Follow these 10 tips to get rid of razor burn ASAP

Getting a razor burn can be uncomfortable, and it can make it seemingly impossible to continue shaving without further aggravating your irritated skin. It’s also extremely common and can occur wherever you shave, including your more intimate manscaping areas. If you have it, you’ll want to know how to get rid of razor burn — stat. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent razor burn as well as ways to ease razor burn should your skin already have the dreaded painful, warm, itchy redness characteristic of razor burn. Keep reading for the best tips to prevent and treat razor burn for men.

Contents

What is razor burn?
Razor burn vs. razor bumps
What causes razor burn?
How to treat razor burn
How long does razor burn last?
Tips for preventing razor burn
Recommended Products to Prevent Razor Burn
When to see a doctor
FAQs

What is razor burn?

Razor burn refers to an irritation of the skin caused by shaving. It can result in redness, tenderness, localized warmth, swelling, itchiness, and small red bumps. Though razor burn on the face is not only irritating but obvious, it can happen anywhere you shave.

Razor burn vs. razor bumps

Razor burn is not the same as more significant red razor bumps, as the latter is typically indicative of ingrown hairs.

These ingrown hairs typically occur after plucking or waxing hairs. The hair grows at the wrong angles, curls back, and begins to grow into the skin. After shaving, the ingrown hair comes back, hence the name “razor bumps.” Like razor burn, these bumps can be irritating, but the key is that the trigger is different. For this reason, it’s actually incorrect to use “razor burns” and “razor bumps” interchangeably — a common error. Sometimes, razor bumps resemble acne.

What causes razor burn?

There isn’t necessarily one distinct cause of razor burn. Rather, the irritation can occur from any number of factors during the shaving process, such as the following:

Using an old razor
Shaving too much over a given area
Shaving against the grain of your hair growth
Shaving without a pre-shaving product (shaving gel, cream, etc.) that contains an emollient, which is a moisturizing ingredient
Using shaving products that irritate your skin
Shaving too quickly and vigorously

How to treat razor burn

Getting rid of razor burn is possible, though you may need to use a few products or put shaving on hold temporarily. The following are tips to help get rid of razor burn:

Stop shaving

Though you may like the clean-shaven look best, dermatologists say the most effective natural razor burn treatment is to stop shaving for a few days until the razor burn clears. This will give your irritated skin a chance to calm down and heal.

Try aloe vera

You might be familiar with using aloe vera to soothe sunburns, and as it turns out, the same healing principles apply for razor burn. Coat the affected area with a thin layer of aloe vera several times per day. You can even chill it in the refrigerator first for an added boost of relief.

Alternate with warm and cool compresses

A cold compress, such as with a soft washcloth, can reduce inflammation and redness from razor burn. Use a warm compress before shaving to loosen hairs and open your pores.

Heal with coconut oil

A thin layer of organic, unprocessed coconut oil can accelerate razor burn healing. Coconut oil is antimicrobial, anti-fungal, nourishing, and can reduce inflammation.

Make an oatmeal paste

If you suffered from chickenpox as a child, chances are you have faint memories of taking oatmeal baths to ease the itching. Colloidal oatmeal soothes, moisturizes, and cleanses the skin, and can help relieve the discomfort from razor burn.

Use diluted tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is useful for treating acne, fungal infections, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It can also be used to get rid of razor burn. Just be sure to dilute tea tree oil in water or ideally, in a nourishing oil like almond oil (1 drop per teaspoon of almond oil) because it is too astringent otherwise and may exacerbate razor burn.

Hydrate with almond oil

Almond oil can help treat razor burn and nourish dry and irritated skin. However, if you have naturally oily skin or are prone to acne, this may not be the best razor burn treatment for your skin.

Make an avocado mask

Make a smooth purée of ripe avocado and apply it to the area with a razor burn for a natural salve and healing relief. The oils and vitamin E will reduce inflammation and irritation.

Apply hydrocortisone cream

Hydrocortisone cream is one of the most effective ways to get rid of razor burn. It’s a topical steroid that reduces inflammation, itching, and redness. However, it can thin the skin, so it’s best to avoid using hydrocortisone to treat razor burn long term.

Treat trouble areas

If you have particularly severe patches of razor burn with painful red bumps, treat them with a cocktail of hydrocortisone followed by an over-the-counter bacitracin ointment like Neosporin, which will help kill any bacteria. Lastly, dab the area with a salicylic acid gel (1-2% strength) to remove excess oil from the bump.

How long does razor burn last?

It will take a few days for mild razor burn to go away. If you have more severe razor bumps, healing time will be extended to a week or more depending on the severity. Do not shave over the razor bumps, and it’s best to avoid shaving even over mild razor burn, as doing so is likely to exacerbate the irritation. Razor burn that is not healing on its own or lingers chronically should be addressed with your dermatologist.

Tips for preventing razor burn

As the old adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventing pesky razor burns will save you from the discomfort and unsightly red bumps, so if you’re noticing you are frequently getting razor burns, it’s time to examine your shaving routine. Here are a few tips for preventing razor burn:

Shave after showering so that your skin is soft and your hairs are looser in your pores. You can even apply a warm compress over the last five minutes of the shower to further open your pores and soften your skin.
Shave in the direction of your hair and try not to go over the same area multiple times.
Rinse your razor blade frequently as you’re shaving.
Shave less often.
Ensure the shaving products you are using do not contain ingredients that you’re sensitive to.
Use a sharp razor. Replace your razor blades as soon as they start to dull. Some dermatologists also suggest switching to an electric razor if you’re chronically getting razor burn.
Cleanse the skin with an exfoliating cleanser that contains glycolic acid, such as Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser, prior to shaving to prevent ingrown hairs and clogged pores.
Always use a lubricating shaving gel or shaving oil when you shave and a moisturizer directly afterward.

When to see a doctor

Razor burn is usually painful but harmless. That said, if you notice signs of infection or it doesn’t clear up within the usual couple of days to about a week, it’s worth giving your doctor a ring. If your razor burn is infected, you may have welts or pustules. Your doctor can prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat the infection.

FAQs

How to get rid of razor burn fast?

Speed up healing by foregoing shaving until the razor burn clears up. Aloe vera, coconut oil, and alternating warm-cold compresses are all at-home remedies that can provide faster relief for razor burn. Razor burn will usually clear up in less than one week, though more severe cases may take longer.

Do razor burns ever go away?

Razor burns eventually heal after a few days, though it’s not uncommon for more severe burns to take a little longer — a week or more. One of the best things you can do as you heal is to avoid shaving.

Does Vaseline help razor burn?

Some sweat by Vaseline for clearing up razor burns. It’s worth a try. If you find Vaseline causes more irritation, stop using it to treat razor burns.