How can I get rid of and prevent in the future razor burn?

Question

Every time I shave I get the worst razor burn no matter what I do. Are there any products that would help with this, either before I shave or after? It is embarrasing!

Answer 1

Since razor burn usually results in scabbing and raised skin, the best way to get rid of it is to allow it to heal before shaving again. There are of course, additional steps you can take to speed up the healing process:

Do:

Use a mild exfoliant that contains salicylic acid daily. This will slough off old, dead surface skin that otherwise could clog up your pores and limit oxygen to the effected areas. Do not scrub razor-burned skin. (ow!)
Use aloe vera or tea tree oil creams and sprays. They will speed up your recovery and soothe that raw feeling that accompanies razor burn.
Shave carefully until it heals, switch to a razor with a single-blade or wire guard for a while. The shave won’t be close, but you won’t be slicing your skin up before it can heal either.
If you continue shaving, combine these steps with the preventative steps in the next section.

Do not:

Use any products containing alcohol - it will dry out your skin and increase irritation.
Scrub or scratch razor burned skin. It will increase irritation and the risk of infection.
Apply colognes or perfumes to razor burned skin.

To Prevent Razor Burn:
Proper razor burn prevention involves reducing the likelihood of slicing off anything other than hair. Adopt the following steps for a few weeks and see how they work for you:

1. Prepare your skin and hair for the shave:
Bathe and exfoliate first. You can use a loofah, shower puff, or a chemical exfoliant that contains salicylic acid to remove dirt, oil and dead skin so the razor will glide smoothly and evenly.
Cover the area to be shaved with conditioner or skin lotion and let it sit for a few minutes prior to shaving - don’t rub it into the skin. This will soften the hair and make the shave much easier. Don’t let it sit longer than five minutes either as your skin will start to absorb the moisture and puff up, keeping you from getting a close shave. Alternatively, you can soak some wash cloths with the hot, steamy water and apply them to your skin for a few minutes.
Trade in your shaving cream or gel for some old-fashioned shaving soap, a mug and a badger brush. These soaps are less expensive, provide superior lubrication, and the use of the brush stands the hair up for a superior shave. Find them at your local supermarket.

2. Shaving technique:
Make sure your blade is clean and sharp.
Shave in slow, small strokes tapping the razor under hot water to clean it between each stroke. A blade full of hair won’t sit evenly against the skin.
Loose skin should be held taut - but not stretched.
Apply only as much pressure as is needed.
Shave with the grain as much as is possible to achieve the closeness you desire.
If you must double back over an area, apply more lubricant (soap or cream) first.

3. Post-shave skin care:
Splash cold water or run an ice cube over your freshly shaven skin to close up your pores. Ice works just as well as alcohol and will not dry out your skin.
Apply an aloe vera or tea tree oil balm to moisturize, soothe and cool your skin.

Answer 2

Irritation from shaving is very common. Try using "bump stopper" (little blue bottle), or other post shave creams. DO NOT use cortisone creams or treat it like acne. It will make the problem much worse. Nair is not for use near the genitals and can be dangerous. Waxing will help some, but could cause many ingrown hairs, which could be even worse. However, there are a number of ways to keep from getting irritated in the future: *Shave in the shower after washing *The steams helps keep the pores open so leave the shower on. *Use a gel not a cream *Use a razor with three blades, not disposable. This prevents having to shave the same place over and over. *Shave WITH the grain of the hair. *Pat skin dry Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Have you tried switching razors? Or possibly shaving cream? You might just have an allergic reaction to something you're already using or ingredients in the products.
Oh look what I found. [I was curious myself so I looked it up]
Use a shaving gel (try Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel) instead of cream to avoid clogging pores, and always shave in the direction of hair growth, using a clean and sharp razor every time. When razor burn does occur, apply an aloe-vera-based cortisone cream twice a day to soothe the area and get rid of the redness. Try DDF Aloe Cort Cream.
-Hope it helps!

Answer 4

I have such a terrible time with this. I use a shaving gel like gillete for the legs. After showering then I apply lotion to legs. If I shave the bikini area I get horrible ingrown hairs and razor burn. If I rub some Lady Speed Stick on it, I feel much better. It cuts down on the pain and suffering of the burn shave.

I think I will just trim with little scizzors in the bikini area instead of shaving for now on. It hurts to much with the infected ingrown hairs.

Answer 5

Shaving carefully and slowly always helps when it comes to razor burn. Using a good shaving cream or gel helps prevent nicks, cuts and razor burns as it allows your razor to glide gently over the skin and not tug on it.

You should also try shaving towards the end of your bath or shower as this is when your skin is at the softest.

Lastly, after your shave, use a fragrance-free hypoallergenic body lotion or aftershave to keep your skin soft and moisturized.

Answer 6

Try shaving in the shower. Or with a good shaving cream product. Also dont use a single blade razor. Its better to use a double or triple blade razor. Make sure you moisturize afterwards too.

Answer 7

Do it in the shower to let the warm water soften the hair. Wash your legs with a washcloth first to slough off any dead skin cells, then use a lubricating shave gel or cream. Skintimate is a nice one to use and they have lots of different scents. Always make sure you're using a sharp razor and then apply a soothing lotion afterwards. I like Aveeno oatmeal lotion it's great.
Also... I know I sound like a commercial here but I used to ALWAYS et razor burn or nicks and then i got the Venus razor and omg I havent cut myself or gotten razor burn since. I would never use anything else.

Answer 8

First, get a lubricating gel or a shaving cream with baby oil in it.

gert would face washed very, very good (one reason I shave in the shower.

When you put the gel or cream on, let it sit for a minute to soak in.

gert a sharp razor, but don't drive it into the face. Shave in one direction, but slowly, cleaing out the razor often

When done, wash the face again

Answer 9

If you are female you may want to try a product called Sin Dolor. It kinda works like the lady epilator. It pulls the hairs out individually, you must wash first. My wife had the same problem and this product worked great everywhere she used it. Found it at Wal mart in El Paso, TX. First day after she was a little bumpy but by the third day smooth and nice and didn't have to use it again for about 8 days.

Answer 10

I suggest using the Veneus razor and skintamite shaving cream. THey both work great.