Shaving is probably the simplest, quickest and most economical way to get rid of superfluous facial and /or body hair. A temporary but painful skin irritation, razor burn or pseudofolliculitis barbae, is typified by the appearance of a bright red or pink rash along with itchy, hard red bumps.
The skin rash due to razor burn appears immediately after shaving – normally within three to five minutes after shaving. Shaving too close to the skin’s surface, using a blunt blade or following improper shaving techniques are some the common reasons for razor burn.
Home Remedies For Razor Burn
Most people aver that the best way to soothe a painful razor burn is to leave it alone. However, there is absolutely no need to suffer a razor burn in silence. There are numerous tried and tested remedies to soothe the skin irritation caused by razor burn. Some useful tips to soothe razor burn are mentioned below.
Aspirin
To soothe the stinging sensation immediately after shaving, apply crushed aspirin on the razor burn. Procure two uncoated aspirin tablets. Crush the tablets to a fine paste using a mortar and pestle. Mix the aspirin paste with a few drops of luke warm water to form a thick pate. Apply the aspirin paste directly on the razor burn. Leave the aspirin paste on the razor burn for a couple of minutes. Wash off the aspirin paste with cold water. The aspirin paste can take the sting off a razor burn quite effectively.
Petroleum Jelly
Sometimes a razor burn can trigger an unbelievable amount of pain. Petroleum jelly can be used to relive some of the pain and stinging sensation which accompanies a razor burn.Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly on the razor burn. Leave the petroleum jelly on the razor burn for few minutes. Remove the excess petroleum jelly with a wet face cloth.
Warm Compress
The best way to prevent a painful razor burn is to turn on the heat. Soak a face towel in warm water and wring out the excess liquid. Use the face towel as a warm compress. Press the face towel against the skin just before and immediately after shaving. This particular home remedy softens the skin; opens ups skin pores and helps to soothe a nasty razor burn.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil helps to fight skin irritation and infection. Never apply pure tea tree oil on a razor burn as it will cause the burn to sting even more.Instead, dilute a couple of drops of tea tree oil in fifty milliliters of pure water and spray this solution on the razor burn. The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil will prevent the skin infection, due to a razor burn, from worsening.
Cucumber and Milk
This is a wonderful home remedy to ease a painful razor burn. Halve a whole cucumber and puree it in a food processor. Mix the pureed cucumber with a couple of drops of full cream milk. Apply this soothing paste on the razor burn. Leave the cucumber and milk paste on the razor burn for a couple of minutes. Wipe the excess mixture off using a wet towel.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel offers quick relief from razor burn. Apply some pure aloe vera gel on the razor burn to soothe the stinging sensation and the itchiness.
You can also apply cold aloe vera gel on the razor burn to relieve the stinging sensation almost instantly. Leave the aloe vera gel on the razor burn for a couple of minutes. Remove the excess aloe vera gel with a tissue.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is used to fight a painful razor burn. Procure some high end cocoa butter from your local health store. Smear the razor burn with cocoa butter. Cocoa butter reduces the skin inflammation due a razor burn. You should leave the cocoa butter on the razor burn for a couple of minutes to get maximum relief.
Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar
An old fashioned home remedy for razor burn, honey and vinegar reduces the skin inflammation due to improper shaving technique. Unlike the home remedies mentioned previously do not mix the honey and apple cider vinegar together to treat razor burn.Instead, smear some honey on the razor burn. Leave the honey on the razor bumps for a few minutes. Remove the surplus honey with a wet towel. Now apply apple cider vinegar on the razor burn. Wipe the excess apple cider vinegar with a wet face towel or tissue after a couple of minutes.
Tea Bags
To treat razor burns, moisten a used black tea bag and place it on the razor bumps. The tannic acid in tea reduces skin inflammation and soothes the burning sensation due to razor burn.
