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Razor Burn

Razor burn is another one of those annoying things that you can get from shaving, fortunately you can avoid this quite easily if you know how. It can be also known as shaving rash.

What is it?

It is when the skin becomes irritated and a mild rash forms from anywhere between a few hours after shaving up to a few days.

The rash forming immediately is likely to be due to dry shaving or lack of lubrication like shaving cream or gel, where the razor drags along the skin and aggravates it. It is usually accompanied by razor bumps.

What Causes It And How Do I Avoid It?

The most likely causes of razor burn are:

1. Lack of lubrication

Dry shaving with a razor or shaving without enough lubrication creates a situation where the blade drags along the skin. This is very bad for skin as it gets aggravated immediately and the rash will appear as you go. Doing this also increases the chances of cutting yourself. Make sure you prepare yourself properly and apply shaving cream before you shave.

2. Blunt razor

Even with a lathered up face, a dull blade will still aggravate the skin as you shave. The rash or irritation in this case may take a little while to show. Again, this increases the chances of cutting yourself. Make sure to replace the razor cartridge regularly.

3. Shaving Against the Grain

This is where you shave in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This is the golden rule of shaving! You must not shave against the grain. It is tempting because the hair is obviously cut shorter and has a smoother feel afterward, but it doesn’t take long for the negative effects to start. Razor burn is one of them, usually followed up with razor bumps.

4. Shaving Too Quickly

Be careful! You’re sliding a razor sharp blade of metal across your skin. Don’t go too fast!

5. Too Much Pressure

Pressing too hard as you shave has similar effects to going too fast. Treat your skin nicely. If you have a sharp enough blade you won’t need to press too hard. Just press lightly, you will avoid getting a rash.

6. Shaving Too Closely

This is closely linked to Shaving Against the Grain above. If you shave too close to the skin then you increase your chances of it flaring up.

How To Get Rid Of It

If you find yourself with a case of shaving rash, don’t worry. First of all, figure out why you might have got it in the first place and stop that behaviour.

Next, get yourself some good emollient to soothe your skin. Ones that contain Witch Hazel or mild salicylic acid solutions, aloe vera gel or cold water are all helpful in reducing the pain.

Lab Series produce an excellent after-shave balm designed to soothe razor burn.
Click here for Lab Series Razor Burn Relief Ultra.

In the end, you can easily avoid this by ensuring that you have a proper shaving technique. Click here to read all about How to Shave Your Face.