Razor burns are a fairly common occurrence, and often result from the irritation of the skin a short period after shaving using a razor. The characteristic burning sensation that results manifests as a reddened and inflamed patch on the skin. In some cases, and depending on the severity of the same, the razor burn can also be swollen. Razor burns occur frequently in men who take on facial shaving as well as women who love to razor-shave their armpits.

A razor burn refers to the irritation of the skin at the point where the blade came into contact during shaving. This burn is accompanied by an itching sensation, and typically manifests as a rash a short while after shaving, usually when hair starts to pierce through the skin. This rash usually disappears after a few days, but for the time period it is on, it is a source of discomfort for the affected individuals. The severity of razor burns may sometimes progress to razor bumps which refer to infected pustules in the region of shaving.

guy shaving

Some of the most common causes of a razor burn include using a blunt razor blade, shaving while the skin is dry as well as using the wrong type of soap or skin care products for your skin. The main cause is usually lack of lubrication during shaving, and especially when shaving parts of the body with coarse hair yet have sensitive skin. These areas include the groin, underarms, beards and chest. In addition to this, the burn may also result from shaving against the grain as well as aggressive shaving. While many people consider letting the razor burn heal on its own, there is absolutely no reason why you should suffer while there are a handful of natural remedies that you can use to hasten healing.

In addition to the scarred and unattractive appearance that these burns have, they are also painful and can easily morph into a chronic condition if not well managed. This is why it helps to use any of the following natural remedies for the home treatment of razor burns. In the event that this is a chronic condition, it helps to see a dermatologist.

1. Ice Pack:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Ice cubes and a clean washcloth.
Difficulty: Easy

 

The purpose of the ice pack in the home treatment of a razor burn is to provide relief from the itchiness and the characteristic burning sensation mentioned in the introduction. The low temperatures of the ice used are also an excellent way to soothe the affected part of the skin while reducing the redness associated with the razor burns.
NB: It is important to note that when using the ice pack, the ice should not be allowed to come into direct contact with the skin as this predisposes users to the risk of getting frost bite, which in turn introduces a different condition altogether.

Directions:

  1. Wrap a handful of ice cubes in the clean washcloth and proceed to place the pack on the part of the skin that has the razor burns.
  2. If the itchiness is too intense, and you are short of time to form the ice cubes, it helps to soak the washcloth in very cold water and place the cloth on the skin.
  3. This remedy can be used as often as it is required, or until the burns ease.

Tip: As a preventive measure, you could try splashing some ice cold water once you are done with shaving.

 

2. Aspirin:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Two aspirin tablets, warm water to create the paste as well as to rinse it off.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Aspirin is one of the easiest remedies to prepare for the home treatment of razor burns. It is credited to reduce the inflammation, thanks to the presence of acetylsalicyclic acid (abbreviaed ASA). This acid not only works on the inflammation, it also reduces the redness of the affected skin. Simply get aspirin tablets from your nearest chemist and prepare s indicated in the directions below.

Directions:

  1. Take two aspirin tablets and add a tablespoon of warm water to facilitate for the disintegration of the tablet.
  2. Create a paste-like substance after about 5 minutes of the tablets sitting in the water.
  3. Apply the paste on the inflamed skin and leave it to stay for about 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse the paste off using the remaining warm water and pat the skin dry.
  5. Repeat this remedy at least thrice daily for best results, making sure to rub the paste on as gently as you possibly can.

 

3. Aloe Vera:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Freshly cut aloe vera plant and warm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Aloe Vera is, without a shadow of doubt, a timeless skin care product, thanks to its myriad of beneficial traits. The gel obtained from the freshly cut plant has amazing soothing properties whose use in the management of razor burns comes across as both natural and effective. The gel also feels cool when applied on the skin, and has been proven to be efficient in reducing the inflammation. Aloe Vera is also an ideal option for those whose razor burns arise from skin sensitivity. If you suffer from chronic razor burns, it helps to invest in an aloe vera plant in your backyard if you can. Regular use has proven beneficial for users.

Directions:

  1. Take the freshly cut leaf and tap the gel that forms at the point where you made the cut.
  2. Once you have tapped an adequate amount of the aloe gel, you will then scoop some of the gel in your hands, massage it in the palms of your hands and apply it on the part of the inflamed skin.
  3. Let the gel sit on the skin and allow to dry for about 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse the skin with warm water and pat dry.
  5. Repeat this procedure about thrice daily for a couple of days or until you notice that the inflammation has reduced.

 

4. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Raw organic apple cider vinegar, cotton wool, and cold water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a simple yet effective natural treatment in the management of razor burns. The anti-inflammatory properties of ACV make it a reliable remedy, as does its ability to reduce the itching sensation. Best of all, the presence of acetic acid goes a long way in helping ensure that the burns do not transform to infections on the skin. Note that for this remedy to be effective, it is imperative to use only raw organic ACV; filtered ACV has the potential to cause a reaction on the skin.

Directions:

  1. Soak a piece of cotton wool in the ACV before dabbing it on the affected skin.
  2. Let the ACV dry on the skin in order to allow the skin to get the vinegar’s benefits.
  3. Wash off the skin with cold water which also enhances the relief from inflammation.
  4. Repeat this procedure thrice daily for best results.

