For many, shaving is part of their daily routine.
Whether it’s shaving our legs, arms, beards, etc. we all have come across some of the problems when we are shaving the hair on our skin. For example, one of the most common issues that shaving newbies experience is razor burns.
What is a Razor Burn?
Most of you would know this but those who have just started out shaving, we will enlighten you with some of the facts behind razor burns. First of all, a razor burn is an unpleasant skin condition that can happen after you remove any of your body hair via shaving.
Some of the common symptoms of a razor burn include redness, shaving rash, bumps, itchiness, and stinging of the skin from where the unwanted hair was removed. If you have ever experienced these symptoms, then it means you must have gotten a razor burn as well.
How is it Caused?
The thing about razor burns is that there isn’t a specific cause. It doesn’t matter if you are using the perfect razor or the ideal shaving cream to get smooth skin. There are many reasons why you would still get a razor burn despite having the best tools at hand. Here are a few examples:
- Shaving against the direction of your hair
- Shaving without using a lubricant
- Shaving too fast
- Shaving the same area multiple times
- Using an old razor
- Using shaving products and items that irritate your skin
- Using a razor that is clogged with soap, shaving cream or hair
If any of the above reasons seem familiar to you, then we can assure you that razor burns will never stop becoming a part of your daily life. To prevent irritation, you must begin using new blades when your current one becomes dull. Additionally, you must make sure that you aren’t doing anything that is hurting your skin when you are shaving.
Treatment of Razor Burns
Although these burns are temporary, they hurt quite a lot, and you don’t want your skin aching for hours now do you? Luckily, these burns can be treated with the following quality remedies that will help soothe your skin.
Coconut Oil
You might have thought that coconut oil is only used for cooking purposes. But you will be surprised by the many additional benefits it can provide for the human body.
According to a 2008 study, coconut oil also has healing qualities that can provide relief for burns or inflamed areas. For scalds, coconut oil consists of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to help ease the pain from burns and increase the healing of skin cells.
All you need to do is mix two tablespoons of brown sugar, two tablespoons of white sugar, one tablespoon of honey, and four tablespoons of coconut oil. Then, apply a generous layer of this scrub to the affected area, leave it on for at least 10 minutes, and wash it off with warm water.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antiseptic properties that work as a natural remedy to heal minor burns and wounds.
However, you should not use it for treating burns while it is undiluted. You would have to mix it with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil. Preferably you should use olive oil as it has a rich fatty acid content that helps smooth the skin.
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of olive oil. Use a cotton pad to apply the mixture to the affected area and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is the most common and most effective medical treatment when it comes to healing burns. In fact, Aloe Vera has been known to heal patients who have suffered from first to second-degree burns.
Because of its cooling and quick healing properties, it is the ideal medication to use when your razor burns are too severe.
Apply a thin layer of Aloe Vera gel onto the affected area. If you have harvested the Aloe Vera plant at your home, you can also use that. You can even find them available in many pharmacies.
Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
Colloidal oatmeal is made when you grind it into a fine powder. It has proven to contain phenols that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that relieve rashes and razor burns quite effectively.
It decreases skin irritations and enhances the skin’s barriers to protect the skin. It smooths, hydrates, and cleans the skin thoroughly as well.
Mix the colloidal oatmeal with plain yogurt and one teaspoon of honey. Apply the mixture to the burned area and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and continue this routine twice a day for three days.
Hydrocortisone Cream
If you don’t have the above-mentioned ingredients, you can always use a hydrocortisone cream- even if you don’t have a prescription- to relieve your razor burns.
Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid that helps in reducing the pain of inflamed and irritated skin. The dose depends on the doctor’s recommendation, or you can use it once or twice a day.
Once you begin to feel better, slowly decrease the amount of cream applied to the skin. Conversely, if pain increases, discontinue use and visit a doctor who can recommend a different medicine.
Sweet Almond Oil
Like coconut oil, sweet almond oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the skin and make it less irritated.
It is made from dry almond kernels and, act as a natural moisturizer. It is excellent for treating and preventing razor burns. All you need to do is rub oil on the recently shaved areas so that the skin remains hydrated and safe from razor burns.
