“Symptoms include itchiness (pruritus) and a burning, stinging sensation.
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.
FG Trade / Getty Images
Areas most prone to razor burn include the neck, legs, andpubic region.
FG Trade / Getty Images
Razor Burn Treatment: What Helps?
Razor burn symptoms usually clear up in a few hours but may take over 48 hours to completely disappear.
As skin contact warms the washcloth, soak it in cold water again and repeat the process.
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.
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.
Calendula
Calendulacomes from the yellow flowers of a medicinal marigold belonging to theAsteraceae/Compositaeplant family.
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.
Water Temperature Matters: Start Warm, Finish Cold
Avoiding razor burn requires proper shaving technique.
Fully hydrated beard hair requires 40% less force to shave.
Give Yourself 20 Minutes to Shave
Pre- and post-shave treatmentsplus shaving itselftake 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.
Do I Have Razor Burn or Razor Bumps?
“Razor burn” and “razor bumps” are often used interchangeably, but they’re different.
These bumps often look like stubborn pimples and last for many days or even weeks.
If the rash happens instantly and looks red or blotchy, it’s probably razor burn.
Personal Choice: Pull Skin Taught or Not?
Razor Burn vs.
Waxing
For some people,waxingcauses more irritation and discomfort than using a razor forhair removal.
Summary
Razor burn is a blotchy skin rash brought on by incorrect shaving techniques.
The best treatment option is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Overusing topical steroids is bad for your skin in the long run.
A successful razor-burn-free shaving routine takes about 20 minutes.
Give yourself plenty of time, and avoid shaving when you’re in a hurry.
After shaving, rinse with warm water, followed by a splash of cool water.
Finish up by moisturizing shaved areas to keep your skin barrier healthy and hydrated.
2024;30(2):e13598.
doi:10.1111/srt.13598
Alexis A, Heath CR, Halder RM.Folliculitis keloidalis nuchae and pseudofolliculitis barbae.Dermatologic Clinics.
2021;186(1-2):e52-e57.
2023;24(24):17274. doi:10.3390/ijms242417274
Merck Manual Professional Version.Principles of topical dermatologic therapy.
Dhar S, Seth J, Parikh D.Systemic side-effects of topical corticosteroids.Indian J Dermatol.
2014;59(5):460. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.139874
Food and Drug Administration.CFR - Code of federal regulations title 21.
Skin protection drug products for over-the-counter human use.
Liu X, Goldberg J, Senna M, Chun Wang EH, Gosto S, Zheng Q.
42138Effect of a novel witch hazel formula on skin barrier health.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
2023;89(3):AB153.
Published online January 12, 2024:jocd.16171.
in males and females: North American contact dermatitis group data, 1996-2016.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
2021;85(6):1446-1455. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.10.003
Nemours Teens Health.What can I do to prevent razor burn?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair removal: How to shave.
Cowley K, Vanoosthuyze K.The biomechanics of blade shaving.Intern J of Cosmetic Sci.
2016;38(S1):24-27. doi:10.1111/ics.12331
Patel TS, Dalia Y.Pseudofolliculitis barbae.JAMA Dermatol.
