Shaving is an easy and affordable way to remove hair. It is painless, easy to do it yourself and even though the result will not be as long lasting as the result of waxing, you still get smooth and hairless skin for a little while. The only drawback – besides the fact that hair grows back quickly and coarse to the touch – is the possibility of getting a razor burn. A razor burn is a skin irritation that can be felt soon after shaving. It causes a burning sensation usually accompanied by a red rash. The affected area can easily get itchy and swollen. Razor burn is mostly associated with men who shave their faces but women are often prone to post-shave problems as well.
Some causes of razor burn
-using a dull blade
-shaving dry skin
-not being gentle enough
-shaving too frequently
-using an after-shave lotion packed with synthetic chemicals and alcohol
-skipping moisturizer
How razor burn occurs
You are likely to get a razor burn when your skin is dislodged and when hair follicles are twisted by the action of razor blades. Shaving is a process that not only affects the hair, but also the skin. With good shaving technique, you can reduce the risk of getting a razor burn.
How to prevent razor burn
–Replace your razor. If you feel tugging while shaving, change the blades. It is so uncomfortable to use an old blade. It is almost impossible to get a close shave and the rougher you are, the better chance you have cutting yourself even with an unsharp blade
–Prep your skin. Take a nice, warm bath or a hot, steamy shower and let your pores open up. The hairs will be noticeably softer, you’ll experience less tension and hair removal will be less of a struggle. Exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells and get a closer shave (and baby soft skin.) Hair needs at least two minutes to soften.
–Be gentle. Hard handling often equals irritation. Reduce the pressure, especially when using a brand new blade.
–Replace shaving gel or cream with coconut oil. The valuable fatty acids of cold-pressed, extra virgin coconut oil leave you with soft and smooth skin, and let’s not forget its antibacterial and antifungal properties that comes in handy when shaving.
How to treat razor burn
–Cold compress. Take ice cubes and wrap them in a towel to make your cold compress and place it on the razor burn. Hold it there for a few minutes and you should get some relief.
–Don’t shave for a couple of days. We know a lot of you hate stubble, but what’s better: red, burning, itching skin which is clearly a nightmare to live with or some unshaved hair? Not letting your skin recover fully is a risky business.
–After-shave oil. Our edible quality, unisex and vegan After-shave Oil moisturizes your skin and accelerates the healing process (regardless of skin type). The valuable fatty acids of coconut oil, macadamia oil and wheat germ oil hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, while tea tree oil and lavender essential oil disinfect and heal the area. Click HERE to check it out.
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