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Weve all been there.
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Aftershaves, exfoliates, pleading with the universe… nothing seems to keep it at bay.
What is razor burn?
It describes any rash, irritation, or even infection that occurs after shaving."
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What does razor burn look like?
True to its name, razor burn looks and feels a lot like a burn.
While razor burn and razor bumps are typically lumped together, theyre not exactly the same.
Razor burn is more of a red and blotchy or streaky skin rash.
How can I prevent and soothe razor burn?
The only way to completely avoid razor burn is tostop shaving.
Just keep in mind that every hair removal method comes with its own list of side effects.)
Instead, follow this dermatologist-approved method: First, apply ashaving creamor gel onto wet skin.
(If youre out of both, amoisturizing body washwill work in a pinch.)
Repeat strokes decrease lubrication, she says, which can lead to irritation.
Its also important to use theappropriate razorsfor the job.
For the rest of your bod, you have a few options.
Cartridge razors with multiple blades are fast and efficient, but can get clogged easily.
Safety razors are less likely to cause razor burn, but they come with a learning curve.
Electric razors might help you avoid razor burn altogether, but you wont get as close of a shave.
Its worth experimenting a bit to find the right razor for your hair and skin.
Immediately after toweling off, apply a hefty amount ofbody creamonto the area that you just shaved.
Moisturizing the affected area is key, says Dr. Westbay, and creams are a preferred consistency over lotions.
She recommends sticking with fragrance-free creams with limited ingredients to avoid irritating an already irritant rash.
Good choices to consider areCetaphil,CeraVe, andVanicream, she says.
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Amazon (20 oz.)
Walmart (16 oz.)
“An ideal moisturizer includes a combination of these ingredients.”
For serious cases of either jot down of burn, try aloe in 100% cold-pressed gel form.
(Remember, nicking those follicles is the biggest culprit for causing razor burn).
This is why many shaving creams are formulated with cooling ingredients such as the aforementioned aloe.
Run any of these cooling options along the areas of irritation to help instantly tame inflammation.
