Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Using natural remedies
• Method 2 of 4: Using Oil
• Method 3 of 4: Using over-the-counter remedies
• Method 4 of 4: Changing your shaving habits

Skin irritation is a painful problem that can occur after shaving. Irritation, itching, and inflammation can last for up to a week. However, there are ways to speed up the healing process. If you fight the problem with natural or over-the-counter remedies, recovery times can be shortened to a few days.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Using natural remedies

1. 1 Apply a cold compress immediately after shaving, or as soon as you notice irritation. Wrap some ice cubes in a small towel. Or place a terrycloth towel under cold running water and wring out to keep it moist without dripping water. Apply to irritated skin for 5-10 minutes several times a day until the irritation subsides.
2. 2 Apply an oatmeal mixture to your skin. Oatmeal will naturally soothe and exfoliate your skin. Mix 2 tbsp. l. chopped oatmeal and 1 tbsp. l. honey. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes.
   • If the mixture of oatmeal and honey is too thick and inconvenient for even application, you can add 1 tsp. water.
   • You can increase the effectiveness of the mixture by applying it immediately after shaving.
3. 3 Apply honey and apple cider vinegar to irritated skin after shaving. Honey contains many antibacterial substances and has moisturizing properties. Using a small spoon or spatula, apply a thin layer of honey to the area of ​​irritation. Let the honey sit for 5 minutes. Rinse the area under cold running water and pat dry with a small tissue or towel.
   • Next, apply a small amount of apple cider vinegar to the irritated skin. For a more even application, you can pour apple cider vinegar into a small spray bottle and sprinkle on your skin 1-2 times. After applying the vinegar, let it dry naturally. The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar will help cool the skin and soothe irritations.
4. 4 Apply black tea bags to the area of ​​irritation. Go to the store and buy black tea bags. It is usually sold in small boxes of 10-20. Any brand will do, but make sure it's only black tea. Dip the tea bag in water to moisten it. Rub gently into the irritated area. The tannins in black tea can reduce redness and inflammation after shaving.
   • Repeat 2-3 times daily or according to skin condition.
   • Do not rub the tea bag too hard over the irritated area, as the tea bag is very thin and tears easily.
5. 5 Make a baking soda lotion. Add 1 tbsp. l. baking soda in 1 cup (235 ml) water. Stir until smooth. If the solution is still runny, add more baking soda. Dip a cotton ball into the solution, spread over the irritated skin and leave the cotton ball on your face. Let sit for 5 minutes. Remove the cotton pad and rinse the area with cold water. Repeat 2-3 times every day or according to skin condition.
6. 6 Apply aloe vera to the irritated area. Aloe Vera is a plant whose leaves contain juice with moisturizing properties. Cut the aloe vera leaf along the edge and squeeze the gelatinous juice out of it. If the juice cannot be squeezed out, scrape it out of the sheet with a knife or fingers. Use your fingertips to rub the juice into the irritated area in a circular motion. Continue to massage the skin for about 2 minutes. Let the juice absorb into the skin while its soothing properties persist. Then rinse the affected area with cold water. Reapply 2-4 times daily or according to skin condition.
   • If you don't have an aloe vera plant in your home, or if you find it problematic to buy one nearby, you can use the same techniques with a commercially available aloe vera gel.
7. 7 Apply cucumber and yogurt wedges to irritated skin. Cucumber has many moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, while yogurt contains lactic acid, which exfoliates the skin. Together, they can help quickly relieve irritation after shaving. In a blender or food processor, combine half a cucumber and 1-2 tbsp. l. regular yogurt. Scoop up some cucumber-yogurt paste and apply to the irritated area with a spoon or spatula. After 20 minutes, wash off the paste with warm water.
   • If you are applying the paste to a large area of ​​irritation, then add 2 tablespoons of yogurt, not one; and use the whole cucumber, not half.
   • If you don't have yogurt on hand, you can apply raw cucumber slices directly to the irritated area for a quick soothing effect. Cut a few thin slices from the cucumber and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Apply to face for 20 minutes.
8. 8 For irritation after shaving, use witch hazel. Witch hazel is an oil made from the bark and leaves of a small shrub. Witch hazel contains many astringents that help heal and soothe irritated skin. Dip a cotton pad in a small amount of witch hazel and rub it over the affected area. You can also pour it into a spray bottle and spray it 2-3 times on irritated areas. Whichever method you choose, apply witch hazel 2-3 a day, or depending on the condition of your skin.

