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Daily hygiene is important, not just to make yourself look presentable and appealing to others but for health reasons, too. It’s the same with getting rid of unwanted body hair.
Once you hit puberty, you deal with raging hormones and also unwanted body hair in places you’ve never known to grow hair before. Getting rid of it becomes a regular ordeal for you. Shaving and plucking are your new best friends, but it’s not as easy as you think.
If you haven’t quite mastered the art of hair removal yet, so getting razor burns is an inevitable consequence of shaving. Razor burn and razor bumps are constant threats you would rather not deal with, if possible. If you can’t afford to get permanent laser hair removal, learning how to prevent and how to get rid of razor burns and razor bumps when shaving is a lifesaver.
What is a Razor Burn?
Shaving removes up to two layers of skin. Razor burn is the skin irritation resulting from the use of a blunt blade or an improper shaving technique. It affects both men and women. The razor blade not only displaces the hair, but also twists and pulls it, thus creating razor burn. It looks like a mild rash a few minutes after shaving (as soon as hair begins to grow through the sealed skin). (1)
How long do razor burns last?
It often disappears several hours or days later depending on how severe it is. This ingrown hair results when the shaved hair grows back, curls around and then grows back into the skin. In severe cases, razor bumps go hand in hand with razor burns. Razor bumps look like infected pustules or raised, red welts surrounding the shaved hair.
What causes razor bumps?
The lack of lubrication during shaving is usually the main cause of this painful rash. Not only do razor burns look terrible, it can be itchy too.
Razor bumps are otherwise known as pseudofolliculitis barbae. They appear like small abscesses or patches of darkened skin on commonly shaved body parts. It is actually an ingrown hair that results in skin inflammation surrounding the shaved area. The inflammation is caused by the body’s immune response triggered by shaving. If you have curly hair, like most African-American people, razor bumps are a common problem if you shave often.
Where can you see a razor burn?
Common areas where you see razor burns are sensitive body parts with coarse hair like the pubic area, bikini line, underarms, beard, and the chest. Razor burns are a common sight in the summer when people shave frequently and head to the beach in their swimsuits.
History of Shaving
Shaving is an ancient practice, believe it or not. Prehistoric cave paintings dating back 30,000 years depict clean-shaven men. This breakthrough was reported by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology back in 2013. The Romans and Greeks adopted the Egyptian practice of head shaving by 330 BC during the time of Alexander the Great. It was considered to be a defensive measure among soldiers so that enemies would not be able to grab their hair during combat.
As shaving became a common practice, men living in unshaven societies were labeled “barbarians” meaning the unshaven or “unbarbered”. The practice of women shaving their underarms and legs later followed. While shaving most body parts became the accepted norm, pubic shaving started in Greece and Egypt when prostitutes shaved their pubic hair as a sign of their profession and also for hygienic reasons. The increased preference for pubic hair shaving gained a strong foothold in the 1980s when swimsuits became more revealing. So, women had no choice but to shave the bikini line to prevent accidental pubic hair exposure. (2)
Early men used crude things like stones, clamshells, flint, and other sharp items to scrape their hair away. They later used copper, bronze, and iron razors to shave. Steel straight razors known as cut-throats were used centuries later. Razors from yesteryears looked like knives for hundreds of years and needed to be sharpened using a leather strop or a honing stone. The downside is that you must be skilled with handling the tool to avoid hurting yourself when shaving.
Today, shaving is a common practice. Over 90% of the population removes unwanted hair. Shaving tops the list followed by plucking. Other hair removal methods include waxing, laser removal, chemical depilatories, and electrolysis.
On the average, a man will spend 3,000 hours of his life devoted to shaving. Women will likely spend the same amount of time with having to shave their legs and underarms often. Then there are the unfortunate few who also have to deal with facial hair. It’s the daily routine most people seldom talk about but have to deal with day in and day out. It is why issues like razor burns and razor bumps are frequently experienced by many.
