Shaving rash

 Shaving is one of the most loathed activities that many people have to do every day.  Many men don't like shaving their face and women don't like shaving their legs.  It is something that our culture has simply dictated is appropriate and there are many times when we just have to buckle down and do it.  But whether you like shaving or not, there can be some problems that go along with it and one of the most common problems is shaving rash. 

How to prevent razor rash after shaving

So what can you really do to prevent getting a rash after you shave?  Here are some simple steps to help you get started. 

Step 1

The first step and one of the most important things to do when you want to reduce shaving rash is to clean the area that you are going to be shaving before you actually do it.  You should also try and exfoliate the skin with a loofa or sponge so that the skin that is on top is fresh and that you are washing off all the dead skin on the top layers.  This also pulls out any ingrown hairs that could be a potential irritant later on so that they can be cut when you shave. 

Step 2

The best time for you to shave is at the end of your shower or bath.  Taking a shower or bath allows the skin to soften itself and loosen up so that it is more pliable when you shave.  Using new, good quality razors will also help make sure that you are shaving the best you can and that you are actually cutting the hairs instead of breaking them.  Having a sharp razor also ensures that you only have to cover the area to be shaved one time and this will help to reduce skin irritation too.  If you use an electric shaver or some similar product, make sure that you clean it regularly and that the blades are sharp so you reduce irritation. 

 Step 3

The purpose of using shaving cream isn't just so that you have some way of knowing where you have already shaved.  It is there to soften your skin and make the shaving experience smoother and more comfortable.  If you find that you are getting irritated skin after shaving, try putting you shaving cream on a few minutes before you actually plan on shaving while you do other things.  This will allow you skin to get even softer and more relaxed resulting in a better shave and less irritation afterwards.  Make sure that the cream is a good quality especially if you have oversensitive skin.  You may even be able to find a shaving cream specially formulated for people with sensitive skin and that would be even better.  Cutting corners on your razor and on your shaving cream can really cost you in the end.  It's worth a few extra bucks to get a better product because it will really give you better results.  You should also be sure to shave with the "grain" of the hair or to shave in the same direction that it grows.  Also be sure to make delicate strokes rather than digging the razor in attempting to get a closer shave.  Let the blades do their job and they will even work better if you apply a light hand.  Shaving against the grain of the hair will cause the skin to get irritated and could even make it more likely for you to cut yourself and also result in more ingrown hairs later.  You also want to make sure you rinse the razor off after each stroke, making sure to get all the hair off and not just the shaving cream. 

Step 4

Try not to shave the same area over and over again.  Using a razor on your skin is irritating enough without doing it multiple times in the same area.  You probably won't get the razor to work better the second time anyway.  You should also be sure to rinse the area that you shaved after you have finished.  This will rinse off all the irritants that could still be on the skin away and make sure that you are clean.  You should pat the area you have shaved dry to avoid chaffing the skin.  Exfoliation should be done before, not after shaving.  If you still get razor burn or have irritated skin after you have followed these simple steps then you might want to consider getting a cream or lotion to put on your skin after you shave.  There are many after shave products available to make your skin keep from staying irritated. 

Step 5

You should clean your skin daily with a cleaner that has salicylic acid in it so that you remove the top layer of skin and ensure that your skin is softer and cleaner.  Not having any dead skin makes it easier to get a close shave.  It is also a good idea to never put anything that contains alcohol on your skin because it will make razor burn even worse.  Some colognes and after shaves have an alcoholic base and this won't help make your skin softer in the end anyway. 

Step 6

Many people just use disposable razors for shaving because they seem to be the most economical available.  The fancy razors that have 4, 5, or even more blades can help reduce razor burn but replacement blades can be quite expensive.  But cutting corners can really make your skin hurt and can also make it look unattractive.  You also want to be sure and take your time when you are shaving.  It is one of the things in your morning routine that you should take more time to do correctly because doing it too fast can make you uncomfortable for the whole day. 

What is shaving rash?

So what is shaving rash anyway?  It is more of a problem with men than women and also more of a problem for those with curly hair rather than straight hair.  The symptoms are "razor bumps", which are red or dark bumps on the skin.  The medical name for shaving rash is pseudofolliculitis barbae or sycosis barbae.  Curly hair causes more problems after shaving because when it starts growing it can curve immediately back towards the skin and cause ingrown hairs.  These can be very irritating and sometimes painful as well.  Ingrown hairs irritate the skin and can cause the lumps that are usually associated with shaving rash.  This is a problem because the next time you shave you might nick the tops of the bumps, actually cutting the skin and irritating it even more than before.  The most extreme cases can even result in an infection or permanent scarring. 

 There are many ways that people try to keep themselves from getting razor burn or shaving rash and some of them are very extreme.  Some choose not to shave at all or do it very infrequently.  This can solve many of the problems that are involved with shaving but can also lead to other problems that are still related.  It is also more difficult to shave well when you are shaving long hair rather than very short hairs. 

One way that you can ease the symptoms of shaving rash is to apply a hydrocortisone cream or lotion as soon as you have rinsed and dried your skin.  It should be a 1% concentration of hydrocortisone in the cream.  It constricts blood vessels and less blood flows to the area that would likely get a rash so the reaction is less severe than if you were to leave it alone or to apply something else.  This can also reduce the redness and your skin will get used to shaving more quickly.  It's not a good idea to use hydrocortisone daily though because it could cause your skin to become redder if used for too long.  Body lotion and other lubricants are great to put on your skin after you have shaved. 

If your irritation to shaving is really extreme, you may want to consider another way to get rid of the hair that grows on your body.  One way that people use it to apply a hair dissolving cream.  These lotions actually dissolve the hair and are less traumatic for the hair follicle.  The results of using hair dissolving creams can also make the results last longer and you won't have to apply it as often to get and keep the same smooth look and feel that you are going for.  These creams and lotions are also referred to as depilatories.  Some people tolerate them very well but others are allergic to them.  If you notice a rash or feel a burning sensation when you use one of these creams, then you should rinse it off and not use it again.  For some people another good alternative to using a classic razor blade is to switch to an electric shaver instead.  These are getting better and better and are more comfortable than they used to be.  If you don't tolerate a handheld razor very well then an electric one may be just what you were looking for.  Some people say that electric razors irritate their skin more than regular razors do and this is very possible but is different for each person and their skin. Choose the option that works best for you.