The Itch-Free Shave: Understanding and Solving Post Shave Irritation

Shaving gives your skin a temporarily smooth look and feel. But for many people, shaving comes with the side effect Post Shave Irritation and uncomfortable itching. Red bumps from inflammation near your hair pores, called folliculitis, can also crop up after shaving sensitive skin. Keep reading to find out why this happens and what you can do about it.

What causes itchy skin after shaving?

Shaving is a common practice for many people, but it can come with the side effect of uncomfortable itching. This is because when you use a razor to remove hair, you are not actually removing the hair itself, but rather cutting it off at the surface of the skin. This can cause Post Shave Irritation to the hair follicles, leading to itching and red bumps, also known as folliculitis.

One of the main causes of itchy skin after shaving is ingrown hairs. When a hair follicle is twisted or redirected during shaving, it can cause the hair to grow back into the skin instead of outward. This can result in inflammation and discomfort. The pubic area is especially prone to ingrown hairs and itching due to the thickness of the hair in this area.

Another factor that can contribute to itching after shaving is irritation from clothing rubbing against the newly shaven skin. This is especially true in areas of the body that are normally covered by clothing, such as the bikini line or underarms.

Additionally, using harsh soaps and chemicals on the skin prior to shaving can dry out the skin and cause irritation. To avoid itching and discomfort after shaving, it is important to use a sharp razor, avoid shaving over the same area multiple times, and use shaving creams or gels to lubricate the skin. Moisturizing the skin after shaving can also help to soothe any irritation and prevent itching.

How to stop itching after shaving

If you’ve already shaved and you’re experiencing uncomfortable itching, here are some ideas for how to treat it at home.

Try a hydrocortisone cream

• Hydrocortisone cream can be an effective solution for reducing irritation, inflammation, and itching caused by shaving.
• These creams are available both by prescription and over-the-counter, with varying concentrations.
• Be aware that hydrocortisone cream should only be used topically, and should not be used in the vaginal area.

Second part:

• Before using hydrocortisone cream, it’s best to first cleanse the area and pat dry.
• You can apply a thin layer of cream on the affected area and gently massage it in, repeating the process 2-3 times a day.
• Be sure to read the label and follow the instructions, as overuse or prolonged use of hydrocortisone cream can cause skin thinning and other side effects.
• Consult with your doctor if the itching persists or if you have any other concerns.

It is worth mentioning that, Hydrocortisone cream is a mild steroid cream, it’s best to use it for short period of time and if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice.

Apply a Warm Compress to Shaving Bumps: How to Reduce Post Shave Irritation and Itching

Using a warm, damp washcloth, you can compress the area where you have discomfort. Adding a small amount of sea salt to the water solution on the washcloth may also enhance the healing process and reduce itching.

• Apply a warm compress to the area of discomfort to reduce shaving bumps.
• Using a warm, damp washcloth can help to soothe the skin and reduce itching.
• Adding a small amount of sea salt to the water solution on the washcloth may enhance the healing process and reduce itching.

Second part:

• It is important to note that this method should be used after shaving and not before, as it can make the bumps worse.
• Repeat the process 2-3 times a day for best results.
• You can also try using a moisturizer or aloe vera gel after the compress to keep your skin hydrated and further soothe the area.

All-Natural Moisturizer: How to Soothe Your Skin After Shaving

To soothe your skin after shaving, try to apply a cooling, hypo-allergenic moisturizer with all-natural ingredients. Aloe vera has anecdotal healing propertiesTrusted Source that make it a great ingredient for this purpose.

Witch hazel has astringent and antibacterial propertiesTrusted Source, which may protect against bacteria and prevent a skin infection if you’re prone to getting ingrown hairs. Both aloe vera and witch hazel will soothe your skin and calm irritation.

• Apply an all-natural moisturizer to soothe your skin after shaving.
• Look for a moisturizer that is cooling and hypo-allergenic with natural ingredients.
• Aloe vera and witch hazel are great ingredients to look for as they both have soothing and healing properties that can help with irritation.

Second part:

• It’s best to apply the moisturizer immediately after shaving to lock in moisture and reduce the chance of irritation.
• Avoid using any products that contain alcohol or fragrances, as they can be harsh on the skin and cause further irritation.
• You can also try using a moisturizer with added ingredients such as chamomile, tea tree oil, or calendula, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can further soothe the skin.

Using White Tea Bags to Bring Down Inflammation: A Natural Solution for Soothing Skin

Tea bags contain tannic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory agent. Make sure that any tea bags that you use on your skin have cooled completely. You can even cool them down in the refrigerator for an added cooling effect. Hold the teabags against your skin until you see or feel the redness and irritation begin to go down.

• Use white tea bags to bring down inflammation and soothe your skin.
• The tannic acid in the tea bags acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
• Make sure the tea bags have cooled completely before applying them to your skin.

Second part:

• For an added cooling effect, you can cool the tea bags in the refrigerator before use.
• Hold the tea bags against the affected area of skin until you see or feel the redness and irritation begin to decrease.
• Repeat this process as needed throughout the day to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• You can also try using chamomile tea bags, which are known to have soothing properties and can also help reduce inflammation.

Avoiding Irritation after Shaving: Tips for Keeping Your Skin Comfortable

Covering your skin immediately after shaving causes two things to happen. One, your clean-shaven skin is now coming into direct contact with fabrics that are causing you to sweat or chafe. Two, the detergents that you use to clean your clothes are now rubbing against your skin, possibly making itching even worse and Post Shave Irritation.

• Keep your skin uncovered or wear loose clothing until your itching subsides after shaving.
• Covering your skin immediately after shaving can cause irritation from sweating and chafing from fabrics.
• Detergents in clothes can also make itching worse if they come into contact with your skin.

Second part:

• To avoid further irritation, spend some time without clothes or wear loose, breathable, natural fabrics.
• Wait until itching subsides and any bumps have disappeared before shaving again.
• Avoiding tight clothing or fabrics that may rub against the skin can help reduce discomfort and itching.
• You can also try apply soothing lotions or creams or use cold compresses to alleviate itching and reduce inflammation.

 

How to prevent itchiness after shaving

Prevention is the best way to address recurring itchiness after shaving. Here are some steps you can follow every time you shave your legs, bikini line, or genital areas to prevent razor burn and itching.

• Before you shave an area of your skin, trim any hairs that are longer than half an inch with a small safety scissor. You can use a small hand mirror held between your legs to make sure you don’t miss any hard-to-see places
• Don’t ever shave your skin when it’s dry. Run your shower hot, and let it steam for at least two minutes while you soak your skin under the water. This will give your skin some extra moisture, open your pores, and make hairs easier to shave.
• Use a fresh razor whenever possible. Different kinds of razors will all have a different shelf life. But for best results, shave sensitive areas with a brand-new razor blade every time.
• Condition the area with an all-natural shaving cream or a hair conditioner prior to shaving. Use one that’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Don’t use your shower gel lather or bar soap on the hair you’re trying to shave.
• Immediately after shaving, use a cooling gel, like pure aloe vera or witch hazel. You can also buy special hypoallergenic oils or lotion to soothe your skin after shaving.
• Stretch your skin taut and shave in the direction that your hair grows. Give yourself time to shave carefully and correctly. It’ll give you a longer time between shaves, and it will also reduce the potential for itching and discomfort afterwards if you don’t’ have to rush.

Originally posted 2019-10-09 13:33:50.