If shaving is part of your weekly routine, then you are probably more than familiar with razor burn and razor rash. Regardless of your profession or lifestyle, all men can agree that this type of razor-related skin irritation is probably the worst way to start the day. After all, who wants to show up to work with rashes and bumps on their face?
What Is Razor Burn?
Okay, first things first. Razor burn refers to that, well, burning sensation you may experience during or after your shaving routine. It’s irritation and redness caused by dry shaving, aggressive strokes, dull blades, or sensitive skin. It is not to be confused with razor bumps caused by ingrown hairs that may look like raised bumps or even acne.
If these shaving-related skin problems are a part of your daily life, then maybe it’s time for a change in your shaving routine. Here’s how to prevent razor burn and how to treat razor burn.
Getting Rid of Razor Burns and Razor Rash
Prepare the Skin
One of the most effective ways to prevent razor burns is often one of the most overlooked as well. Taking care of the skin is an everyday thing, so it’s crucial that men have a proper skincare routine. This means staying away from alcohol-based formulas and cheap, chemical-loaded products that often irritate the skin. Always look for naturally-formulated beard products to keep your skin moisturized, healthy, and razor-ready.
Pick the Right Blades
With so many options on the market today, finding the right razor is easier than ever before. When choosing a razor, take into consideration your beard thickness, length, and skin type if you have sensitive skin. If you are still not sure, you can always go with a classic straight razor, which will always provide a close, precise shave in most cases. Whatever you do, just remember to avoid disposable $3 razors! Your skin and beard will thank you for it.
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Exfoliate
If you are not familiar with exfoliating, then your world is about to change. Taking the time to exfoliate before shaving can make a huge difference in how your skin reacts to the touch of a razor. By eliminating oil, dirt, and dead cells on the surface of your skin, exfoliating allows for smoother strokes. Exfoliation also helps release trapped and ingrown hairs, commonly known as razor bumps.
Tread Lightly
Speaking of razor strokes, remember to always shave with the grain (following the direction of beard growth) and only apply light pressure when sliding the razor against your skin. This is particularly important if you have sensitive skin and if you tend to shave a few times a week. We also recommend giving your shaving foam or gel a little time to soak into your hair to reduce the risk of razor burn and irritation.
Avoid Re-Strokes
Did you know that men average about 170 strokes in one shave? While that seems like a lot, what’s really impressive is that, on average, 120 of these are re-strokes! You may not think much of them, but repeated strokes can cause serious harm to your skin as lubrication always decreases after you scrape off shaving creams and gels the first time. We are not saying you should forgo re-strokes entirely, but just be more mindful that you may need extra lubrication for closer shaves.
Hydrate to Protect
Just like exfoliating is crucial to any pre-shave routine, hydration is as vital when it comes to your post-shave routine and razor burn relief. This means finishing up your shaving routine with a moisturizing lotion or gel to nourish and refresh your skin. Keeping your skin hydrated right after you shave will effectively minimize any feelings of discomfort associated with skin burns or razor rashes.
Apply a Cool, Damp Cloth
If you see that redness and irritation are still present even after applying moisturizer, apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area for quick and effective razor burn treatment. Treating any signs of irritation immediately after shaving may help to reduce the severity of burns and rashes. Even if you don’t see any burns or red bumps after shaving, applying a cool, wet towel can still provide your skin with soothing sensations for a better shaving experience.
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Swap Your Blades
Remember to replace your blades or razor periodically, especially if you begin to feel discomfort or pain. Nowadays, there is no excuse for getting burned by dull blades since you can order them online whenever you need new ones. If you want new, premium-quality blades delivered straight to your door, check out Bossman’s replacement blades made with Swedish stainless steel.