Skin on fire after shaving? Here’s how to treat razor burn.
The painful and hot sting of skin affected by razor burn is real. It’s very frustrating when you’re trying to look your best, and end up with razor burn instead. Those itchy bumps can show up anywhere you shave – on your legs, face, pubic area, and underarms. Not only is razor burn unsightly, it’s downright painful!
The good news? Treating razor burn is easy, and there are many all-natural ways to treat it. Here are some of the most effective solutions.
Cool it off
Razor burns can feel like fire on your skin. A cold compress can certainly help relieve the inflammation. Simply wet a clean washcloth with cold water and stick it in the fridge for a few minutes before gently applying it to the affected area. Your skin will feel better almost immediately.
Apply astringent
An astringent is a chemical that cleans excess dirt off the skin and constricts pores. When used on razor burns, an astringent can help reduce redness and inflammation. Many astringents are alcohol-based and not recommended for those with sensitive skin. Try witch hazel for an astringent that also contains anti-inflammatory properties. For other natural options that don’t contain alcohol, try apple cider vinegar and cold black tea. Tea tree oil, when mixed with a carrier oil (like coconut) or simply water, is a wonderful treatment for razor burn. Do a small patch test first though, tea tree oil has been shown to irritate those with sensitive skin.
Soften with oil
Natural oils soften and hydrate skin. For a very emollient (skin softening) oil try sweet almond oil. Apply it every time after you shave to prevent razor burns, or you can apply a thin layer to the affected area. Coconut oil is another great choice, as is avocado and olive oil.
Sooth with Aloe Vera
The cool, healing properties of aloe vera have been shown to soothe burns and skin inflammation, like razor burn. If you have a plant on hand, cut a piece off one of the leaves and apply the juices stored inside directly to the skin. If you don’t have an aloe vera plant at home, you can find products containing aloe vera at most convenience stores.
Take an oatmeal bath
Research has shown that oatmeal’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin. You can pick up specially prepared oatmeal for baths, or you can do-it-yourself. Just measure out a cup of oatmeal and process it in your blender or food processor until it’s ground into a very fine powder. Pour it in a cup and test for absorption by adding a tablespoon of water. Head to the bathtub and start filling it with warm water. Gently add the oatmeal powder and stir. Grab a book or magazine, and soak in your oatmeal bath for 15-20 minutes.
Cover with baking soda
Similar to the oatmeal bath, a baking soda bath will also treat razor burn. Just add a cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soak. If you don’t have time for a bath, you can apply baking soda directly to the razor burn by soaking a clean washcloth or cotton ball in a mixture of one cup of water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Let it dry on your skin. Once dry, wipe it off.
Take a shave break
Sometimes your skin just needs a chance to heal. Maybe you accidentally used a dull or old razor and experienced a flare-up. Let your skin rest and cease shaving for a few days or until the razor burn clears up. Next time, take the following preventative measures.
Preventing razor burn
One sure-fire way to treat razor burn is to take extra precaution to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some easy solutions.
- Use a shaving cream or other lubricant to soften the skin while shaving.
- Make sure and use a sharp razor, every time.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth.
- Be gentle. Keep the razor light on your skin, and take your time.
- Rinse freshly shaven skin with cold water.
- After shaving, apply a gentle moisturizer or lotion to the area.
- Steer clear of products containing skin irritants, like color and synthetic fragrance.
- Wear loose clothing after shaving. Tight garments may irritate your freshly shaven skin.
Razor burn creams
Using a razor burn cream can help in the prevention and treatment of razor burn. Make sure to look closely at the ingredients first. Many razor burn creams contain hydrocortisone, a type of steroid. While hydrocortisone does help with skin rashes, it can also come with unpleasant side effects, like increased skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, look for something without chemicals or other skin irritants including dyes and fragrance.
The Original
For an all-natural approach to razor burn prevention and treatment, try Forgotten Skincare’s one-of-a-kind underarm cream that targets all your pit problems at once. Created with sensitive underarms in mind, The Original is the perfect solution for uneven skin tone, razor burn irritation, ingrown hairs, and embarrassing odor.
The Original is made with ingredients that soothe and moisturize irritated skin. The formula is made with aloe leaf juice, which contains fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation. Aloe combined with avocado and jojoba oils create the perfect trifecta for soothing irritated underarms. You’ll notice your bumps and irritation disappear after a few uses, resulting in clean comfortable hair removal.
