Today, a majority of people use shaving for removing unwanted hair. Unfortunately, a common problem that can occur with this method of hair removal is razor burn—the irritation of the skin after shaving. Razor burn is noticeable within a few minutes after shaving and appears as a mild, red rash that may sting. However, it will normally disappear within a few hours or days. In severe cases, you will also have razor bumps—raised red welts around the shaved area.
Razor burn is a common, uncomfortable problem, especially when shaving areas with sensitive skin, such as the bikini line, chest, beard, or underarms. A burn from shaving can be caused by a few different factors, including:
- Shaving too closely or too quickly
- Using a blunt blade when shaving
- Dry shaving
- Using too much pressure when shaving
- Shaving against the grain
The recommended way to treat razor burn is actually prevention. There are a few ways to avoid irritation when shaving:
- Use an exfoliate scrub to clean your skin before you shave
- Make sure the hair and skin are wet
- Replace your razor blade frequently—after every 5 to 7 uses
- Shave in the direction the hair grows
- Pat your skin dry after shaving
- Apply a moisturizer after shaving
If you seem to experience razor burn after almost every shave, then you may want reduce the frequency of your shaves or skip it altogether. Alternatives like waxing or other hair removal products may work better for you and your skin.
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