A clean shaved face leaves an everlasting first impression. It has been rightly said clean shaven men look younger, mature, appealing and more agreeable.
Though a clean shaven look is preferred by most men and women the nasty side effect of improper shaving, razor burn makes it take a back seat.
Razor burn is a skin condition that is caused by shaving incorrectly or too closely or sometimes by merely shaving in sensitive areas. Razor burns may look like a small red rash or a blister or an infected pimple. It is not only a male malady but it attacks women too. The skin of the legs and the underarms are at risk of razor burn as the cheek of the man. All skin types are different and hence the severity of razor burns also varies from person to person.
It makes the skin very uncomfortable and can itch very severely. It is most likely to occur on the face, under the arm or across the bikini line.
Causes of razor burn:
One of the most common causes of razor burn is using too much pressure while shaving which causes excess friction which leads to razor burns. Other reasons are extremely close shave, shaving against the grain, lack of proper skin lubrication etc. Curly hair is more likely to result in razor bumps than straight hair.
Well known Dermatologist Dr Torsekar from Fortis hospital advices, “The major cause of razor burns is hurried and dry shaving, if the beard hairs are not fully moistened with lather of shaving cream. The sharp edges of the blade can actually erode the skin causing the razor burns.”
Prevent razor burn:
Shave after a bath or after washing your face with warm water. Bathing or washing the face with warm water helps to soften skin and facial hair and helps to open up your pores.
It is suggested that you gently scrub your face with facial scrub or a loofah. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin bring out ingrown hair and reduces razor burn rash.
- Use good quality shaving cream or gel
It is important that you use good quality shaving cream instead of an ordinary soap. Good quality cream will increase the softness of facial hair and reduce skin irritation while ordinary soap will dry out the skin and increase the chances of skin irritation.
It is suggested that you buy disposable razor or razor refills as it helps to reduce razor rash. If buying disposable razors seems to be an expensive affair it is advised that you purchase razor that you are comfortable with and discard them away after a few uses. Old or dull razors cause razor burn. It is suggested that you clean the blades of electric shaver regularly to keep them free of hairs and avoid razor burn.
You can eliminate the chances of developing razor burn by shaving in the same direction as your hair growth. It is important that you do not shave from side to side, or use upward strokes on the cheeks or legs.
It is suggested that you should not apply too much pressure and use slow short strokes. With longer strokes, we tend to apply more pressure which increases the chances of razor burns.
- Clean the blade after every stroke
Every time you stroke your face, your blade collects whiskers and shaving cream and hence it is important to clean your blade after each pass to avoid razor burns.
- Rinse your face with cold water and apply a balm or moisturizer.
You should rinse your face with cold water or run an ice cube over your freshly shaven skin as it helps to close up the pores and apply a soothing balm or moisturizer to reduce redness.
Treat razor burn:
Well known Dermatologist Dr Torsekar from Fortis hospital says, “Razor burns can be treated by using emollient cream on the affected areas. It is generally seen that razor burns heals with a week’s time depending upon its severity.”
Dos and don’ts to avoid razor burn:
- Never share a razor or use a razor which has a damaged or rusty blade.
- After shaving rinse skin with cool water to tighten the pores.
- It is important that you rinse and dry the razor after each use.
- Never shave on dry skin and always use a moisturizer post shave.
Now that you know what causes razor burns and how to avoid it, we are sure that you will now flaunt your clean shaven look more often with bothering about razor burns.
