Stop Getting Burned by Razor Burn
Stop Getting Burned by Razor Burn
Razor burn may not get the highest score on the pain-o-meter compared to some of the other unpleasant side effects of shaving, but it definitely wins for being the most pervasive and unsightly. Anyone who has ever shaved a body part—man or woman, face, legs, or anywhere else—has experienced some form of razor burn, and frankly, it’s never pretty.
But it doesn’t have to be this way—we swear.
It is possible to get a great shave without feeling like you need a bucket of aloe vera and an XXL-sized roll of gauze. With a few changes to your morning shave routine, you can prevent razor burn and eliminate painful, bumpy, and red skin, especially if you join a club.
What Is Razor Burn?
Razor burn is a form of skin irritation that can happen to anyone who shaves. The technical term for it is irritant contact dermatitis, which is just a fancy way of saying skin rash. Since shaving disrupts the skin barrier, it’s the most common culprit that leads to razor burn.
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When and where it appears: If something’s gone wrong with your shave, you might feel razor burn immediately or within a few hours. As for location, the burn goes where the razor goes, meaning it could be on your face, neck, armpits, back, arms, legs, and all below-the-belt regions.
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What it feels like: Not great. In addition to the eponymous burning, the irritated area feels tender, itches, and stings. It is a general nag that can prevent you from feeling and looking your best.
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What it looks like: The recently-shaved areas on the skin will appear swollen and as red blotches or streaks that look like they would burn if you touched them. Unfortunately, this is usually true.
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How long it stays: Most cases resolve themselves with good skincare after a day or two. But if you’re stubborn about getting new blades and don’t learn from past mistakes, the irritation can last up to a week and mess with your mojo.
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Why it’s a drag: According to Dr. Vincent Deleo, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, razor burn shares the same irritating, annoying feeling dry skin, created namely the friction created by dragging a sharpened piece of metal across your face.
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Who suffers the most: All you sensitive types out there. No, not the people who cry at the end of Braveheart —we’re talking sensitive skin.
So What’s the Deal With Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps are a cousin of razor burn. They’re not the same, but several causes and symptoms overlap.
Razor bumps result from shaving skin with ingrown hairs, pesky little guys that curl in or grow sideways under the skin. Both razor bumps and burns can irritate the skin, but while burns usually appear streaky and blotchy, bumps are bumpy (duh), often looking like a small collection of tiny pimples.
Common Causes of Razor Burn
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A dull blade: Remember the last of those expensive blades you’ve been milking since you bought them way back in June? They can exacerbate the razor burn effect. Older, duller blades require additional pressure to shave your stubble, and more pressure equals more friction. It’s simple science, folks.
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Excessive force: Speaking of pressure, pushing down and pulling the blade over your skin is another surefire way to irritate the surface and cause redness and itching.
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Going too fast: Doing anything quickly with a sharp blade is a terrible idea and increases the chances of razor burn. If you have yet to find the joy in shaving and still like a rough-and-ready job, getting razor burn is a rite of passage.
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Dry shaving: Just hearing the phrase makes veteran shavers squirm. Shaving dry skin without proper lubrication (oil, butter, gel, cream, water, something!) creates the friction problem we’ve already mentioned. Without moisture, the probability of razor burn skyrockets.
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Sensitive skin and shaving against the grain: If you’re blemish-prone, your chances of getting razor burn are higher because of how sensitive skin reacts to some blades and skin products. The same is true if you shave against the grain (please don’t do that).
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Impatience afterward: The final common culprit is skipping your post-shave regimen. Not having patience for an aftercare routine can cause or worsen razor burn. Investing in premium shave gear from Dollar Shave Club is a good hack to encourage you to spend more time in front of the mirror.
Steps To Prevent Razor Burn
Just as there are tips on how to shave without getting cut, here are five steps on how to prevent razor burn:
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Take your time: “Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast” is a line from Romeo and Juliet about the importance of patience. It also perfectly applies here and is the first rule of shaving like a pro. It means putting on some music, chilling out, and never rushing a shave to avoid razor burn. Listen to the bard.
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Make it go away: Use a great exfoliant before you shave to clear any gunk-causing roadblocks for your razor. Like sweeping the floor before you mop, clearing out debris and exposing ingrown hairs on the skin is another key step in preventing razor burn.
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Build a protective layer: Creating a protective, moisturizing barrier between your skin and the elements is also crucial, so don’t skimp on a good shave cream. Look for something without propellants like butane, isobutane, and propane, which are ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin.
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Shave gently: Too much pressure can be irritating afterward, so remember to glide instead of pulling the blade on the skin to avoid irritation. Basically, let the razor do the work. Unsure if you’re doing it right? Take a look at our guide to the perfect shave.
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Know your product and your skin: Everyone’s skin is slightly different, changes over time, and reacts to creams, blades, and lotions differently. And since allergens and other irritants come in many forms, it’s vital to know your skin and read the ingredients in skincare products to prevent razor burn.
Products That Can Help Prevent Razor Burn
Offering only the highest quality gear, Dollar Shave Club has everything you need to build the ultimate shave kit and say goodbye to the burn:
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Prep Scrub: A good scrub exfoliates dead skin, raises hair, and is the first line of defense in preparing for a shave and preventing razor burn. Many newbies don’t get the Prep Scrub, but we ask: Don’t you always perform better after a proper warm-up?
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Shaving Cream or Butter: Apply liberally and wait a minute for it to settle on your skin. Protective layer creams and butters help minimize post-shave irritation, especially if you remember to reapply during more rigorous shaves.
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Razor blades: High-quality razors with four- and six-blade options will give you a smooth shave and avoid razor burn. For blemish-prone skin, opt for an acne-friendly blade, as razor burn doesn’t discriminate against skin type.
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Aftershave balm: The last thing you need is an aftershave balm to soothe your skin from the inevitable trauma of dragging across it.
Remember that razor burn is not inevitable. If you prepare your skin, use a fresh blade, and avoid problem ingredients, it’s even easily preventable. Save the pain for the more rigorous part of your regimen and check out Dollar Shave Club's shaving solutions for a smooth, comfortable shave
