Shaving comprises a critical aspect of regular grooming, whether you're going for an all-around smooth look or, for men, a well-kept beard or mustache. Itching can quickly detract from the pleasantness of your final shaving results and may hint to an underlying skin condition. Several techniques and tactics, both during the shaving process and afterward, can help keep your skin in top shape and stave off irritating itching, redness and bumps.
Use Shaving Cream Or Gels
Shaving creams, gels and similar products lubricate the skin. Smooth them on before shaving. This can help protect the skin from the razors and ensure a cleaner, closer shave with less potential problems that may cause itching.
Shave In The Right Direction
Move the razor in the same direction as your hair is growing, according to Colorado State University. This helps reduce the risk of getting ingrown hair, which can both irritate the skin and cause itching, and also may lead to infections.
Moisturize
Shaving can make your skin dry, especially if you constantly moisten your skin with hot water during the shaving process. A skin cream or lotion, applied immediately after shaving, helps moisturize and smooth the skin to reduce itching. For the best results, the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center suggests using a skin product that has no fragrance, as that might irritate your skin and make it more itchy.
Soothe And Sanitize
Some types of bacteria may infect your hair follicles after you've shaved, leading to a common itchy syndrome known as barber's rash or razor bumps, according to Columbia University's Health Services. The university recommends applying a topical skin product containing benzoyl peroxide, which helps sanitize the skin and kill the bacteria that cause the itching. A topical corticosteroid can also help reduce the actual bumps and inflammation while stopping the post-shaving itching, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation helps keep your hair follicles and pores clear for a smoother shave and less itch-causing ingrown hairs, according to Cosmopolitan magazine. The magazine recommends smoothing on a salicylic acid-based skin serum or solution, which keeps your follicles open and unclogged.
