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Worried about razor burns? Here’s how to deal with after-shave irritation

After-shave irritation is one of the worst skin problems women face on a daily basis. Here are 6 quick and easy solutions to help you deal with it.
Razor burns
Worried about razor burns? Here's how to prevent them. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
Published by Arushi Bidhuri
Published On: 27 Nov 2022, 12:00 pm IST
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You’re running late, and you have no solution other than shaving with a razor? While it may the best and quickest solution to the problem, it can sometimes leaves you with a burn. Whether you shave your arms, legs, or somewhere else on your body, it can be rather devastating to get a post-shaving rash, also known as a razor burn. If it is something you struggle with on a regular basis, then this article might help you.

First, let’s understand why shaving causes irritation and red bumps to appear on the skin.

What causes after-shave irritation?

Skin irritation brought on by shaving may result in unpleasant and itchy red lumps. After-shave itching may indicate folliculitis or razor burn. As per several medical papers, the following can cause skin irritation after shaving:

  • shaving too frequently
  • using bad-quality razors
  • shaving too often
  • using too much pressure while shaving
  • shaving the hair against the grain
  • using products with artificial smells and chemicals
razor for hair removal
How to deal with razor burns? Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

How to deal with razor burns?

After-effects of shaving can leave your skin irritated with red bumps and ingrown hair, which can last a few days. However, if they last longer than that, you must connect with a dermatologist to know the exact cause. For those of you who experience razor burns on a daily basis and don’t know what to do, fret not! Celebrity dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta took to her Instagram account to share some insights on how you can deal with these razor burns.

1. The best solution to avoid skin irritation, bumps, or ingrown hair is to use a good quality razor that is not too harsh on the skin.
2. A warm shower might be a handy solution for razor burns! Taking a quick warm shower will open up the pores and soften the hair. “The running water also helps to rinse off stray hair and shaving cream from your body.”
3. Another trick suggested by Dr Gupta is to exfoliate the skin before you shave it. “This will not only smoothen your skin but will also help in getting a close shave.”
4. Avoid using old razors as they might cause burns and cuts. She suggests that you change the razor blades to avoid this. You should change the razor blades every 5-7 shaves.
5. “Use a gel or lotion and shave on damp skin. ONLY use the gel that is appropriate for your skin type.”
6. Another very important thing is to “shave in the direction of hair growth as shaving in the opposite direction might irritate the hair follicles.”

Moisturizing the area would help! Do not use moisturizers containing scented, harsh creams that dehydrate the skin. Use hydrating moisturizers that are unscented and calming.

She writes in the caption that these rules will help you have bump-free, baby-soft skin.

Check out the video right here:

 

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A post shared by Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta (@drgeetika)

Caution: Make sure you check with your doctor to avoid any complications. Also, do a patch test before applying any creams or lotions to the affected areas.

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About the Author

Arushi Bidhuri is a journalist with 7 years of experience in writing, editing, and conceptualizing story ideas across different genres, including health and wellness, lifestyle, politics, beauty, fashion, and more. Arushi has a strong connection in the industry that helps her write concise and original stories as she believes in working towards writing pieces that can enlighten people. ...Read More

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