| How to Prevent Razor Burn Feb 12th 2013, 12:00 There is nothing quite as frustrating as cleaning up with a close shave, only to suffer from razor burn -- a common skin irritation that occurs after shaving. But, there are ways to combat this unsightly and uncomfortable condition. By following the steps below, you can minimize the effects of razor burn and shaving-related skin irritation. - Before shaving, gently scrub your face with a loofah or facial scrub lotion. This scrub helps remove dead skin, bring out ingrown hairs, and reduces razor burn rashes.
- Wait about 20 minutes after getting up before shaving, as this will allow bodily fluids that have welled in your face during the night to disperse.
- It is good to shave after exercising rather than before so that the sweat does not irritate the freshly-shaved skin.
- Wash your face in warm water. Warm water and steam help soften skin and facial hair while opening up your pores.
- Use new, sharp razor blades. Be sure to discard them before they become blunt. Although disposable razors and razor refills can be expensive, the price of using old, dull, or nicked razors is razor burn. In this case, buying the most expensive razor is not always the best idea. Usually problems occur because the razor is used too many times. Try to purchase razors that you are comfortable with throwing away after only a few uses. If using an electric shaver, be sure to clean the blades regularly and to keep them free of hairs.
- Wet the skin and lather the entire area to be shaved with a quality shaving cream or gel. Make sure you've let the cream or gel sit on the skin for a few minutes before shaving; this will increase the softness of the facial hair and will reduce the skin irritation.
- Do not use ordinary soap; it will dry out skin and increase the likelihood of irritation.
- Some people have success using a moisturizing cream instead of a lathering soap or foam, but this may not suit those with oily skin.
- Using a shaving oil can sometimes produce better results than using a cream or gel. Also, you can see where you're shaving.
- Shave with the grain of the hair in short, deliberate strokes. Shaving against the grain increases the odds of ingrown hairs, irritation, and inflamed skin. Long strokes often cause one to press down too hard on the skin, increasing razor contact and making razor burn more likely.
- Rinse the blade after each stroke. If the razor is full of whiskers, it won't get a close shave, and irritation will be more likely. Use hot water. Cold water can cause goose bumps. For a really close shave, re-moisturize the section you just shaved by spreading a thin layer of lather from another area of your face, and then swiping that area again. Keep everything moist.
- Wash your face well in cold water after shaving, in order to remove all traces of shaving cream or foam. This helps close pores and lessen skin irritation.
- Apply a moisturizing lotion to help keep the skin soft and reduce the presence of razor burn.
- Dip the blade in rubbing alcohol after the final rinse. Blades last much longer than most people think. The apparent dulling of the blade is due to the formation of microscopic "teeth" on the edge, made up of mineral crystals from the water. These drag against the skin, causing the blade to grab and producing cuts and much of the razor burn. The alcohol will displace the water and the minerals in it, and evaporate without leaving residue. Store the razor with the blade edges upward.
- Avoid passing your razor over the same area of your face numerous times. Even though you desire the closest shave and smoothest face, each pass of the razor removes (and therefore irritates) small layers of skin.
- For sensitive skin, consider shaving with a moisturizer or sorbolene cream. It helps lubricate as well as protect the skin during the shaving process and is less likely to cause irritation due to the absence of certain products.
- If razor burn appears after shaving, apply an aloe vera-based cortisone cream, an aftershave, or another hydrating application to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
- If you have slow hair growth, you may be able to eliminate razor bumps altogether by shaving every other day.
- By far the main cause of razor burn is by holding the skin tight as the razor passes over it. When you do this (by holding your chin up), the hair gets cut TOO short and when the skin is relaxed the hair end is pulled under the skin causing infection and irritation. To avoid this keep your chin down or level when shaving, it is not necessary to make the skin tight.
- If razor burn persists when using a manual razor, consider getting an electric shaver with a built-in gel dispenser. The gel helps lubricate your face while shaving and can reduce friction, thus reducing the chance of razor burn.
- If your face is especially sensitive, applying an ointment or cream such as Polysporin in a thin layer after shaving may reduce the appearance of razor burn.
Edit Warnings - Don't use a bent or rusted razor.
- Don't share razors.
- Be careful when working with the blades. Don't test the sharpness with your fingertips. If you do get cut, make sure you clean and treat the wound appropriately.
Edit Things You'll Need - A razor or electric shaver
- Disposable twin blade razors with pivoting head and moisturizing strip work well
- Shaving cream or gel
- Alcohol free aftershave or facial moisturizer.
- A loofah or facial scrub lotion.
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