Know the Tips to Get Rid of Razor Burns

This is a common ailment among Black men. To help prevent razor bumps from forming, use clean razors and be sure to shave in the direction of hair growth. If possible, use one of the newer style razors like the Mach 3 or Gillette's Fusion. These have multiple blades (The Fusion has 5) which provide a cleaner, more even slice when trimming facial hair.

Razor burn is caused by an irritation of the skin when shaving with a razer. This creates excess friction that leads to razor burn. Other common causes include lack of sufficient skin lubrication and shaving against the "grain" of hair growth. Razor burn will appear as a mild rash. In severe cases, razor burn can also be accompanied by razor bumps, where the area around shaved hairs get raised red welts or infected pustules.

Razor burn symptoms and causes

Picture this. You apply a new blade to your skin to get that smooth finish. And you feel quite satisfied with the end result. But, what you do in the process is to ‘trap’ a stubble or two under the skin. When these stubbles start to grow, there’s every likelihood of some piercing the skin, causing redness and inflammation and resulting in razor burns.

Natural Cures

The level of discomfort can be minimized if you shave, once you are through with your bath or shower. Bathing helps to soften your skin making it much easier to shave.

When you notice bumps on your face, rub your face lightly with a rough washcloth, just after having a bath and before shaving. It will help loosen the ingrown hair.

Dissolve two uncoated aspirins with some warm water to make a thin runny paste. Put onto skin after shaving, leave on for 30 seconds.

Preparing the skin: Home remedies can help prepare the skin for shaving that’ll not only prevent the occurrence of razor burn, but also give a smooth, close shave without causing skin irritation. A hot compress with a drop of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) applied to skin helps make it tender and soft. And a layer of moisturizing oil, like jojoba or avocado leaves the skin soft and smooth.

Sugaring exfoliates your skin, leading to a more even tan (but be sure to use self-tanner instead of exposing yourself to cancer-causing UV rays).

Strain and mix 1/4 cup of witch hazel mixture with 1/4 cup of rose water. In this solution add 1/4 tsp vegetable glycerin, 5 drops of lavender essential oil and 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil. Store it in a cool place and shake it well before use.

Make your mug moister. "Don't use colognes or commercial after-shave lotions, because they contain alcohol, which is drying and irritating to a freshly shaved face," says Dr. Romano. "You don't need an antiseptic on your face if you wash it regularly."

Mash a few strawberries and add 1 tsp of sour cream to it. Apply this mixture after shaving; on the razor burn affected area. Wash off after some time. It will reduce the burning sensation.