NB: Due to the risk of ACV causing skin reactions, users are advised to ensure that they carry out a skin patch test prior to applying the remedy. If you know you are sensitive to ACV, mix equal portions of ACV and water for dilution purposes.

 

5. Honey:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Quarter cup of raw honey and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Honey is a remarkably diverse home remedy for a host of skin conditions. It therefore comes as no surprise that honey is an effective natural treatment for razor burns. Honey’s anti-bacterial properties ensure that the razor burn does not progress to a skin infection. It also has soothing properties that reduce inflammation on the affected skin area.

Directions:

  1. Scoop a tablespoon of honey and apply it on the inflamed skin.
  2. Massage the skin gently, making sure you do not cause aggravation of the skin.
  3. Let the honey dry on the skin for about 20 minutes to make the most of this remedy.
  4. Rinse with warm water, and pat the skin dry.
  5. Repeat this procedure as often as required or until you notice an improvement on the skin.

 

6. Yogurt (and Honey Mix – Optional):

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need:  A tablespoon of plain natural yogurt and 2 teaspoons of honey (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Yogurt is a popular remedy for different conditions on the skin. When used on the razor burn, the yogurt’s cooling characteristics help reduce the swelling of the burns while effectively keeping the swelling in check. This home remedy is used for its antimicrobial properties. If you please, you may add honey to this remedy. the combined benefits of these remedies goes a long way in managing razor burns.

Directions:

  1. Add a tablespoon of the natural yogurt to two teaspoons of raw unprocessed honey, and mix well to ensure the equal mixing of the two.
  2. Slather a generous amount of the yoghurt-honey mixture on the affected skin and rub gently.
  3. Allow the mixture to sit on the skin for about 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
  4. Repeat this procedure thrice daily for best results.

Tip: Use the yogurt while chilled to sooth the razor burn.

 

7. Cucumber:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Fresh cucumber (preferably chilled), blender, half a glass of cold milk, and warm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Cucumber has long been used as a home remedy for the treatment of razor burns. One of the most popular reasons for this is that in addition to its soothing properties, cucumber also has subtle anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate the pain. Other benefits of using cucumber include the fact that the cucumber is rich in both Vitamins C an K which play a fundamental role in the healing and regeneration of the skin’s cells. The addition of milk to the use of this remedy if meant to enhance the health of the skin, effectively shadowing the unsightly marks that result from razor burns.

Directions:

  1. Clean the cucumber and slice it into thin slices.
  2. Transfer the cucumber slices to the glass containing milk and allow to soak.
  3. Drain the mixture in the blender and blend for a couple of minutes.
  4. Refrigerate the blended mixture for about 5 minutes.
  5. Soak some of the cotton wool in the blended mixture before applying on the affected part of the skin.
  6. Keep the pureed mixture on the razor burn for a few minutes before rinsing using warm water. Repeat this procedure twice daily for best results. Regular use of cucumber and milk as part of your skin care routine goes a long way in preventing the chronic development of razor burns.

 

8. Strawberry Paste:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Fresh strawberries, pestle and mortar, sour cream, and cold water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Strawberry is a delightful remedy for the treatment of razor burns, largely because it soothes the affected skin while reducing the inflammation of the same. The addition of sour cream, whose main ingredient is lactic acid, helps in the regeneration of the skin cells, effectively restoring the skin’s glow.

Directions:

  1. Clean the strawberries and transfer to a pestle and mortar.
  2. Mash the strawberries to create a paste-like substance before pouring in the sour cream.
  3. Take some of the paste and apply it on the skin, allowing it to remain there for about 20 minutes.
  4. Clean the paste off using cold water and dry the skin. Repeat this procedure thrice daily.

 

9. Petroleum Jelly:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Petroleum jelly, a clean face towel, and cold water .
Difficulty: Easy

 

Razor burns are often accompanied by a burning sensation and can sometimes be very painful. Petroleum jelly has been shown to effectively relieve the pain by coating the skin. This soothes the affected skin and reduces the burning sensation, making the razor burns more bearable. Petroleum jelly is pretty easy to get, so take advantage of this simple remedy as often as you can.

NB: It is preferable to use non-perfumed petroleum jelly as the perfumed type of jelly may cause irritation in some people.

Directions:

  1. Scoop some of the petroleum jelly and apply it on the part of the skin with the razor burn.
  2. Apply a thin coat of the petroleum jelly on the razor burn and leave it for a couple of minutes.
  3. Wet the face towel with cold water and get rid of any excess petroleum jelly. Repeat this procedure as often as is required or until the burning sensation subsides.

 

10. Warm Compress:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: A clean face towel, warm water, and petroleum jelly.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Sometimes the best way to deal with a razor burn when you are short of time is to apply a warm compress. The increased temperature not only softens the skin, it also leads to the opening of the skin’s pores allowing the skin to ‘breathe’. In addition to this, it also helps to improve blood circulation which in turn helps the razor burn heal faster. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the razor burn to soothe and help reduce the burning sensation. This remedy is best used immediately after shaving when you start to feel the burning sensation creep on your skin.