Method 2 of 4: Using Oil

1. 1 Apply essential oil to the area of ​​irritation. There are many essential oils that can help get rid of irritation quickly. Essential oils of lavender, chamomile, and calendula are helpful in relieving irritation after shaving. Mix 6-8 drops of any oil of your choice with a quarter cup (60 ml) of water. Dip a cotton ball in the oil and water mixture. Apply a cotton swab to the irritated area 2-3 times daily or according to skin condition.
2. 2 Treat post-shave irritation with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can quickly relieve irritation. Mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tbsp. l. olive oil, or 4-5 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tbsp. l. water. Using your fingertips, gently massage the mixture onto the affected area. Then leave it on the skin for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the oil with warm water. Repeat 2 times a day or depending on the condition of the skin.
3. 3 Use coconut oil to relieve irritation after shaving. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a substance with healing, moisturizing and antiseptic properties. Place a small amount of coconut oil on the irritated skin and massage gently into the skin. Do not apply in thick layers.Repeat 2-4 times daily or according to skin condition.

Method 3 of 4: Using over-the-counter remedies

1. 1 Use aftershave lotion. After Shave Lotion is a product specially formulated for the care of the skin after shaving. There are two types of shaving lotions: the actual shaving lotion and the balm. After Shave Lotion - A flavored alcohol-based product that tightens pores. After Shave Balm is a moisturizer with a softer scent. Experiment with different types and brands of aftershave to find one that soothes your skin.
   • After Shave Lotions with Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Chamomile are especially good for post-shave irritation.
   • You should also look for shea butter and birch bark as part of an after-shave product, which are effective against irritation.
2. 2 Use body lotion. There are many moisturizing lotions that can help relieve skin irritation quickly. The best lotions contain glycolic acid, which stimulates skin healing. Lotion with alcohol, salicylic acid, or both is also effective, but it can dry out the skin. If you have sensitive skin, check for glycolic acid instead.
3. 3 Use petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly can help relieve irritation caused by shaving and keep your skin hydrated. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the affected area. The skin will absorb the petroleum jelly, so there is no need to wipe or rinse it off. After two hours, apply a new layer. Continue applying until the irritation has subsided.
4. 4 Make a paste with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin do wonders for the skin. Take 2-3 aspirin tablets and grind them in a small bowl. You can use a flat-bottomed cup or a wide spoon for chopping. Add a few drops of water to a bowl and use a fork to stir until creamy. Usually 4-5 drops of water are sufficient, but add more if necessary. Rub the paste over the shave marks and wait 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Apply this remedy twice a day until the skin heals.
   • You should not use acetylsalicylic acid if you are pregnant, are allergic to aspirin or have a blood clotting disorder (hemophilia), or if you have ever had intestinal bleeding. Also, do not use aspirin while breastfeeding or taking blood thinners.
5. 5 Apply an itch-relieving cream containing hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a topical medicine that reduces itching, swelling, and redness of irritated skin. It can help soothe itchy areas and speed up healing.
   • Do not use hydrocortisone for more than three days in a row.
   • Do not apply cream to open wounds.

Method 4 of 4: Changing your shaving habits

1. 1 Don't shave too often. Shaving too often will not give your skin enough time to recover from a previous shave. Try to shave every 4-5 days.
2. 2 Use a sharp razor. The shaver should be replaced after 5-7 uses. This way you always have a sharp razor that is less likely to irritate your skin.
3. 3 Use a shaving cream. Before shaving, wet your skin with warm water and mild soap, then apply a shaving cream or gel. Shaving cream helps to achieve smoother skin and reduces the likelihood of cuts.
4. 4 Improve your shaving technique. Shave in short strokes. Don't press too hard: the weight of the razor should be enough to shave with the right pressure. Always move the razor blade in the direction of hair growth. Otherwise, you can push the hair back into the follicles.
5. 5 Try not to cover your skin with irritation after shaving. Leaving the irritated area open will help your skin heal faster. If you need to cover up irritation after shaving, then choose loose clothing so the pores can "breathe".
   • Wear cotton clothing. Synthetic clothing can irritate your skin even more. Hair can also increase irritation. Cotton, on the other hand, is more breathable and can speed up the healing of shaving irritations.