Razor Burn: Why We Get It and How To Stop It
You’ve taken the time to shave your legs, pits, and bits. It’s time-consuming and annoying, trying to make sure you get every patch so you’re not left with a hairy strip down the back of your thigh. After all that, you’re still left with irritated and sometimes painful skin. WTF?!?!
Razor burn is a common skin irritation that can take the form of a blotchy rash and cause a burning sensation, stinging, itching, or even begin swelling up. It’s an inflammation that happens most likely from shaving on dry skin.
Razor Burn vs Razor Bumps
Razor burns are different from razor bumps. While razor burns are a skin irritation that feels, well, like a itchy burn, razor bumps are a result of ingrown hairs. Check out this article to learn how to treat a razor bump issue.
Razor burns are definitely not fun, and not something you want to be dealing with on your next night out. So how can we prevent it?
Follow Happy Girl’s 4 secret steps below and finally say deuces to razor burns!
Step 1: Use a LOT of base oil. A base oil, such as coconut oil, moisturizes the area and soothes the skin, making it more slippery for you to begin shaving. Coconut oil has many amazing superpowers for shaving, including acting as an antibacterial protectant, repairing the skin barrier, and reducing inflammation. It’s important not to use a base oil infused with essential oils when prepping your skin for shaving.
Step 2: Use a shaving cream or soap. Once your skin is hydrated and moisturized as outlined in step 1, proceed with applying your normal soap or shaving cream. Shaving cream or soap (preferably natural) is needed to help the razor glide to remove your hair without disrupting your upper dermis.
Step 3: Use a new razor. One of the main causes of razor burn comes from using dull or old blades on dry skin. Razor blades should be replaced after five to seven uses. Remember, we need the razor to glide to protect our upper layer of skin. Make sure to go slowly using light, short strokes.
Step 4: Apply Happy Girl’s Vadge Hair Bump Serum. Our serum prevents any irritation from occurring after your shave. Shake well, then apply the serum to your “girl” (and other areas) to help prevent razor burns, ingrown hair bumps, and boils. We use natural ingredients including tea tree, chamomile and peppermint to keep your girl happy.
By making these few simple changes to your shaving routine, you can keep your body free of those uncomfortable rashes and itchy skin. It’s important to take your time and go slow, treating your body like the temple that it is.
Shave safe, sis!
-Allison Kindley, Team Happy Girl
About the Author:
Allison Kindley is a Digital Media Production & Journalism student at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. She loves working with Team Happy Girl because she gets to inform others on feminine wellness, learn every day, write creatively, and empower women.