Razor burns are often considered a necessary burden of shaving. Many women just view them as that annoying, itchy phase after shaving. However, razor burns are certainly not a necessary burden. Depending on the steps you take before, during, and after shaving, you can avoid them. It does not matter where you shave either.
Not every woman suffers from razor burns. Some women do not need to take precautions due to their skin type or state. However, you may be one of the unlucky ones who have up until recently just tried to put up with them.
Here are eight tips you can follow today to avoid razor burns causing a problem. Are you ready to get beautiful skin the minute you shave?
Do You Have a Razor Burn?
Before you start taking steps, you need to make sure you suffer from razor burns. The burns appear very similar to a rash, with painful and tiny red bumps. It is known as a burn since the redness can spread around the area and there is a heat to them. The bumps clog the pores and can lead to some pimples appearing, making the skin red and itchy for the days to come.
The burns happen because when you shave, you take away the top layer of the skin. This is usually the dead skin cells, so nothing to worry about. Shaving is exfoliating for your legs, but many women do it incorrectly. You need to make sure your skin is ready for the razors and exfoliating process.
Whether you are shaving under your arms, your legs, or even your bikini line, you need to make sure the area is prepared. It is tempting to dry shave your legs and under the arms, often because you have forgotten before you put on your best evening gown. However, dry shaving is just going to irritate the skin.
You want to soak your hair follicles. This will help them absorb some water, so they become weaker. Yes, in this case, you want weaker hairs to make them easier to cut away. Do not worry about wasting the hot water. It will only take a few minutes of extra time in the shower to get the follicles ready for a shave.
If you are planning on exfoliating your body, this is a good time to do it rather than afterward. Run the exfoliant around your area in circles to help lift the follicles from the skin. You will find it much easier to cut them with the first run of the shaver.
Do not have time for a shower? You can use warm water on the area from the sink or bath to get the same results. You can also use a warm towel wrap around the area to help soak in the heat. Make sure the area being shaved is warm. When cold, the follicles shrink inwards,and the pores get smaller. You will find it harder to get a close shave and will end up with a burn/rash around the area.
Use a Shaving Oil or Foam in the Area
Another way to get your skin ready for shaving is by using a shaving oil or foam. Either one is good for avoiding the razor burn, but the type will depend on your skin. If you have dry skin, you will want to consider an oil as it is moisturizing for the whole skin. The oil will help to lock the moisture in the area for after the shave.
Oils and foams help to lubricate the area. You are adding another layer that helps to soften the hairs to make them easier to cut. The product will also help to avoid friction on your skin. Without the lubricant, you can end up with a few dry patches, causing bumping along the way. Not only do you miss the area for the shave, but you run the risk of getting a razor burn in this area from irritating the skin.
After your shave, make sure all the oil or foam has gone. Some of it will have soaked into the skin, but you want to get rid of excess.
Always invest in a good quality foam, cream, or oil. You want to make sure it is explicitly created for hydrating the skin to make it easier to run your razor along the area.
Stop Buying Cheap Razors
I know you want to save money, but cutting corners on your razors is not a good idea. One of the biggest reasons for razor burns and shaving rashes is the inferior quality blades being used.
The cheap blades are often dull. Think about trying to chop your food with a dull blade. It takes more than one swipe,and you end up tearing the food to cut. What do you think you are doing to your skin? Yes, you areripping the hair away from the skin and tearing some of your skin to save a few bucks.
As well as getting a good quality razor, you will want to change the blades regularly. They will dull with use. The amount of time they last will depend on the amount of time you shave your body.
Thinking about getting razors with more blades?This can be good, but you can end up with too many! You do not need more than two or three blades. The more blades, the more your skin is affected by the shaving. We will get onto how many times you should run the razor over the area to help explain this more.
A single blade can be good. After all, barbers use a single blade without issues. The benefit of a well sharpened single blade is that you avoid too much irritation to the skin around the area.
Finally, look out for razors that offer some hydration or cooling element. This will help to reduce inflammation in the skin, which will prevent the blocking of pores. These hydrating elements can also help to soften the hair follicles while shaving to make sure they remain soft the whole time.
