Shaving with a razor can irritate the skin or cause ingrown hairs, which may lead to razor burn or folliculitis: Razor burn is a type of skin irritation that develops immediately after shaving. [1] X Expert Source Alicia Ramos Skincare Professional Expert Interview. When you exfoliate before, it aligns your hairs for a uniform shave and sweeps away the dead skin, allowing for a closer shave. Soak the area in warm water to soften the skin and hair. These irritations usually occur soon after shaving. Trim the hair you intend to shave … This article will walk you through everything you need to know, plus give you tips for dealing with any current shaving-related irritation you’re dealing with. Learn how to use it safely here. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Gently hold the skin tight with one hand. Trim the hair ... Use a scissor to trim the length of the hair, it goes a long way to reduce irritation. Shaving in the opposite direction to the way the hairs grow may increase a person’s risk of folliculitis. Itches be gone! Hold a warm, wet washcloth to the area for at least 5 minutes if you don't have the time or resources to shower. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. It can happen when people dry shave, which is shaving without using creams or gels. Be sure to rinse your skin thoroughly, making sure all traces of product are gone. People have been dealing with skin irritation for as long as they have been shaving. Learn how to treat your skin after shaving. You can reuse your razor a few times if you take good care of it. Razors have the potential to inadvertently pop the pimples as they do their job. This is especially problematic in warmer weather. Razor burn and itchy skin from shaving aren’t fun, but the good news is they’re totally preventable. Learn more here. 12 June 2019. Seeing Your Doctor Visit your doctor if your itchy skin won’t go away. In reality, apply lotion. Trim Longer Hairs First. % of people told us that this article helped them. © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. To avoid skin irritation after shaving, it is better not to try for a … Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Razor burn, razor bumps, and folliculitis, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, Parasite infections may prevent aging and disease. Apply shaving cream and let it sit on the skin for 2–3 minutes. Highly sensitive areas, such as the pubic region and face, may get irritated more often than the legs and chest. Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. The ingrown hairs … Also, remember to shave in the direction your hair grows, and make sure you're applying a shaving cream before you shave. Proper skin conditioning before the shave is paramount to a pleasant experience. To prevent skin irritation after shaving, shave right after you take a warm shower so your skin is nice and hydrated. You may also want to look into a safety razor. It is better to shave while showering or just after a shower. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. 1. This article explains why the skin itches after shaving and how to prevent it. Worthy of mention – razor and shaving rash … wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. ", "Advice on what creams/products to use for sore skin after shaving.". Some people are more prone to folliculitis than others. Apply a Cool, Damp Cloth If you notice redness or skin irritation straight after shaving and need immediate relief, try wetting a clean washcloth with cool water and applying it to the affected area. However, these occur as the result of ingrown hairs. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. Some of the home remedies listed in this article are available for purchase online. Try using natural lotions with no scents or fragrances, as these tend to irritate or "burn" the skin. The groin area is prone to excessive moisture and chafing, which can lead to skin irritation. How to stop itching after shaving. Learn how fish oil and statins differ. Try a hydrocortisone cream. That's good for your wallet and your skin! Shaving may cause skin irritation if people: Shaving with a razor is a quick and easy way to remove body hair. Itching after shaving could also be a sign of folliculitis. For help choosing the best kind of razor and shaving cream for avoiding skin irritation, read on! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Alicia Ramos. Pilot study of time-restricted eating suggests further research warranted, Black History Month: Fueling our future with the pride of our true past. "Over-the-counter, 1 percent hydrocortisone cream cuts down the inflammation [associated with razor burn] and can even reduce its developing if you apply it immediately after shaving," Waldorf says. People may also shave this area often because pubic hair tends to grow rapidly. Shaving incorrectly, using a dull razor, or shaving a sensitive area of skin can all cause skin irritation. Consult a physician about any irritated areas that appear to be infected or don't improve in a few days. What are some of the best CBD balms? Products marketed toward women's legs are often a bit more hydrating and skin-softening. The next tip on our list of how to reduce irritation after shaving is to invest in a high-quality shaving balm. When shaving the scrotum, follow the same steps as for shaving pubic hair. Softer hairs that are raised against your skin shave much more smoothly than areas that are not prepared for shaving. Hydrate your skin to reduce the chances of cuts and irritation during shaving. You can reuse your razor a few times if you take good care of it. