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How to Prevent Razor Burn

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How to Prevent Razor Burn

Shaving tips to help prevent razor bumps

 
Even though there are many ways to remove unwanted hair, shaving seems to be the go-to for many women because of its ease and how quickly it achieves the desired results. The only downside to this method is the irritation, red bumps, and razor burn that often develop. Luckily, there are ways to prevent these unsightly side effects.

Exfoliation is the key to getting smooth, hairless skin. The right time to exfoliate is the day before shaving, or at least a few hours before. It’s best to avoid exfoliating right before you shave. I would recommend a wash containing glycolic acid, which has the smallest molecule and the ability to dissolve dead skin cells, debris, and excess oils from the pores. The sebum in our skin is made up partially of waxes and cholesterols. If these are not cleared away before hair removal, it will lead to irritation—and you just won’t get a clean, close shave. One product to try: Enhancing Glycolic Body Wash, which is available for $17 at idermedstore.com. You can also exfoliate with a regular body scrub, loofah, or dry brush.

General Guidelines for Shaving

Prep the area you are going to shave. Open the pores by wetting the area with warm water, or pressing a warm face cloth over the skin. Next, apply a quality shaving cream or gel, mixed with a little shampoo. This particular combination changes the texture of the shaving cream, reducing almost all friction. Massage it into the skin using upward, circular motions. Let it set in for a couple of minutes to allow the protective barrier to form. Remember to frequently rinse the razor between strokes and shake excess water off of the blades. Be careful not to exert too much pressure when you shave; it’s not necessary to press down really hard.

If you’re looking for a recommendation, I suggest using EOS shaving cream. This is an all-natural product packed with conditioning oils and skin protectants. Another great brand is Pure Silk, which contains real aloe. It comes in several exotic scents, such as coconut and cherry blossom.

Each area of your body has a different set of shaving rules. Follow the guidelines below to get the best results.

BIKINI LINE: You need to use a single-blade razor. The reason this is important is that it keeps the hair even with the surface. The trick is to shave with the direction of the hair, not against it. It is also advisable to trim the hair with a pair of small safety scissors before starting the process. Use a different razor for each side, as it is the sharpness of the blade that aids in preventing irritation.

LEGS: As crazy as this might sound, using a men’s disposable razor is going to give you the best result. Men’s razors are much sharper than women’s razors, and they’re going to provide the precision that you want. My personal suggestion is the Gillette Mach 3 for sensitive skin with Lubrastrip. These razors are a little pricey, but there’s no comparison for getting the perfect shave.

UNDERARMS: Hair in this area tends to grow in several different directions. For that reason, I would again recommend using a men’s multi-blade razor. Start by pulling your arm over your head, so that the fingers are resting on your opposite shoulder (this will pull the skin tight). Shave in a series of strokes going downward, and then shave across.

After each shave, rinse the area with cool water and pat dry. Then apply witch hazel using some gauze from the drugstore. An alternative to witch hazel is Tend Skin, a product that is specially formulated to prevent and treat redness, razor burn, red bumps, and ingrown hairs. You can request a free sample at tendskin.com.

Once air dried, do not apply deodorant to the underarms, because it will clog the follicles and cause red bumps and irritation. It is best to wait until the next morning to apply it. In the meantime, dust the underarms with corn starch, which is a natural deodorant and will keep the skin dry and soft.
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@daycaredropout:
I never knew that about the men's razors, I usually use men's anyway though cuz my dad gets them free in the mail xD Thanks for the tips! This comment has been removed.
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@demeterova4:
@demeterova4 This comment has been removed.
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@demeterova4:
olap rodina This comment has been removed.
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@breann1:
I found this article because vbeauty commented on it and it showed up on my profile page. I have never read a really good shaving article until now. Do you have any other articles on this site? This comment has been removed.
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@hchapin:
Always wanted to know the "secrets to the perfect shave" and now I do, thanks to you, Faith. Learn something new everytime. Keep on writing! This comment has been removed.
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@rocker_chic181987:
i will have to try the mens razor next time!!! this is great advise i have a couple of these probs myself thanks for sharing :) This comment has been removed.
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@RoryGautsche:
I will try the EOS Shaving Cream next time.....I've heard the Gillette Mach 3 Men's razors are great, gonna give those a try too. Such great tips as always Faith! Thanks!! This comment has been removed.
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@carladarla:
Really adore your super informative articles. Thanks for letting us know about the free sample available through the TendSkin site. This comment has been removed.
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@kklash1:
wow its a reallly helpful article . thanks alot. This comment has been removed.
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@GoodFaith:
@courtney2bambi Try shaving in the same direction of the hair growth on your upper calf area & that should take care of it. This comment has been removed.
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@courtney2bambi:
Nice tip on the men's razors. Didn't even think of that. The worst part for me is my upper calf. For some reason, I always end up with bumps. Thanks for another great article! This comment has been removed.
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@ltlangie:
You're my absolute favorite beauty writer. I come on this site to read what you have to say. A lot of us women just buy razors, take them home and go to town. After reading this, I see there's a right way to shave properly depending on the area and type of hair, etc. Can't wait to read your next article. This comment has been removed.
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@vbeauty:
Ooooh and I would like to try that body wash! This comment has been removed.
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@vbeauty:
What a FANTASTIC article! Super helpful! I totally agree on men's razors. I use Mach3 myself :) This comment has been removed.
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