Change the Way You Shave
It is not just about the quality of the tools, but also about the way you use them. Your shaving technique can affect how irritated your skin can become.
Many of us cut against the grain because it is quicker and easier. This pulls on the hair follicles and can lead to tearing. If you do not end up with a shaving rash, you can end up with ingrown hairs causing a problem. To irritate your skin, you need to shave in the direction of the growth.
Yes, this can feel strange at first. You may be worried about not getting a close cut. However, if you follow the above tips, the hair follicles will be prepared enough to cut easily.
I cannot tell you whether to shave up or down. We are all different,and our hairs will grow in different directions. You will need to look at the way your hair grows to work out for yourself.
As well as this, try to avoid using long strokes and do not do this in a rushed manner. You want to opt for shorter strokes with a smooth process. If you use a blade, you will be able to apply very little pressure. Cartridges need a little more, but still,do not need much force. Putting too much pressure leads to the risk of cutting the skin, causing other problems.
Make sure you rinse the blade under the hot water before you start. Then every couple of strokes repeat. The initial rinse will help to get rid of anything that has built up accidentally from the last shave and will heat the blade to avoid the follicles closing. Hot water will also help to lubricate the skin. During your shave, the rinsing gets rid of the build-up of shaving foam and hairs. The blade will remain clean and sharp, so there’s nothing to interfere with the cut.
Avoid Shaving Too Many Times
How often do you run the blade over the area? Are you one of those who goes over a few times to make sure you have not missed a spot?
It is time to make changes to this. You do not need to go over more than two times. If the blade is sharp and clean, you will get a clean shave with just two runs. This is the reason for no more than two or three blades. The more blades, the more you are running over the skin.
Once you have finished your shave, rinse the area and then apply more cream. You only need it on the most problematic spots, such as around the ankles, back of the knees, and within the bikini line crevice. These are often the awkward spots that your razor blades do not quite sit in easily or you find it harder to reach.
Repeat all the steps above, shaving in the direction of the hair growth. You should not need to run over again if you have got a good razor. If you do, get rid of the hairs this time but look at investing in a better razor or change your blades.
Finish with Cold Water
Now that you have shaved, it is time to help the hair follicles heal. The best thing you can do is rinse with some cold water. The cold water will help to close the pores and soothe the skin. You can completely avoid the burning sensation and redness, while also avoiding ingrown hairs occurring later.
If you have cut your skin, you will want to apply cold water directly to the area. Not only will you clean it out, but you can soothe any swelling and stop the bleeding.
Avoid rubbing your face afterward and do not use an exfoliant. Your skin is now irritated, so any rubbing will just make it worse,and you encourage a razor burn to appear. Just pat the areas with a towel and leave it to air dry for the rest of it.
Get a Good Moisturising Cream
Once you have finished shaving, you want a moisturizing cream. The aim is to lock in the moisture that you have removed from the shaving.
Look out for cooling gels that have moisturizing properties. These will not just help to add moisture, but can also soothe the area. You can reduce redness and any inflammation threatening. You can also take down the heat in the skin from the irritation.
Avoid any moisturizing creams or aftershaves that have alcohol. The ingredient will dry out and irritate the skin further. Also, avoid the use of any other items that may irritate the area. This includes deodorants and creams for the time being. Once the skin has healed,and the moisturizing creams have soaked in, your skin will be more open to using other products.
Do not Be Afraid of Products for Men
As women, we tend to think that we need products made specifically for us. We look at the blades that are pink, purple, or bright blue. We look out for creams and lotions marketed towards us. It is time to get that idea out of your head.
Products for men are just as good and sometimes better. They are designed for the facial area, where the skin is far more sensitive and delicate than our legs. If the razors are suitable for this area, they must be suitable for most of the areas we shave, right? The products must be hydrating and soothing for razor burns, right?
You will still need to look at the ingredients. Some will have alcohol and other irritants, but for the most part products for men are just as good and usually much cheaper! What is it with women’s products always being marketed at a higher price?
Are you ready to get rid of the pesky razor burn? Do not just treat the side effects of a bad shave. Make some changes to your habits and the products you buy to avoid the problem altogether.
