Learn what causes the skin ailment and how to treat and prevent it.
Virtually everyone, male and female alike, has experienced the pain and frustration of razor burn. Though inconvenient, this bothersome problem can be easily treated.
Why does razor burn seem to pop up right when you least expect it?
While no one seems to know the answer to this question, the cause of razor burn is actually no surprise: because shaving removes the top layer of the skin, it is naturally very easily irritated. Furthermore, once the skin grows agitated, repeatedly shaving only exacerbates the problem. The best way to end the grief of razor burn is to shop shaving the area altogether; however, this is simply not an option for most people. Therefore, the key to ending razor burn is simply prevention. By following a few basic rules while shaving, irritation is far less likely to occur.
Prevention is the Key
First and foremost, make sure to allow your skin some time for hydration before getting out your razor. In fact, most dermatologists recommend that a person allow his or her hair to soak in water for 10-15 minutes prior to shaving. In other words, when taking a shower or bath, save shaving for last. Also, don't use soap to shave - most contain very little moisturizer. Instead, try a thick gel or cream that is specifically designed for shaving.
Next, make sure to shave the hair in the direction in which it grows (usually this is downward). Also, make sure to change your razor blade after 3-4 uses in order to prevent a dull blade.
Finally, in order to seal in moisture, be sure to use lotion after shaving. Aloe Vera products work exceptionally well.
Too Late for Prevention
Try These Remedies
Of course, even if you follow all of these rules, it is still possible to have an occasional outbreak of razor burn. Should this occur, there is no cause for alarm, as there are several easy home remedies that will reduce the redness and swelling. Here are just a few that are known to work:
Apply a hydrocortisone cream of 1% to the affected area twice daily. Be aware, however, that hydrocortisone creams should be used for no more than a few days, as overuse can lead to redness and create stretch marks.
For a powerful moisturizer, mix fresh strawberries and sour cream. Apply the mixture to skin for ten minutes and then remove any access with a tissue.
Dissolve several aspirin in warm water to make a thin paste. Apply directly to the affected area, leaving it on for 30 minutes. Rinse immediately.
Dab apple cider vinegar onto the affected areas.
Place a cold, damp chamomile tea bag directly on the affected areas. Leave the tea bag on for 10-15 minutes. Alternately, you can also absorb a cloth in cold, strong chamomile tea, leaving it on for 10-15 minutes as well.
Apply almond oil to the razor burn.
Moisturize areas with cocoa butter.
Rub a small amount of underarm deodorant over the affected areas.
In addition to these home remedies, there are also a variety of products available to treat razor burn, such as zinc oxide creams (diaper rash medicine) and vitamin A & E ointment.
With such an abundance of treatment options, there is truly no cause for a person to suffer from the unattractiveness and discomfort caused from razor burn.
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