Directions:

  1. Soak the face towel in the warm water and squeeze the excess water so that the towel has just enough water.
  2. Press the warm towel against the skin and let it stay in position until the towel becomes cool.
  3. Repeat this procedure two more times for each session. This remedy can be used twice daily for best results.

 

11. Cocoa Butter:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Cocoa Butter
Difficulty: Easy

 

Cocoa butter is an effective remedy for a host of skin conditions, and razor burns fall squarely into this category. This butter reduces the inflammation and burning sensation that causes discomfort when one has a razor burn. This also soothes the skin, and speeds up the healing process. For maximum relief, it is recommended that you let the cocoa butter stay on the razor burn for a few minutes.

NOTE: it is best to use pure organic cocoa butter as it has no extra additives which may hamper its efficiency.

Directions:

  1. Simply purchase your organic cocoa butter. This may be obtained from your local store or the pharmacy.
  2. Smear some of the cocoa butter on the razor burn and let it remain on the skin.
  3. Wipe off the excess cocoa butter using cotton wool. Repeat this procedure twice daily for best results.

 

12. Tea Bags:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Used tea bags (preferably refrigerated).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Used tea bags are a simple yet effective way to deal with razor burns. When refrigerated, the low temperatures help soothe the affected part of the skin. Additionally, the tannic acid present in the tea helps reduce the inflammation of the razor burn. These anti-inflammatory properties alleviate pain associated with the razor burn and make it easy to heal. If you cannot get access to any used tea bags, simply drop a fresh tea bag in a cup of cold water and use following the directions included below.

Directions:

  1. Refrigerate the used teabag for ten minutes.
  2. Transfer the chilled teabag and place it on the razor burn.
  3. Let the tea bag remain on the razor burn for a few more minutes until the irritation eases. Repeat this remedy twice daily.

 

13. Tea Tree Oil:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: 3 Drops of tea tree oil, dropper, quarter cup of clean water, and cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Tea tree oil has long been used to fight off skin infections thanks to its antiseptic properties. Its antiseptic nature is effective in preventing infection of the skin in severe razor burns that often progress to pus-filled razor bumps. The oil also soothes the affected part of the skin, thus preventing irritation. Note however, that tea tree oil must never be applied to the razor burn in its pure form as it will cause stinging of the affected skin, To counter this yet still benefit from the oil’s antiseptic properties, it is recommended that you dilute the tea tree oil in clean water before applying to the razor burn.

Directions:

  1. Using a dropper, place three drops of the tea tree oil in a quarter cup of clean water and stir to mix evenly.
  2. Take a ball of cotton wool and soak it in the mixture containing diluted tea tree oil.
  3. Dab the soaked cotton wool on the razor burn for a couple of minutes.
  4. Do not wipe off the tea tree oil. You can use this remedy once daily until the razor burn is completely healed.

 

14. Baking Soda Solution:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: A tablespoon of baking soda, a cup of warm water, cotton wool, and cold water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Baking soda is a handy home remedy for the treatment of razor burns because it alleviates the itchiness of the burns while reducing the typical redness on the affected skin. In addition to this, the baking soda restores the skin’s pH, easing the healing process of the razor burns. You can use this simple remedy twice daily or until the razor burn heals.

Directions:

  1. Make a solution of baking soda by adding a tablespoon of this powder to a cup of warm water and stirring to dissolve.
  2. Soak the cotton wool in the solution and place it on the razor burn to soothe the skin.
  3. Dab the cotton wool on the burn for 5 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

 

15. Witch Hazel:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Witch hazel, skin moisturizer, and some warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Witch hazel is another remedy that has grown in popularity almost as much as aloe vera, thanks to its benefits on the skin and its ability to treat a myriad of skin conditions. The cooling properties of witch hazel make it just the perfect remedy for razor burns. This remedy also works perfectly for those with dry skin.

Directions:

  1. Slather a generous amount of the witch hazel on the razor burn and rub it in gently.
  2. Rinse with warm water and pat dry before applying your ideal skin moisturizer.

 

Other effective remedies you can use to treat razor burns at home include coconut oil + sugar scrub which helps smooth the skin, oatmeal which soothes the burn as well, and olive oil. Additional tips that you can use to prevent the formation of razor burns in the first place include shaving after a warm bath, which helps soften the skin and the hair, using proper shaving techniques as well as regular exfoliation.

In addition to the use of home remedies, you must also ensure that you incorporate proper shaving techniques to your routine. Before shaving, make sure that you wet the skin. Doing so softens the hairs and makes the process far less abrasive. Additionally, proper techniques mean shaving along the grain, as opposed to against the grain – this is something many people do in a bid to get a clean shave, but which often predispose them to razor burns.

It is also important to avoid shaving aggressively as increased pressure on the skin easily adds to the risk of a razor burn. Finally, after shaving, it helps to apply a gentle moisturizer on the skin as this provides much-needed relief and prevents the skin from becoming dry. As a general guide, avoid using strong skin care products in places where you shave on a regular basis. These products include deodorants and harsh soaps. Using proper techniques goes a long way in preventing razor burns and bumps.

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