burn?

While razor burn can affect anyone, there are a few factors that may be causing your discomfort:

• Dry shaving, aka without a shaving cream or gel
• Shaving with a dull blade
• Shaving too fast
• Using irritating products on freshly shaved skin
• Shaving against the direction of hair growth

Is razor burn more common in summer?

For most people, summer comes with back-to-back beach days, fewer clothes, and much more regular shaving. Combined with harsh sun, slathering on lotion, and swimming in chlorine, your skin simply has to deal with more stressors in the summer.

So, while summer itself isn’t the culprit, the summer lifestyle may be what’s making your skin more sensitive and influencing razor burn on your underarm, legs, or bikini line.

How to treat razor burn

If you’re dealing with a rash or bumps post-shave, here are some effective ways to quickly soothe the skin:

Take a pause

First thing’s first, if you’re dealing with razor burn or bumps it’s worth taking a break from shaving. This will help your skin barrier to heal and any bumps to clear before you risk further irritation.

Apply aloe vera

Aloe vera is a summer staple, and not just for sun-drenched skin. Aloe vera is naturally calming, hydrating and antiseptic, and can help soothe sensitive, irritated skin. Apply it directly from the plant or use your favorite gel. Bonus tip: keep it in the fridge for extra cooling!

Moisturize with natural oils

Razor burn can disrupt the natural skin barrier, so it’s important to help rebuild it with protective, moisturizing oils. Slather on some jojoba oil, coconut oil or olive oil to quench sad skin, and steer clear of lotions that contain harsh fragrances.

Preventing razor burn for silky, smooth skin

Treating razor burn is one thing, but adopting these simple steps will mean that your skin stays free of razor bumps or burn all summer!

Exfoliate before shaving

Exfoliating helps to get rid of dead skin cells that can interfere with your razor blade, and helps to bring the hair out of the follicle. This helps to prevent ingrowns and prep your skin for a smooth, nick-free shave.

The Get It Bright Exfoliating Scrub is a gentle, effective formula that combines glycolic acid, willow bark extract and pumice to both dissolve and scrub away any extra skin cells. Plus, its brightening ingredients will help to get rid of any lingering redness or discoloration!

Use a shaving cream or gel

The key to an irritation-free shave is to minimize friction, so using a shaving gel or cream will help the razor glide across your skin. It’s a simple way to safeguard your sensitive skin from irritation!

Make sure your razor is sharp

When was the last time you switched out your razor heads? Making sure your blades are sharp and clean is a crucial step in preventing razor burn, razor bumps and ingrowns. If your razor starts to tug on your skin, it’s time to be replaced. 

Apply a serum

After shaving, it’s important to keep your skin moisturized to support the skin barrier and help it stay calm and clear. Towel dry your skin, then choose an alcohol-free serum or cream that won’t block pores.

The Down Low Inner Thigh Serum is a great choice for not just your inner thighs, but anywhere else that you shave. Formulated to be sensitive enough for even intimate areas, this all-natural serum contains papaya enzymes, licorice root and niacinamide to brighten and soothe your skin. Apply a few drops after shaving, or any time, to help prevent ingrowns or irritation. 

Choose a gentle deodorant

If you shave your underarms, it’s important to opt for a deodorant that won’t cause any extra irritation. The Original Underarm Brightening Deodorant is the perfect solution for hyperpigmentation, razor burn, ingrown hairs, and body odor. It is formulated without hydroquinone, and is gentle enough to be used twice a day.

To use, apply a pea-sized amount to each underarm morning and evening. Talk about summer-ready ‘pits!

The Forgotten Summer of Smooth Skin

If rashes or bumps are getting you down, it’s time to break up with razor burn this summer. While shaving irritation is incredibly common, it can knock your confidence or get in the way of unashamedly enjoying the season.