How to Prevent and Care for Razor Burn, Rashes and Ingrown Hairs
Razor burn is just what it sounds like: a burning, itching annoyance which usually happens after shaving. The main cause of razor burn is from shaving in the opposite direction of the hair growth. When shaving, it is essential to shave with the growth of the hair, as this will prevent the pulling and damage of the follicle (which can lead to ingrown hairs). Other causes for razor burn are: old and dull blade, dirty blade and dry skin. Before using a razor, the skin must be properly moisturized by regular use of hydrating lotions and using a high moisture shaving gel.
Once you have the moisture down, look at the razor blade. Blades have to be clean and sharp to ensure a proper cut. For men shaving their tender face, this is a fact. Once a blade has been used on their partner’s legs, they can tell right away that the blade is bad, usually because a cut immediately happens after they start using it. A blade should cut right through the gel/foam and hair quickly and easily. If there is any pulling or tugging, stop using the blade and get a new one.
Men should pay attention to how the hair grows on their face and neck, because you need to shave accordingly to each section. Cheeks, below the nose, chin, jaw, and neck should be examined before applying the gel/foam so you know which direction each should be shaved in.
Women are usually taught by their moms on how to shave their legs: get into the shower, let the warm water open my pores, put on the gel/foam and start at the ankles and shave up the leg. Although it’s all over the media in commercials showing women shaving their legs in the same way, it’s not right. The hair growth direction is down the leg, and we need to be shaving in that direction. It may seem weird at first, but this will lead to hair growing back fine and prevent the burn and ingrown hairs.
But when this razor burn happens, and it will because, face it, you’re taking a sharp blade against your skin, you need to know how to take care of it. The best aftershave solution is an oil free, fragrance free moisturizer. Most brands out there carry their own version, so try a couple and see which one works best with your skin type.
Rashes are the body’s way of saying something is irritating it. We can get them from different clothing materials, being nervous, allergic reaction and improper care of our skin. Some common causes of rashes are: allergic reaction to medicine, plants or animals, irritants such has perfumes, clothing materials and dyes, bacterial, viral and fungal infections and exposure to the sun to name a few. Improper skin care is another cause, which can happen after a bad shaving experience.
When a rash occurs, you need to find out the cause of the rash for the proper treatment. Please note that I am not a doctor and can only make recommendations, so if you are not sure what kind of rash it is, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If the rash is from a dirty blade, this could be a bacterial infection, and depending on how bad the infection is, you may need to see your doctor. In minor cases an antibacterial cream should be applied to the infected area. If it does not heal within 3-5 days, see your doctor. Rashes can also appear with an infected pore or ingrown hair. Rashes also can happen to those that have a clean blade, but their skin cannot handle the contact of a blade due to either sensitive skin or allergy to the metal. Most will either need to find blades made for sensitive skin or go to a foiled personal trimmer and shaver.
Ingrown hairs are usually a sign of an infection in the pore or hair follicle. These usually result in shaving against the grain of the hair growth, pulling at the follicle or damaging it, shaving too hard and pulling at the skin while shaving. It can appear like a pimple, but it is inflamed and irritating. A good treatment is to pull the ingrown part out, but do not pluck the hair out of the follicle. For swelling and irritation, a topical antiseptic can help. If it does become infected, see your doctor as a course of antibiotics may be prescribed.
There are many alternatives to shaving with a razor: waxing, laser hair removal, creams and gels, and personal trimmers and shavers. Each body is unique, and there is an alternative if using razors is not working for you. Visit ultimate personal shaver website for a different look at shaving in a safer and more comfortable way.
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