Shaving is an easy, affordable, and quick way to get rid of unwanted hair from your body. However, it comes with its own drawback – razor burn. A razor burn is a basically skin irritation caused by the razor, soon after a part of your body has been shaved. It is characterized by a burning sensation, which could also be accompanied by a red rash. Sometimes, it could be itchy and swollen too.
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It’s usually men who suffer from razor burns as they’re the ones who shave quite regularly and frequently. But women who shave their armpits and legs too, experience it. Some of the most common causes of a razor burn include:
- A dull blade
- Shaving without lubrication
- Unconditioned skin
- Using a harsh soap
- Sensitive skin
Suggested read: 10 superbly effective home remedies to get rid of unwanted body hair
Home remedies for razor burn
A razor burn can cause a lot of discomfort and even pain. However, there are some easy, simple yet effective natural home remedies for razor burn that help get rid of it quickly. Take a look:
1. Aloe vera
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Aloe vera is not only soothing and cooling on your skin, it is also healing. It quickly gives you relief from inflammation and burning sensation. Additionally, it helps keep your skin moisturized, which helps speed up the healing process.
Remedy
- Slice open an aloe vera leaf and squeeze out the fresh gel into a clean bowl. Apply this directly on the affected areas liberally and let it air dry for about 20 minutes, before rinsing it off with cold water. Repeat this remedy at least thrice a day for a couple of days till you find relief from the razor burn.
2. Apple cider vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help in bringing down the inflammation as well as the itching sensation. Additionally, the acetic acid in the apple cider vinegar helps prevent any infection that might occur at the burn site.
Remedy
- Dip a clean cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and squeeze out the excess. Apply this on the affected area and let it air dry for a few minutes. Then, wash it off with plain water. Repeat this remedy thrice a day till the burning sensation subsides.
Tip: If you have sensitive skin, be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar by adding water before trying this remedy.
3. Aspirin
Aspirin is another effective remedy to treat a razor burn easily. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help bring down the inflammation and redness, thus providing relief. Additionally, it also helps get rid of razor bumps, if any.
Remedy
- Take 1 teaspoon of warm water and add 2 aspirins in it. Let it sit for a while, till it becomes a paste. Apply this on the affected area, leaving it on for about 10 minutes. Then, wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy twice a day to find relief from the discomfort caused by a razor burn.
Tip: If you have sensitive skin, do not use this remedy.
4. Baking soda
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Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the inflamed skin, thus providing relief from redness and itching.
Remedy
- In a clean bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 cup of plain water. Dip a clean cotton ball in it, squeeze out the excess, and apply it on the affected area. Let it stay for about 5 minutes, before rinsing it off with cool water. Repeat this remedy at least thrice a day as needed to find relief.
5. Black tea
Black tea bags contain tannins that help bring down the inflammation and redness, thus providing relief from a razor burn.
Remedy
- Wet a black tea bag in warm water, allowing it too cool on its own. Or, better yet, put in a fridge for about 10 minutes. Take it out and rub it on the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat this remedy several times a day as needed till you find relief from the razor burn.
Suggested read: 12 effective home remedies for razor bumps
6. Coconut oil
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Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, which helps soothe and moisturize the inflamed skin. Additionally, the lauric acid it contains helps heal the razor burns effectively.
Remedy
- Apply some coconut oil on the affected area and let it stay for about half an hour, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy as needed till the razor burns disappear.
7. Cold compress
A cold compress is an easy and effective way to get quick relief from the burning sensation that a razor burn causes. Not only does it help soothe the inflamed area, it also helps reduce the inflammation. Additionally, it helps bring down the itching and redness, as well as prevent razor bumps from forming.
Remedies
- Soak a clean washcloth in cold water, wring out the excess, and place it on the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat as needed, so that the burning and the redness subside quickly.
- Take a clean washcloth and wrap a few ice cubes in it. Place it on the affected area for a few minutes, repeating it as needed to find quick relief from the razor burn.
8. Cucumber
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Cucumber possesses soothing, calming, and healing properties that help get rid of razor burns quickly. Additionally, it is also anti-inflammatory and hydrating, which help bring down the inflammation, while helping keep your skin moisturized. The vitamins C and K found in cucumber help relieve pain and itchiness at the razor burn site.
Remedies
- Slice a fresh cucumber and refrigerate these slices for about half an hour. Then, rub these cool cucumber slices on the razor burn gently for about 10 minutes at a time. Repeat this remedy as needed at regular intervals till you get relief.
- Add a few slices of cucumber into a blender and make a purée out of it. Scoop it out into a clean bowl and mix it with a quarter cup of milk. Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy twice a day for a couple of days.
9. Honey
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Honey possesses anti-bacterial properties that help in treating a razor burn effectively. Additionally, it helps bring down inflammation and any swelling in the affected area, while also keeping the skin well-moisturized. It also helps prevent any infection at the burn site.
Remedies
- Take some honey and apply it directly on the razor burn. Spread it in a thick coat and let it stay for about 15 minutes, before rinsing it off with cold water. Repeat as many times as needed to find quick relief.
- In a clean bowl, mix together half a teaspoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the affected area, letting it stay on for about 15 minutes. Then, wash it off with lukewarm water. Use this remedy at least four times a day to find relief.
10. Lemon juice
Lemon juice possesses anti-bacterial properties that help prevent any infection at the razor burn site. Also, it is high in vitamin C, that helps promote the growth of new skin cells.
Remedy
- To 2 tablespoons of plain water, add 8-10 drops of lemon juice. Apply this on the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes, before rinsing it off with cool water. Repeat this remedy at least twice a day for best results.
11. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another easy remedy that helps treat razor burns effectively. It contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help bring down irritation and inflammation, thus providing relief from razor burns.
Remedy
- In a clean bowl, mix together equal amounts of ground oatmeal and plain yogurt, along with a few drops of honey. Mix well and apply this on the irritated skin. Leave it on for about half an hour, before washing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy at least twice a day for a few days to find relief from razor burns.
12. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties that help treat razor burns effectively.
Remedies
- To 2 tablespoons of water, add 5 drops of tea tree oil. Apply this diluted solution on the affected area, leaving it on for 10 minutes, before washing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy at least twice a day for best results.
- Dilute 3 drops of tea tree oil by mixing it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this on the inflamed skin and let it stay for about 15 minutes, before washing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy as needed.
Suggested read: 14 effective home remedies for ingrown hair that work wonders
Additional tips
- Never dry shave as it tends to irritate and inflame your skin, thus causing a razor burn.
- Use a good moisturizing shaving cream, oil, or lotion to enhance the results.
- Always shave in the right direction of hair growth, to avoid razor burns, bumps, and ingrown hair.
- Remember to change the blades of the razor after about 5-7 shaves.
- Heal all the ingrown hairs with a warm compress, before shaving the area.
- Never try to shave off acne as it can leave you with a permanent acne scar.
These are all the superbly effective home remedies for razor burn that will help you keep your skin clean and clear. For more updates on skin care, beauty tips, and makeup secrets, subscribe to our newsletter today!
Featured image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
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