Home Remedies for Razor Burn

How to Get Rid of Razor Burn Naturally

I have never really enjoyed the shaving routine and always seem to be in far too much of a hurry to do a good job of it. For many people, both male and female, shaving is a real chore.

A survey has revealed that ladies spend an average of around 72 whole days shaving the legs during their lifetime. That represents a staggering 1700 hours. Shaving is also considered to be the least liked of all female beauty rituals even when compared with other beauty regimes like plucking the eyebrows.

Avoiding the razor burns and bumps that often accompany shaving comes down mainly to preparation and careful shaving practice with the right tools. And for those who do not manage to avoid razor burns, there are plenty of excellent home remedies that can help soothe the skin.

Prevention

A lot of people myself included tend to rush the shaving process. This can lead to lumps, bumps, burns and razor nicks. Whether you are a man shaving your facial hair or a woman shaving her legs or armpits, it is very important to prepare properly and to take your time.

Razor burns are a common problem after shaving. A razor burn is an unsightly and uncomfortable condition. It can also cause bumps known scientifically as pseudofolliculitis barbae. These bumps can take a while to heal up fully. Razor burns can also lead to ingrown hairs which occur if the shaved hair grows back and curls back into your skin.

The main symptoms of a razor burn are stinging, redness and lumps called razor bumps. They are often caused by using poor quality razors or razors that are not sufficiently sharp. Over time, razor blades will become more blunt forcing you to use too much pressure to remove the hair. This can lead to razor burn and its symptoms.

Tips to Avoid Razor Burn

Avoid Dry Shaves: It is important to wet the skin thoroughly to soften your hair.
Prepare your Skin: Shaving crams, oils and lotions can all help moisturize the skin and make it ready for your shave.
Shave in the Correct Direction: When you shave against the direction of your hair growth, it is more likely to result in nicks and burns.
Change your Blades: Do this on a regular basis and do not try shaving with a razor that is no longer sharp.

Natural Remedies for Razor Burn

1) Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is very well known for its ability to heal and soothe irritated or broken skin. Applying some of the leaf’s gel to your razor burn can help to soothe the pain, moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation.

Extract some of the gel from a fresh aloe leaf.
Apply the gel to the burned areas of your skin.
Let the gel dry of its own accord and rinse with cool water.
Repeat the treatment several times a day.

2) Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an excellent natural remedy for various skin conditions including acne. It can also help to ease irritation and inflammation of the skin like that caused by razor burns. Witch hazel contains tannins which can hep relieve swelling, fight bacteria and even repair areas of broken skin.

Simply apply your witch hazel directly to your razor burns and rash.
Repeat several times a day for as long as necessary.

3) Lemon Juice

It seems like an odd idea to put lemon juice onto irritated skin. You might expect it to increase the burning sensation. However, it is rich in vitamin c which can help stimulate new skin cells while its natural acidic nature helps inhibit bacteria in the hair follicles.

Squeeze a fresh lemon and apply a little juice to the affected areas.
Repeat this several times a day.

4) Essential Oils

Many essential oils contain the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help inhibit bacteria and ease swelling and soreness. Some also have natural astringent properties that further help the skin to recover.

Some of the best choices of essential oil include tea tree oil and the more gentle acting lavender oil.

Add 4 or 5 drops of your chosen oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil.
It is important to dilute your essential oils well to avoid reaction.
Apply the oil to the affected parts of your skin.
Leave the oil in place for around 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water.
Repeat twice each day.

5) Tea Bags

Good old fashioned black tea bags can do a great job of healing your razor rash and burns. Black tea is a rich source of tannins which can help to reduce swelling, redness and irritation.

Put a black tea bag in some hot water and allow it to moisten.
Remove the bag and put it in your fridge to cool for 10 minutes or so.
Gently rub the tea bag onto the affected areas of skin for a few minutes.
Repeat twice a day.

6) Baking Soda

Plain old baking soda is a cheap and convenient traditional remedy for razor burns and bumps. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and redness.

Mix a tablespoon of your baking soda in a cup of clean water.
Use a cotton ball to soak up the solution and apply it to the skin.
Allow it to work for around five minutes before rinsing it off.
Repeat several times daily.

7) Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is full of ingredients that can help moisturize and nourish the skin. It is an excellent remedy for various skin complaints and is known to inhibit bacteria while reducing irritation and soreness.

Instead of using a commercial shaving foam or gel, you could consider a more natural and equally effective option. Coconut oil and olive oil both make great natural emollients which help to soften the skin ready for a close, smooth shave.

You can also apply coconut oil to your rash which will help reduce swelling and pain and inhibit any bacterial growth.

Simply warm some coconut oil.
Apply a liberal amount to your razor rash or burn.
Repeat several times daily.

8) Honey

Good quality honey is highly antibacterial but can also help relieve swelling and keep your skin well moisturized. It is a great remedy for razor burns and can also help prevent future infections.

Take some honey and apply it directly to your razor burn.
Let it dry naturally and then rinse with cool water.
Repeat a few times each day.

9) Cold Compress

A nice cold compress is a very convenient and effective remedy for a razor rash or burn. It can help give you quick relief from soreness and irritation and also reduce swelling. Making a cold compress could not be easier.

Wrap a handful of ice cubes inside a towel or cloth.
Place the towel against your affected skin for 5 minutes or so.
Repeat several times each day.

10) Cucumber

Cool cucumbers can help soothe the burning sensation from your razor burn and also ease pain and itching.

Cut some cucumber into slices and put them in the fridge for half an hour to cool thoroughly.
Rub the slices of cucumber over the affected areas of your skin for about ten minutes.
Repeat as often as needed.

We hope that one of these excellent natural remedies can help give you some relief. Please let us know how they worked out for you and whether you have another remedy that we can add to our list.