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients. This article has been viewed 1,394,590 times. I think we can all agree that a clean shave feels great. Gentlemen, you may be better off with your girlfriend's shaving cream. What sorts of creams or lotions should I apply after shaving? References For instance, some razors use an actively cooled aluminum bar attached to a heat sink that goes … When finished, rinse the area with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus often causes folliculitis. For help choosing the best kind of razor and shaving cream for avoiding skin irritation, read on! 2. Improper shaving techniques can irritate the skin, causing patches of red, itchy bumps. Using shave gel properly will prevent moisture loss and add a new protective layer to avoid nicks, cuts, and hair shots while you shave, thereby reducing your skin’s itching shavings and skin irritation after shaving — especially if you have more sensitive skin. How to Prevent Skin Irritation from Shaving Step-by-Step. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Using gentle shaving creams and gels keeps the skin hydrated. Finish by rinsing the area with cold water and gently patting it dry to avoid irritation. Last Updated: December 9, 2020 Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. However, while aftershaves can dry out and cause further irritation to cut skin, alum blocks tend to get right to the base of the problem, … Using a dull razor causes unnecessary irritation to skin under all conditions. Tips and tricks. It’s happened to the best of us: You see a zit or some dull skin, so you use a salicylic acid toner.And then a lactic acid … Don't leave it wet though, as water can erode at the metal, too. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Learn the top 5 signs someone is lying to you. If you’re worried about how to reduce irritation after shaving you’re not thinking clearly enough. By using our site, you agree to our. Razor burn, razor bumps, and folliculitis can technically affect any part of the body. Bag Balm (available at places like Wal-Greens or CVS) is a great product for all things skin-hydrating. and prevents ingrown hairs (that cause razor bumps). Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a condition where the beard hair curls back inward and penetrates the skin, resulting in inflammation. This may lead to a higher risk of bacteria entering the skin and causing irritation. Some shavers have active cooling mechanisms to limit the increase in blood flow to the skin. … Skincare Professional. Here’s our process. Scentless lotions with few chemicals are good for your skin, but creams with lots of fragrance and chemicals can irritate it. A lot of people experience skin irritation after shaving. … Fish oil vs. statins for cholesterol: How do they compare? One dermatologist, Robert Anolik, MD, FAAD, shares the following tips for shaving facial hair in a press release from the AAD: The dermatologist also recommends that people store their razors in a dry place. Oils (olive oil, tea tree oil, vitamin E oil) © depositphotos, © depositphotos. This exposed acne can lead to infection and further irritation of the skin. Shaving can irritate the skin, which may lead to itchy and painful red bumps. Vanicream Shave Cream for Sensitive Skin This article was co-authored by Alicia Ramos. How to Prevent Skin Irritation After Shaving, http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/07/16/how-to-prevent-razor-burn/, https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/, http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/skin/pubichairremoval.html, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hydrocortisone-skin-cream/, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325213.php, https://www.mensjournal.com/style/the-reason-your-barber-puts-a-hot-towel-on-your-face/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_RTJOLvjyI, https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/razor-burn.html, https://www.webmd.com/men/features/mens-shaving-tips#2, https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-hair-removal#1-4, https://www.naturalremedies.org/razor-burn/, evitar la irritación de la piel después de rasurarse, Prevenire l’Irritazione della Pelle dopo la Rasatura, Evitar Irritações na Pele Após a Remoção de Pelos, предотвратить раздражение кожи после бритья, Jak se vyhnout podráždění pokožky po holení, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Less hair grows on the scrotum than the pubic region but shaving this area can cause irritation because the skin of the scrotum is delicate. "The type of products to use and where to find them, as well as how and when to apply them, was helpful. Regardless of the motivation, shaving provides an effective and efficient means of removing body hair. Hydration: This is very important in people affected … Use hot water to warm a washcloth, which should be placed on the area to be shaved for 2 or … Use a warm washcloth to open pores & soften the hair. If you're already suffering from skin irritation, slather it on. Probiotics are similar to the good bacteria in the intestines. Instead of gliding across your skin, a dull razor drags, which causes more irritation. The moisture and steam from your bath or shower cause your hairs to become soft and to raise against your skin. Can getting more probiotics rebalance levels of gut bacteria for people with ulcerative…. 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