What Causes a Razor Burn?
Common causes of razor burns include:
- Shaving with a blunt blade
- Shaving too closely
- Dry shaving
- Shaving too quickly
- Shaving too roughly
- Applying too much pressure when shaving
- Incorrect shaving techniques
- Shaving against the grain or the hair growth
- Using the wrong type of shaving cream, lubricant or razor
Symptoms of Razor Burn
People often ask, “What does a razor burn look and feel like?” The truth is, if you shave or have tried shaving in the past, you’ve likely experienced it yourself and know how itchy and painful it is. The usual symptoms of razor burns are:
- Redness
- Pink or red rash
- Bumps
- Stinging or burning sensation after shaving
Razor Bumps Categories
Razor bumps are severe and infected cases of razor burns. This razor bump category was established by the National Medical Association. (3)
- Grade 0 – No evidence of razor burn
- Grade I – Presence of ingrown hairs and less than 20% papules or solid skin elevation in a 2 mm. area
- Grade II – Ingrown hair and less than 20% papules or solid skin elevation in a 2 mm. area or more
- Grade III – A severe condition with the presence of multiple pustules
- Grade IV – A severe condition that requires the cutting and draining of razor bumps
How to Prevent Razor Burns
Not only are razor burns ugly at the sight, they are painful too. Those with sensitive skin are more prone to razor burns especially when they haven’t taken care of pre-shaving preparations.
How to Shave without Getting Razor Burns
- Always use a new and sharp razor. Replace razor blades on a regular basis (Dermatologists suggest changing it after five to seven uses.)
- Keep the skin moist.
- Exfoliate the skin before and after shaving.
- Use a moisturizing shaving gel to soften the hair.
- Use a shaving brush and lather.
- Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
- Shave in short quick strokes.
- Apply minimal pressure.
- Do not shave too closely.
- Clean the blade after each stroke.
- Do not scratch the area after shaving to prevent irritation.
- Do not use irritating products on the area after shaving.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Use aftershave creams infused with aloe vera or razor burns cream and skin moisturizers that contain glycerin or emollients.
- Shave after taking a shower.
Since razor burns can affect different parts of the body with hair, it is important to learn how to prevent razor burns and how to treat it. For instance, let’s find out how to deal with razor burns on the neck:
- Prepare the neck for shaving.
- Apply a pre-shave oil.
- Use cold water and a sharp blade.
- Do not overstretch the neck’s skin.
- Shave with the grain or the hair growth.
- Avoid putting pressure on the neck.
- Clean thoroughly after shaving.
No-Fail Razor Burns Treatment
If razor burns are a constant occurrence, try a longer-lasting razor burn cure or stop shaving altogether. If stopping isn’t an option for you because of social pressure or other issues, try to get rid of razor burns by:
- Using an electric shaver
- Shaving less often (about twice or thrice a week)
- Using chemical depilatories
- Considering laser hair removal or electrolysis
Home Remedies for Razor Burns and Razor Bumps
Prevention is always better than a cure. There’s no denying that. Washing and exfoliating the skin before shaving can save you from razor burn most of the time. (4) If you can’t prevent it from happening because you need to shave in a hurry and you can’t afford long-term hair removal treatments, knowing the following home remedies for razor burns is handy:
1. Aloe Vera Gel
This natural remedy is perfect for razor burns because of its soothing and cooling properties. When applied on the skin, the sticky gel provides soothing relief from the burning and itchiness. It also has moisturizing properties that hasten razor burn healing.
2. Cold Compress
A quick home remedy for razor burn is to apply a cold compress on the affected area. It not only gives instant relief but soothes the shaved area too, thereby reducing inflammation.
3. Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar
Honey is not only soothing and moisturizing but has anti-bacterial properties too. Honey treats razor burns when applied on it. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar cool the skin. It’s a quick remedy for razor burns when used together.
