How to Get Rid of a Shaving Rash on Your Face

Get rid of the unsightly shaving rash on your face.

Shaving rash, or pseudofolliculitis barbae, is a skin condition that can appear in any area where shaving is used to remove hair. Shaving rash is not only unsightly, especially when located on the face, but it can be painful and itchy, with a burning sensation. Shaving rash can be caused by an infection in the hair follicles, or from ingrown hairs that cause inflammation in the skin.

Things You'll Need

• Antiseptic soap
• Pure aloe vera gel
• 3 drops of tea tree oil
• 2 small vials or bottles
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil,
• 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil
• 1/4 tsp. vegetable glycerin
• Calendula cream

Instructions

1. Stop shaving your face until the rash heals. If you continue to shave the rash area, it could lead to further irritation and infection.

2. Wash your face twice each day with a mild, antiseptic soap and warm water.

3. Gently rub aloe vera gel on the shaving rash. Aloe vera has soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities that can help reduce burning and redness.

4. Add 1/4 cup of water and 3 drops of tea tree oil to a small, clean vial or bottle. Shake well. Dab the mixture onto the shaving rash. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

5. Mix 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil and 1/4 tsp. of vegetable glycerin in a small, clean vial or bottle. Shake well. Apply the mixture directly to the rash.

6. Massage calendula cream onto the shaving rash. The calendula plant has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-viral qualities.

Tips & Warnings

• Try switching to an electric razor because it won't cut as close to the face as blades.

• Never shave your face dry. Allow the shaving cream to remain on your face for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and soften the hair and skin.

• Always shave in the direction the hair grows.

• Use an alcohol-free aftershave lotion. Purchase lotions that contain soothing ingredients, such as moisturizer, propylene glycol and menthol.

• Seek medical attention if the shaving rash doesn't show signs of clearing-up.

References

• Home Remedies: Razor Burn Symptoms
• Net Doctor: What Can I Do About This Painful Shaving Rash?
• Skin Care Tips and Information: Treat Razor Burn - How to Get Rid of Razor Rash
• University of Alabama: Beating Razor Bumps
• Go Ask Alice.Columbia University: Proper Way to Shave a Beard
• Go Herbal Remedies: Avoid After-Shave Rashes With Effective Herbs

Resources

• Skin Help: Shaving Rash and In-Growing Hairs
• Ygoy: Shaving Rash-Treatment and Prevention
• Merck Manuals: Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
• Barbers Trade Secrets: Razor Burn Tips'n'Tricks
• PubMed Central: A new extract of the plant calendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation