How to Treat Razor Burn
Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD
Razor burn is an umbrella term used to describe skin irritation or a blotchy rash caused by shaving.
When shaving techniques disrupt the skin barrier (stratum corneum), it can trigger vasodilation of small blood vessels on the skin's surface and inflamed hair follicles, resulting in redness and lots of tiny, itchy bumps known as "razor burn."Symptoms include itchiness (pruritus) and a burning, stinging sensation.
Unlike razor bumps, which occur as shaved hairs start to grow back, razor burn occurs immediately after shaving. Razor burn is a common inflammatory skin issue, whereas razor bumps are more of an ingrown hair issue. Areas most prone to razor burn include the neck, legs, and pubic region.
This article discusses various treatment options, including home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) relief products you can purchase without a prescription.
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Razor Burn Treatment: What Helps?
Almost everyone who shaves with a razor blade is going to get some degree of razor burn from time to time. Razor burn symptoms usually clear up in a few hours but may take over 48 hours to completely disappear.
Takeaway
Roughly 9 out of 10 people who shave self-report having experienced shaving-related irritation and unpleasant razor burn symptoms such as itching, stinging, or burning sensations.
Below are some evidence-based razor burn treatment options that include herbal, non-pharmacy remedies, as well as one over-the-counter medicated treatment (hydrocortisone cream) that can be purchased without a prescription.
Cool Compress
Cooling skin areas affected by razor burn reduces inflammation and is a temporary remedy for itchy skin. Avoid using ice cubes to cool razor-burned skin; if left directly on the skin for too long, ice can cause frostbite burns. Instead, soak a washcloth in icy cold water and cover freshly shaven skin with this cool compress for three to five minutes. As skin contact warms the washcloth, soak it in cold water again and repeat the process.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a readily available herbal remedy used to treat razor burn. This medicinal plant is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and wound-healing properties. Aloe vera alleviates shaving-induced rashes and retains moisture after skin barrier disruption. While soothing razor burn symptoms, this cactus-like plant's gel also helps maintain the skin's integrity.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is made by mixing finely ground oats (Avena sativa) into skincare products or bath soaks used to treat a wide range of skin issues, such as razor burn. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant. Applying a lotion containing this oat-based ingredient after shaving can help alleviate razor burn and help restore skin barrier function.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is a topical corticosteroid that can reduce the itchiness and swelling of inflammatory skin conditions like razor burn. It's available as an over-the-counter medication in 0.5% and 1.0% strengths. A prescription is needed for stronger (typically around 2.5%) hydrocortisone cream.
Even in less potent (0.5% of 1.0%) OTC strengths, hydrocortisone cream should be used cautiously. Prolonged use weakens the skin and impairs skin barrier function. Speak to a healthcare provider before using over-the-counter topical hydrocortisone cream to treat razor burn.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a topical skin treatment derived from the Hamamelis virginiana plant that's used as a botanical remedy for various skin ailments, including razor burn. This over-the-counter skin product is FDA-approved for human use. Witch hazel contains tannins, which help to mitigate the swelling and skin irritation associated with razor burn while promoting skin barrier health.
Calendula
Calendula comes from the yellow flowers of a medicinal marigold belonging to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. It's known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Skin care products containing calendula can soothe razor burn and reduce shaving-induced inflammation.
Fragrance-Free Moisturizer
Moisturizing your skin after shaving is key to maintaining skin barrier health and minimizing razor burn's detrimental impact. Finding the perfect post-shave moisturizer that works best for you may take time and require some patience. There isn't a one-size-fits-all choice; not every moisturizer works well for every person.
In general, fragrance-free moisturizers are less likely to irritate the skin. That said, always patch-test any new skincare product on your inner wrist to make sure it doesn't trigger an allergy-like reaction or contact dermatitis.
Water Temperature Matters: Start Warm, Finish Cold
Avoiding razor burn requires proper shaving technique. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to shave:
Wet the skin and hair to soften it.
Apply shaving cream/gel.
Shave in the same direction the hair grows using small, light strokes.
Rinse the razor after each stroke and try not to go over the same area twice.
When finishes, wash the area off and rinse the razor, then store your razor in a cool, dry spot.
