Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Develop good habits
• Method 2 of 3: Using the right products
• Method 3 of 3: Avoid further irritation
• Tips
• Warnings

Razor burn, red bumps and dry, irritated skin are common symptoms after shaving. After shaving, both women and men suffer from irritated skin caused by dull razors and dry or sensitive skin. Use the tips below to avoid skin irritation after shaving.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Develop good habits

1. Wait until after your hot bath or shower before shaving. Your warm (repeat: warm) shower or bath will hydrate your skin and prepare it for a shave that will reduce the risk of skin irritation. The softer your hair is, the easier it will be to shave off completely.
   • Let the warm water soften and lift your hair. The moisture and steam from your bath or shower causes your hair to soften and lift away from your skin. Softer hairs that stand up from your skin can be shaved much easier and smoother than areas that are not prepared for shaving.
   • If you don't have the time or access to a shower, keep a warm, wet washcloth on the area for at least 5 minutes.
   EXPERT TIP

   Exfoliate your skin. Many people skip this absolutely necessary step. You could even do this for that and after shaving. It may seem like a waste of time, but your skin will be smoother and less likely to become red and irritated.

   • When you exfoliate your skin before shaving, your hairs are pointing in the same direction and you can shave evenly. It also wipes away dead skin cells, allowing you to shave more thoroughly. Exfoliating your skin after shaving unclogs your pores (from shaving and creams, etc.) and prevents ingrown hairs (which cause red bumps).
2. Always use a shaving cream. Later you can read more about the specifics of creams and such products, but it is ABSOLUTELY IMPORTANT to use anything to moisturize your skin. Do you feel like someone is yelling at you? GOOD! ALWAYS USE SHAVING CREAM.
   • Crystal clear, isn't it? Shaving never only with water. Water and soap is fine, but it is best to use a cream specifically designed for sensitive skin that is going to be shaved. Make sure to reapply the cream when shaving the same area twice.
3. Shave in the direction of the hair. Make downward strokes with your razor. Applying pressure with your razor against the grain will cause irritation and red bumps. In general, this means shaving down.
   • Of course, if you shave against the grain, you can shave more thoroughly. If that's what you want, then do it. But the chance is much greater that your skin will be irritated.
4. Make short, light strokes. These two things actually go hand in hand. When you do a short stroke, you go over your skin more gently. If the stroke is too long, it will feel like the razor is getting dull and you will have to apply more pressure to counteract that. Resist the Temptation!
   • Also rinse your razor in between strokes. The shorter the stroke, the more careful you handle your razor. That is not only good for your wallet, but also for your skin!
5. Rinse your skin with cool water and then pat your skin dry. Just as hot water opens your pores, cold water closes them, closing the process. After rinsing your skin with cool water, pat your skin dry. Do not rub! That will only cause you problems. You did well - don't mess it up now!

Method 2 of 3: Using the right products

1. Buy a new razor. Using a dull razor will cause unnecessary skin irritation under all circumstances. Rather than gliding over your skin, a dull razor pulls on your skin, causing more skin irritation. Imagine it removing your skin - no thanks!
   • You can reuse a razor a few times if you take good care of it. Make sure to rinse it after each stroke. However, do not leave the blade wet. Water can also erode the metal. As an extra precaution, clean the blade with isopropyl alcohol to kill any bacteria.
2. Buy a badger hair shaving brush (if you're a man). You may think that all you need to do is smear the shaving cream onto your skin, but a shaving brush really gets the cream into your hair, leaving you with a cleaner and smoother shave.
   • You may also want to start using a safety razor. Such a razor has a single shaving blade with which you can shave very sharply and cleanly. The razors are also cheap!
3. Use a shaving cream with aloe vera or other ingredients designed for sensitive skin. Wait until halfway through your bath or shower to apply the shaving cream. Leave it on for at least 3 minutes to soften the hair. The aloe vera and other ingredients in the shaving cream create a surface that gives you a smoother shave and less irritation.
   • Guys, you might want to use your girlfriend's shaving cream. Products marketed for women's legs often moisturize the skin better and are also gentler on the skin. You can handle a pink spray can, right?
4. Apply a hydrocortisone cream or ointment after shaving. Do this right after shaving to reduce the stinging sensation and redness caused by your razor. The ointment softens the skin and heals irritations.
   • Do not use the cream with hydrocortisone on a daily basis. If you use it regularly, your skin will get used to it, making it less effective. Regular use can also make your skin thinner.
5. Apply lotion to your skin after shaving. Apply a moisturizing, fragrance-free, unscented lotion to the areas you've shaved. Lotions make your skin less dry after shaving, which could otherwise cause many symptoms of skin irritation.
   • Udder ointment (available at the drugstore) is a good product to moisturize your skin. Bring the lotion, however all the time on and not only after shaving.

Method 3 of 3: Avoid further irritation

1. Stop shaving. Stop shaving and let the hair grow. Try this for a short time, even if this is not possible as a long-term solution. The less you shave, the less likely your skin will be irritated.
   • Even stopping shaving for a few days will help your skin to heal. If it is really an emergency, ask for a note from your doctor that you can take to school or work and that says you can grow your beard. Or your leg hair - whatever it is.
2. Use a depilatory cream to remove your hair. Depilatory creams dissolve the hair at the root in the hair follicle. Using a depilatory cream will reduce the skin irritation caused by shaving. However, watch out for allergic reactions caused by depilatory creams. Depilatory creams are suitable for sensitive skin, but skin allergies do occur.
   • In case it wasn't clear yet: by using a depilatory cream don't shave. That's certainly one way to prevent razor burn and red bumps!
3. Apply a benzoyl peroxide ointment or razor burn cream to the areas you have shaved. Apply a 2.5 to 5% benzoyl peroxide ointment right after shaving to reduce redness, irritation, or bumps. Benzoyl peroxide was originally used as an acne treatment, but is now a common razor burn prevention agent.
   • There are a wide variety of red bump creams available that can be purchased at your local drug store. Use such a cream as a precaution if you are particularly prone to red bumps.

Tips

• Witch hazel is a special emollient. If you already have skin irritation, rub it on your skin. You no longer suffer from itching!

Warnings

• Ask your doctor for advice about irritated areas of your skin that appear to be infected or that don't improve after a few days.