4. Black Tea
It contains tannic acid that reduces inflammation and redness associated with razor burn. The good thing about black tea is that the cheaper brands contain more tannic acid than the more expensive ones.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda helps exfoliate razor burns and razor bumps. It makes the skin’s appearance smoother and also makes the skin feel cool and calm because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
6.Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a well-known antiseptic with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This essential oil may be a bit strong, so you may need to dilute it before use. Olive oil works well as a carrier oil that you can use to dilute tea tree oil to help soothe razor burns.
7. Coconut Oil
The Lauric acid in coconut oil has antiseptic and moisturizing properties to help cuts and razor burn heal quickly.
8. Witch Hazel
This natural astringent soothes the skin and gets rid of razor burn quickly. It is rich in tannins that not only treat razor burns but soothe it too.
9. Cucumber-Yogurt Mask
We all know that cucumber is soothing. It’s anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties can cure razor burns fast. It is also rich in Vitamin C and K to relieve the pain and swelling caused by razor burns. When combined with another home remedy that also has soothing properties like yogurt, which contains lactic acid, it gently exfoliates the skin and gets rid of ugly razor burn scars and marks fast.
How to Apply The Treatment
If you can’t avoid it, treating razor burns right away will prevent infection.
Here’s what you need to do:
Cold Compress
You can get instant razor burns relief with a soothing cold compress.
You need: Ice cubes and a washcloth or towel
Get some ice cubes and wrap them in a towel. Put this on the affected area and leave it there for several minutes. If you don’t have ice cubes, you can use cold water instead. Soak the towel in cold water and wring out the excess. Place it on the razor burn. Continue this until you get razor burn relief.
Honey-Apple Cider Vinegar
Get rid of razor burn fast with this powerful combination.
You need: Honey, apple cider vinegar, and cold water
Cover the razor burn skin with honey. Let it sit for five minutes before washing it off with cold water. Pat the skin dry. Now take the apple cider vinegar and splash it on the area you just treated with honey. Allow it to air dry to get rid of razor burns fast.
Black Tea Bags
Black tea is rich in tannic acid that has a soothing effect on razor burns.
You need: Black tea bag and warm water
Moisten the black tea bag in the warm water. Take it out and rub it on the razor burn. Do this twice or thrice a day for razor burn relief.
Baking Soda
Soothe razor burn with a common household item like baking soda.
You need: Baking soda, water, and some cotton balls
Mix baking soda and water. Soak the cotton ball in this mixture. Place the soaked cotton ball on the razor burn and let it sit for four to five minutes. Rinse with cold water. Do this twice or thrice a day for fast razor burn relief.
Aloe Vera
It is a natural skin remedy with soothing and cooling properties to help speed up the razor burn healing process.
You need: Aloe vera or aloe gel and a knife
Cut open an aloe vera leaf. Take the gel from inside and rub it gently on the razor burn for several minutes. Let it sit for a while. Wash it off with cold water when you feel that it has become too sticky. If the gel doesn’t bother you, you can safely let it sit on the affected body part. Do this twice or thrice a day to remedy razor burns.
Cucumber-Yogurt Mask
Cucumber and yogurt contain many cooling and skin-friendly ingredients that can help heal razor burns.
You need: 1/2 or 1 whole peeled cucumber, 1-2 tablespoons plain yogurt, and lukewarm water
Mix the cucumber and yogurt in a blender. Apply the mixture on the razor burn. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve razor burns.
You need: 3-5 drops of tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons water (if using olive oil as the carrier oil for tea tree oil)
Mix the tea tree oil and water. Apply on the affected area. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Coconut Oil
Moisturize and treat razor burns with coconut oil, which is rich in Lauric acid.
You need: Coconut oil
Apply a thin layer on the razor burn. Do this twice or thrice a day to treat it.
Witch Hazel
Another great razor burn remedy is witch hazel, which has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties from tannins that are abundant in it.
