So, you just got through shaving and you’re looking good, ready to go take on the day. You pour yourself a cup of coffee and start getting ready for work. As you’re getting on your outfit, you start to notice an irritation in the areas you shaved. You feel a stinging, itching sensation on your face or under your arms. This sensation is razor burn rearing its ugly head. Now, you could’ve used a newer razor, used shaving cream instead of a quick shave with water, or even used an aftershave or a cooling gel after shaving, but now is no time for should’ve, could’ve or would’ve. Now you are stuck with an unsightly rash and sensitive skin. Here’s what you do about it.
Honey
Honey in tea is known to soothe the throat, but it can soothe your skin as well. While moisturizing and nourishing the skin, honey also has anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce irritation, swelling, and redness. You can apply honey directly to the affected areas, keep it on for 10-15 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been used to treat severe sunburns for centuries. It makes perfect sense that it would help to soothe the skin and relieve irritation due to razor burns as well. You can get aloe vera as a gel at the supermarket, or you can go straight to the source. If you have an aloe plant, just cut one leaf in half, and apply the pulp directly to your skin in the affected areas. You can wash it off in 20-30 minutes, or even leave it on overnight for a deep facial moisturization.
Baby Oil
Baby oil can soothe razor-burned skin and help it recover as well. Baby oil can be used like an aftershave. Apply directly to the skin in the areas you shaved after shaving and drying your skin. You can also pre-moisturize your face with baby oil by applying just a few drops to the areas you are about to shave before using shaving cream to help prevent razor burn and bumps.
Cucumber
Cucumber helps to heal, moisturize, and reduce irritation simultaneously. Cut thin slices of cucumber, refrigerate them until they are cool to the touch, and place them on the affected areas for 20-30 minutes, replacing the used slices with cool ones as you go.
Tea Tree Oil
A few drops of tea tree oil diluted with a tablespoon of olive oil can work wonders on irritated areas of sensitive skin. Rub the mixture into the areas irritated by razor blades and allow it to penetrate the pores for 15 minutes, then wash the area with warm water. Some with very sensitive skin may have an adverse reaction to tea tree oil, so test the mixture on an fresh area of skin first to make sure you’re not sensitive to tea tree oil.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal works as a gentle exfoliator and can soothe irritated skin as well. Try mixing two tablespoons of ground oatmeal with a tablespoon of honey, adding water to get a paste-like consistency. Apply this mixture to the areas you have just shaved, and let it work its magic for half an hour before washing it off. This process can be repeated every few hours until symptoms are subdued.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another great anti-inflammatory agent is apple cider vinegar. First, dilute the vinegar by half with water. Then, using a cloth or a cotton ball, apply the mixture to the areas of skin affected by razor burn. Lastly, rinse with cold water after just a few minutes.
In the future, try to always use shaving cream or gel, don’t shave against the grain, wash and exfoliate before shaving, moisturize in between shaves, and use a sharp.clean razor. Razor burn doesn’t look good, and it certainly doesn’t feel good, but you don’t have to let it win. So open up the cabinets and grab a few supplies. Apply, rinse, and kiss razor burn goodbye.
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[Source: Everydayhealth, Huffington Post, Livestrong, NLDA]
