Time for a summer season shave? This is easy methods to keep away from razor burn, based on dermatologists
Summer time means longer days, hotter temps, slathering on sunscreen and, for many individuals, heaps extra shaving. Whereas shaving is a fast, efficient, wallet-friendly technique to take away physique hair, it might additionally depart you with irritating, unpleasant razor burn — the very last thing you need once you’re dwelling your finest life floating around the pool. To take care of this annoying problem head-on, we reached out to 3 dermatologists to get the 411 on razor burn — and loads of recommendations on easy methods to keep away from it.
Let’s meet the specialists:
What’s razor burn?
Let’s begin with the fundamentals as bathing suit season will get underway. If you happen to’ve ever shaved too shortly or have delicate pores and skin, you are most likely all too aware of razor burn. It comes from “tiny cracks on the highest layer of the pores and skin, brought on by the razor’s motion,” Inexperienced says. “This could result in irritation and irritation, typically showing as a crimson pores and skin rash accompanied by ache, stinging, itchiness and tenderness.”
The irritation often results in “shaving bumps, the place bodily papules happen as a result of infected or contaminated hair follicles,” provides Track.
Are some pores and skin varieties extra prone to razor burn?
If you happen to’ve by no means skilled razor burn, you might have an important shaving routine (give us the deets, please) — otherwise you’re very fortunate. Ugonabo confirms that everybody can get razor burn. Nevertheless, specialists agree that you’re going to be extra prone in case you have delicate pores and skin.
What are the perfect methods to keep away from razor burn?
Yep — it is doable to skip razor burn fully. And prevention begins earlier than you even choose up your razor.
“The easiest way to keep away from razor burn is to arrange the pores and skin for shaving correctly,” Inexperienced says. “Exfoliating the pores and skin will take away useless pores and skin cells and particles from the floor to permit for the razor to glide on the pores and skin easily.”
If exfoliation is not a part of your present routine, begin with one thing that is not overly abrasive. “Some light exfoliators that may be utilized to the pores and skin embody AHA/BHA physique lotion containing glycolic or lactic acid, in addition to physique retinol lotion,” Track says. “These exfoliants will help cut back useless skin-cell accumulation and forestall ingrown hair that may contribute to irritations.”
After your pores and skin is exfoliated, utilizing a shaving gel or cream is essential, specialists advise. “Shaving cream is necessary as a result of it helps add a protecting layer … decreasing friction and irritation from the blade,” Ugonabo says. Which means not solely much less razor burn, however fewer painful nicks, she provides.
And sure, it issues what sort of razor you utilize. As an illustration, do not attempt to be thrifty by utilizing an previous razor for too lengthy. “It is important to make use of a clear, sharp razor that is not clogged with useless pores and skin cells, hair or cleaning soap,” Inexperienced cautions. “Boring razors can pull on the pores and skin, inflicting pointless irritation. Razors with a moisturizing pad above the blades are usually finest for avoiding razor burn, as they add further lubrication to the pores and skin.”
As soon as you’ve got exfoliated, utilized shaving gel or cream and have a contemporary, moisturizing razor in hand, you are able to go. Track and Ugonabo say that shaving within the course our hair grows in can additional restrict the chance of irritation.
After you’ve got shaved, remember to moisturize! This step helps soothe and rehydrate the pores and skin, Inexperienced says. Simply make sure to skip scented lotions or merchandise with alcohol in case you have delicate pores and skin. Track recommends an aloe vera-based aftershave gel.
Is razor burn prevention totally different relying on what a part of the physique you are shaving?
Location, location, location. Totally different components of your physique want a special recreation plan, specialists say. As an illustration, Track notes that our underarms and bikini traces are extra delicate, so it’s possible you’ll wish to exfoliate these areas much less continuously or with a gentler product than you utilize in your legs.
And whereas we’re all about flaunting your curves, Ungonabo says they’ll make it trickier to get a easy shave. On your bikini space and different curvy spots, “a razor with a pivoting head may be very useful because it means that you can higher pivot and regulate to those curves,” she provides.
Shaving necessities for avoiding razor burn
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Exfoliators like this gorgeous pink helper can gently scrub away dry patches and useless pores and skin cells in your legs (or much less delicate areas) to assist your razor glide effortlessly. This scrub is a Yahoo editor favorite due to how efficient it’s and what number of scents there are — choose from over 15 fragrances.
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This lotion comprises 2% BHA — that is beta hydroxy acid — to exfoliate and moisturize your pores and skin. The components additionally comprises salicylic acid to melt pores and skin and clear away useless pores and skin cells.
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These disposable triple-blade razors purpose to present you an in depth, easy shave with pivoting heads — nice for curvy spots — and moisturizing strips.
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Favor a reusable razor? This one comes with six pivoting, triple-blade substitute heads. You will nonetheless get lubricating strips too.
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This dermatologist-tested, dye- and fragrance-free shave gel is formulated to not irritate delicate pores and skin.
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Need a little bit luxurious? This whipped shaving cream is full of light, sensitive-skin-friendly components like coconut oil, shea butter and aloe vera.
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Submit-shave moisture is simply what the physician ordered. This physique lotion is stuffed with aloe vera and cucumber extract to hydrate and soothe your pores and skin. It is also light-weight and fast-absorbing — no want to attend round till it dries.
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If you happen to do get razor burn, a delicate after-shave answer will help cut back bumps, redness and ingrown hairs. Have a tendency Pores and skin is a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon, and it additionally occurs to be a private favourite. I exploit a small quantity after shaving and bid goodbye to any irritation in a matter of hours. (You can even use it in case you desire waxing, laser hair elimination or electrolysis as a substitute of shaving.)
