Pimples, itching, irritation, redness... Razor burn is a common annoyance that occurs after shaving. Men with sensitive skin are the most prone to these symptoms. Don't panic, however, there are simple steps you can take to soothe razor burn and avoid rashes.
What causes razor burn?
Skin rashes, also known as razor burn, can make your face look a mess. Razor burn can cause itching, tenderness, pimples, and redness.
Of course, having sensitive skin causes more irritation on your face. However, there are many other factors that explain these skin manifestations. One of the primary causes of razor burn is razor blades. Indeed, razor blades are not forever!
For example, shaving dry skin with a blade that hasn't been changed in a while increases the risk of razor burn. This is because over time, the blades eventually become dull and damage your skin. This is why it is very important to change them regularly. These blades should also be cleaned after every shave to prevent bacteria build-up.
In addition, dirty or poor quality blades can cause shaving bumps. Shaving bumps are ingrown hairs, caused by strands of cut hairs rising up under the skin. These grow below the surface and cause red, pimple-like bumps.
Before shaving: how can rashes be prevented?
Although rashes and bumps can be difficult to stop, especially if you have sensitive skin, it's still possible to minimize the risk of breakouts with simple steps. Indeed, your skin needs good preparation before being confronted with razor blades.
1/ Exfoliate to remove dead skin
Exfoliation helps prevent rashes and ingrown hairs. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin on the surface. This makes it easier for hairs to pierce the skin as they grow back. To exfoliate, use a delicate exfoliation with good natural ingredients so as not to attack the epidermis of the most sensitive skins.
2/ Wet your skin well with warm water.
A fundamental step, without which you risk hurting yourself when shaving: wet your face! Yes, wet skin is much better able to cope with skin irritations. In a hot bath or shower, this is the ideal time to apply your shaving product to maintain hydration while shaving. In addition, warm water has the virtue of opening your pores and releasing softened hairs, which will be more malleable and easier to work with. Thanks to the moistening of the hair with hot water, cutting is 40% easier.
3/ Cleanse your face
Any good professional will tell you: you don't shave until the skin on your face is well cleansed. After opening the pores, it is possible that dead cells and impurities may lodge in them. To avoid this, use a mild cleansing gel or non-irritating soap. The best is obviously to choose organic products, with good natural ingredients.
It is possible that your skin also has microcuts. Invisible to the naked eye, they can become infected if your face is not cleaned regularly. Bacteria and impurities create shaving pimples.
4/ Moisturize your skin before shaving
Before shaving, apply a shaving foam, a shaving soapa shaving creamA shaving gel... There are many ways to prepare your face for shaving ! Each product is suitable for a specific skin type. Make sure you choose the one that best suits your skin type!
Shaving dry skin without specific products greatly increases irritation. If, exceptionally, you don't have a shaving foam or gel on hand, there are some alternatives: lather up shower gel, soap, or apply a vegetable oil to make the razor blade glide.
The right gestures to have while shaving
Let's get to the heart of the matter: your skin is now ready for shaving. But still, you need to do the right things to get the perfect shave! Here are the steps you need to take to limit razor burn.
1/ Choose a good quality razor
Using a good quality razor makes all the difference. A razor with three or more blades prevents razor burn and bumps. This is because the blades are closer together on the razor head and therefore glide more easily over your skin. A high number of blades also means a closer shave with less back-and-forth movement on the skin, which helps prevent irritation.
The Sybarite Safety Razor made of intense bamboo wood
2/ Shaving in the direction of hair growth
Shave only in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritation. This is the golden rule, especially for sensitive skin! Shave with light and regular movements and take your time so that you don't cut yourself. After all, there's no rush!
3/ Rinse the shaved area with cool water
Once you've shaved, all you have to do is rinse your face thoroughly with cool water. It's a great way to get rid of hair and shaving product residue stuck to your skin. Cool water also helps to tighten pores after shaving.
After shaving: how can you avoid rashes?
After shaving, there are some simple steps to take to avoid shaving rashes. The more you take care of your skin before and after shaving, the less likely you are to see rashes appear on your face. What can I do to avoid rashes after shaving?
Apply a serum to your skin
Apply an aftershave balm
An essential step to limit razor burn and soothe your skin is the use of an after-shave care product! The after-shave balm serves to protect your tissues and deeply moisturize them. Ciao razor burn! The anti-inflammatory action of donkey milk organic aftershave balm is perfect for soothing and strengthening the skin after shaving.
The good natural ingredients in this product help balance your skin's pulp after shaving. The grape seed oil present in this treatment has an action on the regeneration of your cells and thus avoids micro scars on the face.
How to relieve razor burn when it is too late?
It is already too late and razor burn has already settled on your face. Don't panic, there is still time to do something to relieve yourself!
Things to avoid
Certain gestures should be avoided, otherwise you risk aggravating razor rashes. The first thing to do is to let the irritated areas of your face rest. There's no point in confronting them with a new shave if they're still raw.
Cosmetic products containing alcohol should be banned as well. They amplify the inflammation and irritation of your skin. If your razor burn is accompanied by cuts, consider applying a healing stick that will heal your wounds quickly.
Natural remedies to calm razor burn
Some everyday products can help you soothe razor burn in no time. Nature's ingredients have the gift of nourishing and moisturizing the skin deep down. They help soothe razor burn in a natural way. Here's a list of miracle remedies to have on hand:
Aloe vera is a plant known for its many therapeutic benefits. Famous in the treatment of inflammation, its use dates back several centuries. Aloe vera has a great ability to soothe redness and inflammation related to skin problems. It also accelerates the development of new skin cells. After shaving, it helps to reduce swelling and irritation.
For best results, apply aloe vera gel, directly extracted from the leaf. To use the benefits of the leaf :
- Cut your aloe vera leaf
- Cut the serrated edges of the aloe vera leaf.
- With a knife, open the skin of the aloe vera leaf, lengthwise.
- Peel the pieces of skin from the leaf.
- Extract the gel with a spoon, and you're done! You can put the gel in a bowl or a small container.
If you prefer to buy aloe vera gel in a bottle, make sure that it is completely natural and organic at best.
Cucumber is a very fresh food and therefore an excellent anti-redness agent. Take a cucumber and slice slices to cover the irritated areas. For best results, leave the slices in the refrigerator for about ten minutes. Gently place them on the affected areas and rub them. Finally, rinse your face with fresh water!
By its anti-inflammatory properties, cider vinegar obtained by the fermentation of apple relieves itching and irritation. Mix equal parts distilled water and cider vinegar, then spray your skin.
Honey is an excellent natural antibacterial and antiseptic capable of calming razor burn. Apply a small amount to the irritated area, wait about ten minutes and rinse with warm water.
Two to three times a week, apply baking soda until the irritation and bumps disappear. Simply mix 250 ml of distilled water with a teaspoon of baking soda. Then dip a cotton pad in the mixture and apply it to the affected skin area. Dab, let the mixture dry and rinse with cold water.
Renowned for its soothing properties, St. John's Wort oil calms redness, irritation and itching. Excellent anti-inflammatory, St. John's Wort oil is perfect for relieving razor burn!
True lavender essential oil is the essential ally to relieve skin problems. It quickly soothes skin inflammation and promotes healing.
Relieve razor burn with a hot or cold towel.
Another reliable trick to relieve razor burn naturally is the application of a hot or cold towel to the face! Soak a soft, clean towel in water. Then squeeze out excess water. Gently squeeze the towel over the affected facial area. You can also replace the towel with a compress or cotton pad.
Hot or cold towel: what to choose?
Cold towels are best for burning and tingling sensations. As for hot towels, they are more effective for swelling and small bumps.