Home Remedies for Razor Burn
Men and women both suffer from occasional bouts of razor burn, the burning, itching rash that crops up after shaving. You can get a serious razor burn if you shave too often or too close, particularly if you have dry skin. Some home remedies for razor burn help soothe the burning afterward, while others help you get a closer, smoother shave so that you can prevent the burn entirely.
Home Remedies for Razor Burn Prevention
The best way to prevent razor burn in the first place is to properly prepare your skin before shaving. Making sure the hairs are fully softened so that the razor won’t pull as much is very important. You should soak your beard (or leg hair, etc.) with plenty of warm water, then apply a shaving cream that’s designed for sensitive skin (most of these contain vitamin E or aloe vera). Let the area rest for about two to three minutes before beginning to shave. This is so that the hairs have a chance to soften even more and stand away from your skin.
You should use a new razor every week, or more often if you need to. A sharp blade reduces drag and tugging that can irritate your skin. You should always pull the razor with the hair growth, not against it. You can get a shave that is just as close without irritating or inflaming the hair follicles, which shaving against the growth will do.
Finally, be sure to thoroughly rinse the skin with warm water and immediately moisturize your skin after shaving. You’re more likely to develop razor burn if your skin stays tight and dry. Avoid colognes and aftershaves that are alcohol based, as these simply dry the skin more and will sting when applied, aggravating the razor burn. Instead, look for an aftershave lotion for men, or a rich moisturizing cream for women. Gently massage this into the skin to soothe and seal in moisture.
Home Remedies for Razor Burn
If, despite all precautions, you develop a burning rash after shaving, don’t despair! There are numerous home remedies for razor burn that are simple kitchen and bathroom ingredients.
Apple cider vinegar will soothe the burn if you apply it by soaking a clean, soft cloth and applying to the razor burn for several minutes. Aloe vera gel can be used as well. If you’re lucking enough to own an aloe vera plant, just break off one of the leaves and gently apply the gel to your irritated skin.
Reach for fresh strawberries for another great skin soothing home remedy. Just mash two or three medium strawberries together with a teaspoon of fresh sour cream, then apply generously to the razor burn. You should leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes, then rinse away with tepid water. If you don’t have strawberries, soak a few chamomile tea bags in cool water and let them sit on your skin for up the fifteen minutes. They will soothe the burn, and chamomile has anti-inflammatory qualities that will reduce the redness and bumps.
The lowly, old-fashioned potato is actually wonderful for soothing razor burns and any other type of scrape of the skin. Just peel a potato and slice as thin as possible, placing the thin slices to your razor burn and allowing the potato juices to do their magic. After about twenty minutes, feel free to wash the potato juice off with lukewarm water.
Almond oil and cocoa butter are two rich emollients that can soothe razor burn. Either get these from a health food store or look for a cream or lotion that lists these as their main ingredients.
There are also two excellent aftershave balms that you can make yourself, and both are excellent home remedies for razor burn. The first will require some steeping, so make it well in advance. Add a tablespoon of dried comfrey leaves and a tablespoon of dried calendula flowers to one half cup of witch hazel, close tightly and let steep in a cool, dark area for two weeks. After the steeping is complete, strain out the leaves and flowers and save the liquid in a closed container for up to six months. You’ll find that this feels very cool and refreshing on your hot, abraded skin.
You can also make a solution of one quarter cup witch hazel and one quarter cup rose water mixed with one quarter teaspoon vegetable glycerin, five drops of lavender essential oil and five drops of sandalwood essential oil. Shake this well every time you use it, and store it in a cool, dry location. You’ll not only have softer, less irritated skin, you’ll smell great, too!