Shaving may be easy, but trying to get rid of razor burn sometimes seems like fighting a losing battle. There have been times I've honestly thought the stubble probably looked better than the unflattering red bumps left behind. Once you know the quick and easy ways to get rid of razor burn, it's not really a probably any more. It's actually inexpensive and you just might learn to like shaving again.
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1. Use Moisturizing Shaving Cream
Prevention is the best way to get rid of razor burn. I know many of us are guilty of grabbing a bar of soap, super cheap shaving cream or even just using water when we shave. Spend the little extra to get shaving cream or gel that's designed to moisturize and prevent razor burn to begin with. Look for ingredients such as vitamin E, aloe vera or shea butter.
2. Fresh Aloe
Aloe vera is good for more than just treating sunburn. After all, razor burn is a type of skin irritation. Rub fresh aloe vera on the burn to clear away the bumps and itching. If you don't have fresh, you can buy aloe vera sunburn creams which are just as effective.
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3. Salicylic Acid
Don't let the name fool you, you're not actually putting acid on your razor burn. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in topical acne and psoriasis treatments. Applying to razor burn helps reduce redness, soothe the skin and eliminate the bumps. A soothing toner or cream is best. Avoid products with alcohol as they'll just irritate the burn.
4. Witch Hazel
One of my favorite ways to treat razor burn is witch hazel. It's cheap and highly effective. Depending on the extent of the burn, it may sting a little upon application. Apply it directly to the burn or pour up to a cup in a warm bath. Follow up with your favorite body lotion and watch the razor burn fade away.
5. Cleanse before Shaving
If razor burn is a common problem, give your skin time to heal before shaving again. The next time you're ready to shave, use a gentle exfoliating cleanser in a warm shower or bath. This helps eliminate dirt, oil and dead skin that often results in irritation. Plus, it preps your skin for shaving minimizing the risk of cuts and razor burn.
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6. Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone creams are designed to treat insect bites, rashes and mild scrapes. I always have some on hand during the summer for stopping the itching from mosquito bites. It's also great for treating razor burn. Apply a thin layer and get instant relief. It may take a few applications throughout the day to completely get rid of it.
7. Female Aftershave
Why should guys be the only ones with products made specifically to fight razor burn? They're not. Women also have quite a few aftershave products to choose from. These are made to soothe, moisturize and stop razor burn. You can usually find these with all the other female shaving products.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is used to treat a variety of skin ailments, most commonly acne. It's also ideal for handling razor burn. You can rub a small amount of oil directly on the skin. Alternately, look for tea tree oil in hydrating creams, sprays and body lotions. It works similar to salicylic acid and aloe vera.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
While this one works great, it also burns for up to minute after application. Plus, you'll have to deal with the smell for around 5-10 minutes. I highly recommend diluting it to minimize the smell and burning sensation. Try two parts water to one part apple cider vinegar for best results. For highly sensitive skin, use three parts water to one part apple cider vinegar.
10. Hot or Cold Compress
Strangely enough, both hot and cold compresses help with razor burn. Actually, using cold water to rinse right after shaving helps prevent razor burn to begin with. I personally prefer cold compresses as they work better for me. However, it doesn't hurt to give both a try to see which fights your razor burn best.
11. Honey
Razor burn bumps come from bacteria in your pores. Honey has antibacterial properties that help kill the bacteria and heal the bumps. You can apply a thin layer of honey directly to the razor burn, use lotions or creams with honey or use a honey and yogurt mixture to heal the burn. For the mixture or straight honey, leave on your skin for 15-20 minutes and then rinse.
Razor burn doesn't have to be a fact of life. Obviously, prevention is best, but when it does happen, now you know how to get rid of it fast. What other remedies do you recommend for getting rid of pesky razor burn?
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