Shaving is a quick, painless way to remove unwanted hair, but it can often lead to itchy bumps known as razor burn. According to "Elle," these bumps are actually ingrown hairs that get trapped under your skin and cause swelling and irritation. Rather than suffer from razor burn or squeeze the bumps --- which can lead to more irritation or an infection --- use gentle products to help treat and prevent razor burn. If you remove your hair using specific shaving techniques, you can stop those ingrown hairs from forming, leaving your skin both smooth and irritation-free.
Step 1
Shower with warm water, and wash your body with a gentle, non-irritating body wash. "Cosmopolitan" recommends that you shower before you shave, allowing the warm water to soften your skin and hair. This leads to a closer shave and less irritation. Rub the cleanser into your skin using a wet washcloth, which will help exfoliate the dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to ingrown hairs. Rinse thoroughly.
Step 2
Smooth on a shaving gel made with oatmeal. In an article in "Elle," dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D. says that this will soothe your skin and help prevent razor burn. Apply a generous layer of the shaving gel you choose. Use a new, sharp razor blade and shave in the direction your hair grows, lessening the chances of irritation. Wash off the remaining gel once you have removed your unwanted hair.
Step 3
Dry your skin gently with a soft towel, and then dab it with a cotton ball or pad soaked in a toner that contains rosemary. "Cosmopolitan" notes that this will calm your skin after you shave, as well as help prevent razor burn. Allow the toner to dry completely.
Step 4
Apply an anti-acne cream that contains two percent salicylic acid. According to "Allure," applying the cream before you shave will lessen any redness or swelling on your skin, as well as keep your pores clear and help prevent ingrown hairs from developing. Keep applying this cream once a day for a week to reduce your chances of getting bumps.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle body wash
- Oatmeal shaving gel
- Razor blade
- Towel
- Cotton ball or pad
- Rosemary toner
- Anti-acne cream
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