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Getting rid of razor burn overnight
Almost all adults use some form of hair removal methods for getting rid of unwanted body hair.
Almost all adults use some form of hair removal methods for getting rid of unwanted body hair. Shaving is one of the easiest and commonest methods of hair removal. Being a practically painless and quick method of hair removal, shaving is preferred by most people. Shaving, however, carries its shortcomings. In efforts to get smooth and supple skin, we may end up having a few razor burns and bumps. Razor use can also lead to ingrown hair. This means that the hair grows under the skin instead of growing out of it. A razor burn is an area of irritated and inflamed skin because of shaving. Some form of an undesirable interaction between the skin, hair, and razor can cause razor bumps and burns. This may occur when you do not protect your skin with a gel or moisturizer before shaving. The razor may move over the skin causing microtrauma (tiny cuts) and strip off the hydration from the skin leaving it irritated and inflamed. Thus, using a clean blade along with using emollients and moisturizers before shaving can help lower the risk of razor burns. Using the same blade over and again or using a dirty blade increases the risk of razor burns and infections. Shaving gently and along the direction of hair growth can also prevent razor burns.
Razor burns occur in both men and women. People with sensitive skin, however, are more prone to get razor burns. Razor burns may present with redness, bumps, and a burning or stinging sensation. Symptoms may last from a few hours to days depending upon the severity of razor burns. You can, however, hasten up the healing time of razor burns by following these tips:
- Apply aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel has a soothing and cooling effect on the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and will help lower skin redness, swelling, and burning. It will also provide some protection against infections that may occur because of microtrauma to the skin during shaving. Apply the gel generously over the irritated area three to four times a day. Do not rub or massage because it can worsen the razor burn.
- Apply some ice or cold pack: You may use an ice pack or a cube of ice from the freezer and gently glide it over the razor burn. This will lessen the swelling and discomfort. Do it as often as want. Gliding an ice pack immediately after shaving will also help prevent any potential bumps and burns.
- Moisturize your skin well: Apply any gentle moisturizer such as shea butter or coconut oil after you shave. Shaving takes away skin hydration. The dehydrated skin is prone to bumps and redness. Gently moisturize the area two to three times a day.
- Use over the counter (OTC) steroid creams: OTC hydrocortisone cream can effectively reduce the burning, redness, and swelling caused by the razor burn. Use the cream as written in the usage instructions. If your symptoms worsen, stop using the cream and consult your doctor. Remember that repeated long-term use of steroid creams can cause thinning of the skin and make your skin prone to fungal infections.
- Tea tree oil: It has excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Do not use it directly on the skin. Add one to two drops of tea tree essential oil to a moisturizer or aloe vera gel and apply gently on the skin two to three times a day.
- Apply an after-shave product: Aftershave cream, lotions, and gels are meant to lower the risk of razor burns. They also help heal the bumps and burns. Apply the product generously right after you shave.