How to Prevent Razor Burn and Skin Irritation from Shaving

A poor razor can lead to razor burn.

Uncomfortable and unattractive razor burns are one of the negative results of shaving. They pop up when strands of shaved hair curl back and grow into the skin. The bumps not only look bad, they can lead to pimples and other skin problems. Some simple steps before and during the shave can stop or reduce razor bumps.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp razor
• Lathering agent
• Baby powder
• Lotion containing aloe vera

Instructions

1. Soak the skin area to be saved in warm water for a few minutes to open the pores.

2. Always use a new, sharp razor.

3. Shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize friction. Apply as little pressure as possible, and try to shave any given area just once. Running the razor over the same area twice increases the probability of razor bumps.

4. Always use a rich, lathering cleanser or shaving cream. Creams and body washes are more moisturizing for the skin and provide a slicker surface for the razor to glide on, again creating less friction.

5. Rinse thoroughly after shaving and pat the skin dry. Apply a small amount of a moisturizer that contains aloe vera. The lotion helps keep the skin soft and the aloe cools irritated skin.

6. Gently apply a small amount of baby powder to the shaved areas to soak up any remaining liquid. Allow the skin to air dry for a few minutes before covering with clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• Razors that contain a moisture strip work well by creating a smoother shave.

• Using a razor with fewer blades can help eliminate problems. The more blades, the more times you shave each area of skin which is unnecessary and causes bumps.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Avoid Razor Burn
• WebMD: Skin Problems