Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreatmentHow to ShaveRazor Burn vs BumpsRazor Burn vs. Waxing
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Treatment
How to Shave
Razor Burn vs Bumps
Razor Burn vs. Waxing
Unlikerazor bumps, which occur as shaved hairs start to grow back, razor burn occurs immediately after shaving. Razor burn is a common inflammatory skin issue, whereas razor bumps are more of aningrown hairissue. Areas most prone to razor burn include the neck, legs, andpubic region.
This article discusses various treatment options, including home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) relief products you can purchase without a prescription.
FG Trade / Getty Images
Razor Burn Treatment: What Helps?
Almost everyone who shaves with a razor blade is going to get some degree of razor burn from time to time. Razor burn symptoms usually clear up in a few hours but may take over 48 hours to completely disappear.
Roughly 9 out of 10 people who shave self-report having experienced shaving-related irritation and unpleasant razor burn symptoms such as itching, stinging, or burning sensations.
Below are some evidence-based razor burn treatment options that include herbal, non-pharmacy remedies, as well as one over-the-counter medicated treatment (hydrocortisone cream) that can be purchased without a prescription.
Cool Compress
Aloe Vera
Aloe verais a readily available herbal remedy used to treat razor burn. This medicinal plant is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and wound-healing properties. Aloe vera alleviates shaving-induced rashes and retains moisture after skin barrier disruption. While soothing razor burn symptoms, this cactus-like plant’s gel also helps maintain the skin’s integrity.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is a topicalcorticosteroidthat can reduce the itchiness and swelling of inflammatory skin conditions like razor burn. It’s available as an over-the-counter medication in 0.5% and 1.0% strengths. A prescription is needed for stronger (typically around 2.5%) hydrocortisone cream.
Even in less potent (0.5% of 1.0%) OTC strengths, hydrocortisone cream should be used cautiously. Prolonged use weakens the skin and impairs skin barrier function.Speak to a healthcare provider before using over-the-counter topical hydrocortisone cream to treat razor burn.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazelis a topical skin treatment derived from theHamamelis virginianaplant that’s used as a botanical remedy for various skin ailments, including razor burn. This over-the-counter skin product is FDA-approved for human use.Witch hazel contains tannins, which help to mitigate the swelling and skin irritation associated with razor burn while promoting skin barrier health.
Calendula
Calendulacomes from the yellow flowers of a medicinal marigold belonging to theAsteraceae/Compositaeplant family. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties.Skin care products containing calendula can soothe razor burn and reduce shaving-induced inflammation.
Fragrance-Free Moisturizer
Moisturizingyour skin after shaving is key to maintaining skin barrier health and minimizing razor burn’s detrimental impact.Finding the perfect post-shave moisturizer that works best for you may take time and require some patience. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all choice; not every moisturizer works well for every person.
In general,fragrance-freemoisturizers are less likely to irritate the skin. That said, alwayspatch-testany new skincare product on your inner wrist to make sure it doesn’t trigger anallergy-like reactionorcontact dermatitis.
Water Temperature Matters: Start Warm, Finish Cold
How to Shave to Prevent Razor Burn
Shaving tips for preventing razor burn include:
Common Razor Burn Triggers
The following are common triggers of razor burn:
Don’t Rush! Give Yourself 20 Minutes to Shave
Pre- and post-shave treatments—plus shaving itself—take time. Give yourselfthree to five minutesto prep soon-to-be-shaved hairs with a warm washcloth compress. Allowone to two minutesfor shave cream/gel to soak in. Depending on the size of the area you’re shaving, shaving itself usually takes about10 minutes.After completing the shave, apply a cool compress (cold washcloth) forthree to five minutesbefore moisturizing.
Do I Have Razor Burn or Razor Bumps?
“Razor burn” and “razor bumps” are often used interchangeably, but they’re different. The medical term for razor bumps ispseudofolliculitis barbae, whereas razor burn is technically referred to asshaving-induced erythema(redness in light or medium skin tones or discoloration in darker skin tones).
For example, if you shave your underarms and are wondering how to differentiate between armpit razor burn vs. razor bumps, take note of how soon symptoms appear and what they look like. If the rash happens instantly and looks red or blotchy, it’s probably razor burn. If bumps start to appear many hours after shaving and look like something trapped beneath the skin’s surface trying to push out, they’re probably razor bumps.
Personal Choice: Pull Skin Taught or Not?For people prone to razor bumps, pulling the skin taut with one hand while shaving with the other may increase the risk of ingrown hairs because, when the skin retracts, closely shaven hairs can get lodged sideways in the hair follicle shaft.If you’re not prone to razor bumps or ingrown hairs, pulling your skin tight while shaving can create a flatter, smoother surface area that’s less prone to razor burn.
Personal Choice: Pull Skin Taught or Not?
For people prone to razor bumps, pulling the skin taut with one hand while shaving with the other may increase the risk of ingrown hairs because, when the skin retracts, closely shaven hairs can get lodged sideways in the hair follicle shaft.If you’re not prone to razor bumps or ingrown hairs, pulling your skin tight while shaving can create a flatter, smoother surface area that’s less prone to razor burn.
For some people,waxingcauses more irritation and discomfort than using a razor forhair removal. For others, the short-term pain of waxing is worth it because their rash-like symptoms disappear quickly, and the hairs take longer to grow back than if they use a razor.
Ultimately, deciding what depilatory method works best for you is a personal choice that requires testing different types of hair removal and seeing which method has the least adverse side effects.
Summary
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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