You need: Witch hazel and a cotton ball or spray bottle
Dip the cotton ball in witch hazel and apply it on the razor burns. Do this twice or thrice a day to reduce inflammation and aid in healing. You can also pour witch hazel in a spray bottle and spray it on the affected area as an alternative.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like calendula, chamomile, and lavender help treat razor burns. Dilute them first in water or carrier oil like olive oil to enjoy its soothing and healing properties.
You need: Calendula, chamomile, or Lavender oil, ¼ cup water, and cotton balls
Add several drops of essential oil in water or olive oil. Mix it well. Soak the cotton ball in it and apply it on the razor burns.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Similar to witch hazel, hydrocortisone has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to help treat swollen and irritated skin caused by razor burn.
You need: Hydrocortisone cream
Apply a small amount of hydrocortisone cream on the razor burn to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
Lemon Juice
Its acidic nature prevents the bacteria from colonizing the irritated ingrown hair follicles.
You need: Lemon juice
Apply the lemon juice on the affected area to prevent infection and reduce redness.
White Tea
Just like black tea bags, white tea bags are also rich in tannic acid, which reduces inflammation and speeds up razor burn healing.
You need: White tea bag
Wet the white tea bag in water and press it on the razor burn to reduce the redness and swelling.
Aspirin
This anti-inflammatory drug helps to reduce inflammation and redness fast. It is a quick razor burn remedy.
You need: Aspirin and lukewarm water
Put two aspirin in a teaspoon of lukewarm water. Wait for it to turn into a paste. Rub the paste on the razor burn and let it sit for ten minutes before rinsing it with warm water. Do this twice daily to manage the discomfort caused by razor burns.
How to Get Rid of Razor Burn Scars
Here are proven ways to not only heal razor burns but get rid of razor burn scars fast.
- Take vitamin C or other supplements like licorice root extract that have skin benefits.
- Exfoliate the affected area. Make a natural exfoliate with two parts sugar and three parts olive oil.
- Pour witch hazel on a cotton ball and apply it on the razor burn to prevent further inflammation and infection.
- Mix aspirin with water and spread a thin layer over the razor burn. Use a damp cloth to wash it off to promote healing. Do this thrice a week.
- Apply a thin layer of alpha-hydroxy acid or glycolic acid lightening cream on the affected area. They not only exfoliate the skin but lighten the appearance of ugly razor burn scars and marks.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of aloe vera gel on the scar. Apply it three times a day to soothe and lighten the spot. You can also apply cocoa butter on the scar, lightening its appearance like it does with stretch marks. Vitamin E also works well. Cut open a vitamin E capsule and apply it on the scar in a circular motion.
- Soak a flannel cloth in castor oil and apply it on the razor burn. Let it sit for at least an hour or two once daily.
- Consult a dermatologist and ask if you can or cannot use bleaching creams to reduce the scar’s appearance.
No matter what part of your body has razor burns, these razor burn treatments and remedies can do the trick. You can finally say goodbye to ugly marks and the itchy and painful feeling that soon follows after shaving, especially in the bikini line and pubic area. You can show off your hairless body without any worries.
Even a daily routine like shaving can have ugly, painful, and serious consequences when not done properly. The fact that shaving can’t be avoided most of the time, it pays to be informed of the dos and don’ts of this ancient practice. You can save yourself a lot of pain and trouble by doing the necessary preparations before removing any unwanted hair on your body.
Most people are in a hurry and have no time to prepare for shaving, which they soon regret once the ugly razor burns and razor bumps appear. Look your best and continue to shave without subjecting your body to unnecessary pain and hassle. Arm yourself with the right knowledge and avoid the problem rather than curing it.
Other Sources
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https://draxe.com/
http://www.moderngent.com/
http://www.men-uusa.com/
https://getbevel.com/
http://www.gillettevenus.com/
http://www.livestrong.com/
http://scarsandspots.com/
https://www.leaf.tv/
