Razor Burn Remedies: How To Prevent Shaving Skin Irritation
With shaving being one of the most commonly used methods of hair removal, razor burns are a very common occurrence. However, when using a razor one needs to be very careful as an improper method of shaving or the use of an inappropriate blade could lead to numerous problems like cuts, bruises and ingrown hair in addition to razor burns. A razor burn is skin irritation that crops up in the form of a mild rash that appears a day or two after shaving or when the hair starts growing back. Depending on the severity, the rash may last from a few hours to a few days. Razor burns may also be accompanied by ingrown hair or razor bump
Home Remedies For Razor Burns
If you have razor burns, avoid shaving till the skin clears up completely so as to avoid aggravating the condition. Wash your face with cold water in order to reduce the swelling and minimize the period of the irritation. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to the cold water will also help in getting rid of infection causing germs. The application of aloe gel on the affected area is known to be beneficial in the treatment of razor burns as aloe vera is a natural moisturizer. It also has natural healing abilities that soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Aloe’s antimicrobial properties also assist in killing any germs that may spread infection.
In order to avoid the occurrence of razor burns, the technique used while shaving plays a very important role. Shaving at an angle or shaving in different directions increases the chances of razor burns. While shaving, holding the razor straight is very important in order to prevent damage to the skin. A close shave or shaving in the direction opposite to that of the hair growth can also be the cause of razor burns. The use of blunt blades should be avoided as they make shaving difficult thus increasing the pressure on the skin. Blunt and old razors also have a tendency to pull the hair. Quick or rough shaving could also be cause for razor burns and hence careful shaving when relaxed is recommended. Insufficient lubrication or dry shaving can also result in razor related problems. Hence, the use of shaving gel or soap is extremely important in order to keep the skin moist. In addition, shaving after a shower is recommended as at this time, the skin as well as the hair is soft. Cleansing the skin before a shave will also ensure that the skin is free of germs, oil, dead skin cells and pollutants.
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