Red skin, bumps, and dry and itchy skin are common side effects after shaving. Both women and men experience skin irritation after shaving, caused by dull razors, dry skin, or sensitive skin. Use the instructions below to prevent skin irritation after shaving.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Practice Good Habits
Step 1. Wait for a warm shower to finish before shaving
Warm water (again: warm) for bathing will moisturize the skin and reduce the risk of irritation when shaving. The softer the hair, the easier it will be for a clean shave.
- Let the body hair become soft and stand up in the warm water. The moisture and steam from the water used for bathing causes the hair to become soft and stand up. Soft, standing bristles are easier to shave than other areas of skin that are not prepped for shaving.
- Wash the area to be shaved with a warm, wet washcloth for at least 5 minutes if you are in a hurry or there is no warm water to shower.
Step 2. Exfoliate the skin
Many people feel guilty for skipping this very important step. Actually you should do this step before and after shaving. Exfoliating may seem like a waste of time, but your skin will be smoother and there will be less risk of redness and irritation.
When you exfoliate before shaving, the body hair after shaving will be aligned. In addition, exfoliation is also useful for getting rid of dead skin cells, so body hair after shaving can be shorter. Exfoliation after shaving is useful for closing skin pores (due to shaving, using creams, etc.) and preventing ingrown hairs (which cause lumps)
Step 3. Always use lubricant for shaving
Specific creams and other lubricants will be explained later, but using something to moisturize the skin is an absolute MUST. Do you feel like you're being led? CORRECT! ALWAYS USE SHAVING CREAM.
It's obvious isn't it? So, never shave using only water. Soap and water are fine, but a shaving cream specifically made for sensitive skin to be shaved is the best choice. When you shave the same area twice, don't forget to reapply the shaving cream
Step 4. Shave in the direction of hair growth
Use a top-down shaving motion. If the razor puts too much pressure on the surface of the skin, it can cause irritation and bumps. That means, shave from the top to the bottom.
Yes, shaving to the surface of the skin can make the shave shorter. If that's what you want, just do it. However, the skin will be easily irritated when you do this
Step 5. Make short, light strokes while shaving
These two movements are performed simultaneously. If the movement is short, then the movement also tends to be lighter. If the motion is too long, you may feel as though the razor is blunt and so press it even more. Do not do it!
In between shaving, you also need to wet the shaved area. So, the shorter the movement, the easier it is to shave. This will make the razor last longer and is also great for the skin
Step 6. Rinse the shaved area with cold water and pat dry
No matter how warm the water is, it will definitely open the skin pores and cold water will definitely be able to close them again. After rinsing with cold water, pat dry. Don't rub! Rubbing the skin will only lead to disaster. You've done the right step, don't make a mistake!
Method 2 of 3: Using the Right Products
Step 1. Use a new razor
Using a dull razor causes irritation. Instead of moving smoothly on the skin, a dull razor will find it difficult to move, causing more irritation. Imagine if the razor were to tear the skin, you definitely don't want to!
You can use the razor multiple times if properly cared for. Be sure to wash the razor after use. Do not leave the razor wet, as water can also erode metal. As an extra treatment, clean with alcohol to kill bacteria
Step 2. For men, buy a badger brush (a brush for applying shaving cream or soap to the face)
You might think that the most important thing is to create lots of lather with shaving cream, but badger brushes are very useful for applying shaving cream to body hair for a cleaner and smoother shave.
You also need to look for a safe razor, one that has one blade, so that the resulting shave will be clean. Blades like this are cheap too
Step 3. Use a shaving cream that contains aloe vera or other ingredients suitable for sensitive skin
Apply shaving cream while you're in the shower. Leave the cream for at least 3 minutes so that the hair becomes soft. Aloe vera and other ingredients in shaving cream make the surface of the skin smoother, reducing the risk of irritation when shaving.
For you men, it is better to use shaving cream for women. Special cream products for shaving women's legs are generally more moisturizing and softening the skin. You certainly don't mind if you use products for women, right? You can handle a pink can, right?
Step 4. Apply hydrocortisone cream or ointment after shaving
Do it immediately after shaving to reduce the stinging and redness caused by your razor. Hydrocortisone ointment works to soothe the skin and heal irritation.
Do not use hydrocortisone cream every day. Regular use of the cream makes the skin immune thereby reducing its effectiveness. Regular use of this kind of cream also causes the skin to become thin
Step 5. Apply lotion after shaving
Use a moisturizing, non-perfumed lotion on the shaved area. The lotion prevents dry skin from shaving, which causes skin irritation symptoms.
In the United States, Bag Balm (available at most pharmacies) is a great product for moisturizing the skin. However, the truth is that you should always apply lotion, not just after shaving
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding More Severe Irritation
Step 1. Stop shaving
Stop shaving and let body hair grow. Do this in the short term, even though it is impossible to do it in the long term. The less often you shave, the less likely it is to irritate your skin.
Even if it's only for a few days, stopping shaving will allow the skin to heal on its own. If you experience irritation, give your school or office a doctor's note so you can grow your beard, leg hair, or whatever
Step 2. Use a special (depilatory) cream to remove body hair
This special cream removes body hair at its roots which are inside the hair follicle. Using this cream can reduce skin irritation that usually occurs due to shaving. However, pay attention to whether there are allergies caused by this cream. Hair removal cream can be used for sensitive skin, but skin allergies can still occur.
If you use a razor that is not clean, then with depilatory cream you don't need to shave anymore. That's the only way to avoid redness and bumps on the skin
Step 3. Apply an ointment containing benzoyl peroxide or cream to treat bumps on the shaved area
Apply an ointment containing 2.5-5 percent benzoyl peroxide immediately after shaving to reduce redness, irritation, or bumps. Benzoyl peroxide was originally used to treat acne, but is now also commonly used to prevent skin redness from shaving.