How to Shave to Prevent Razor Burn
To prevent razor burn, begin by prepping your skin with warm water and washing it with a gentle cleanser; this softens hairs and removes bacteria. Applying liquid cleanser with a warm washcloth in small circular motions also exfoliates and removes dead skin cells that can clog your razor. Next, rub in a lubricating shave cream or gel; let the foam soak in for a minute or two before you start shaving.
Takeaway
Fully hydrated beard hair requires 40% less force to shave. Giving yourself ample time to hydrate the beard area before shaving reduces the risk of razor burn by decreasing the cutting-force intensity required to shave tough hairs.
Shaving tips for preventing razor burn include:
Hydrate skin/hair with warm water before shaving.
Always use clean, sharp razors.
Never use dull or rusty blades.
Shave in hair growth's direction
Avoid pressing down with too much force.
Don't drag the razor across large swaths of skin.
Focus on small patches of skin and take short strokes.
Frequently rinse any debris that gets stuck between blades.
Keep reusable razors in a dry, airy place—not in the shower.
Common Razor Burn Triggers
The following are common triggers of razor burn:
Shaving every day without a day off
Trying to shave dry, unlubricated skin
Failing to pre-hydrate skin/hair with warm water
Going against the grain (not shaving in the direction of hair growth)
Friction created by shaving too fast or pressing too hard
Using old razors
Rushing the shaving process
Don't Rush! Give Yourself 20 Minutes to Shave
Pre- and post-shave treatments—plus shaving itself—take time. Give yourself three to five minutes to prep soon-to-be-shaved hairs with a warm washcloth compress. Allow one to two minutes for shave cream/gel to soak in. Depending on the size of the area you're shaving, shaving itself usually takes about 10 minutes. After completing the shave, apply a cool compress (cold washcloth) for three to five minutes before moisturizing.
Do I Have Razor Burn or Razor Bumps?
"Razor burn" and "razor bumps" are often used interchangeably, but they're different. The medical term for razor bumps is pseudofolliculitis barbae, whereas razor burn is technically referred to as shaving-induced erythema (redness).
Razor bumps are caused when curly shaved hairs start to regrow, get trapped inside the tube-like structure of a hair follicle shaft, and remain stuck under the skin's surface because they're growing at a sideways angle. These bumps often look like stubborn pimples and last for many days or even weeks. Razor burn occurs immediately after shaving and isn't caused by hair regrowth; it's caused by skin barrier disruption and marked by a blotchy rash that usually clears up within 24–48 hours.
For example, if you shave your underarms and are wondering how to differentiate between armpit razor burn vs. razor bumps, take note of how soon symptoms appear and what they look like. If the rash happens instantly and looks red or blotchy, it's probably razor burn. If bumps start to appear many hours after shaving and look like something trapped beneath the skin's surface trying to push out, they're probably razor bumps.
Personal Choice: Pull Skin Taught or Not?
For people prone to razor bumps, pulling the skin taut with one hand while shaving with the other may increase the risk of ingrown hairs because, when the skin retracts, closely shaven hairs can get lodged sideways in the hair follicle shaft. If you're not prone to razor bumps or ingrown hairs, pulling your skin tight while shaving can create a flatter, smoother surface area that's less prone to razor burn.
Razor Burn vs. Waxing
For some people, waxing causes more irritation and discomfort than using a razor for hair removal. For others, the short-term pain of waxing is worth it because their rash-like symptoms disappear quickly, and the hairs take longer to grow back than if they use a razor.
Ultimately, deciding what depilatory method works best for you is a personal choice that requires testing different types of hair removal and seeing which method has the least adverse side effects.
Summary
Razor burn is a blotchy skin rash caused by incorrect shaving techniques. The best treatment option is to prevent it from happening in the first place. If you do get razor burn, treat the skin with a cool compress, aloe vera, witch hazel, calendula, or products containing ground oatmeal. If your skin is irritated and inflamed, it's okay to use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, but don't overdo it. Overusing topical steroids is bad for your skin in the long run.
A successful razor-burn-free shaving routine takes about 20 minutes. Give yourself plenty of time, and avoid shaving when you're in a hurry. After shaving, rinse with warm water, followed by a splash of cool water. Finish up by moisturizing shaved areas to keep your skin barrier healthy and hydrated.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
