Shaving is the most affordable and easiest way to remove excess hair from the arms, face, or other areas of the skin. You can buy a razor at any supermarket. It takes less than 5 minutes to learn how to use it. And the procedure itself takes a little longer. The only drawback of shaving is skin irritation, which often occurs after hair removal.
Causes
To solve a problem, you need to look at its root. What is skin irritation? When and why does a person feel it?
Under the human skin there are receptors that send a signal to the brain in case of any external influences. Irritation is one of the types of signals. If irritation occurs after shaving, then:
- Damaged skin. Nerve endings are exposed and react sharply to any impact.
- The cut hair grows in the wrong direction or cannot break through the outer layer of the skin.
There are many reasons for these two problems. And each of them can be easily dealt with.
How to prevent irritation
Skin irritation is most various factors. To simplify, we divide them into three groups:
- Before shaving.
- While shaving.
- After shaving.
before shaving
Dry skin before shaving the right way get skin irritation. Before the procedure, it is advisable to soften the skin with warm water - wet a towel and attach it to the area you are going to shave for at least 5 minutes.
A good habit is to shave after a shower (bath), especially a hot one. Under the influence of hot water, the skin and hair soften, the pores expand. After a shower, the effect of shaving products is improved and a smooth surface is created, which contributes to a good glide of the blade.
While shaving
Most often, skin irritation occurs due to poor shaving quality. Quality is affected by:
- Shaving tool. Do not shave on dry skin. Even a high-quality and well-sharpened razor will scratch, as well as cling and pull the hairs before cutting them. This causes irritation. Therefore, shaving cream should always be used.
- Shaving quality. Ordinary soap will not work as a substitute. Firstly, soap suds will not be able to provide the necessary conditions for a good glide of the razor. Secondly, soap is very drying.
- Special compound. Some people are fine with any shaving foam. Others need to carefully read the composition of each tube. It is safest to buy products for sensitive skin.
- Purpose of funds. To shave the intimate area, you will need a special tool, since the skin there is most sensitive. The same applies to other zones. Most men's shaving products are not suitable for women's purposes.
- Razor. The razor plays a very important role. Most people prefer to use one machine for all purposes. In this case, it is best to give preference to male reusable machine, as it is the safest and works well in hard-to-reach places. It can be used without the risk of shaving intimate areas. For shaving legs, special women's machines are best suited, as they have the sharpest blades. It is advisable not to use disposable machines for many times.
- Shaver. Unlike a machine, an electric razor does not injure the skin at all and it does not need any products before and after shaving. However, it does not clean the pores, leads to pollution of the skin and the appearance of acne. The downside is that the hair must be coarse for the razor to work with it.
- Shaving technique. Learning how to shave properly is another important step to getting rid of irritation. If the hair is cut in the direction of its growth, the shaving procedure will be somewhat delayed, but as a result, skin irritation will not appear. It is desirable to make short and gentle movements of the machine. Thus, not only the risk of damage to the skin is reduced, but the life of the blade is also extended.
- Reusable machines must be thoroughly washed and dried. After all, who needs a rusty blade? It is advisable to treat the razor with alcohol to prevent the growth of germs.
Using a quality razor as directed will prevent damage to the skin. But it is worth remembering that over time, any razor loses its positive traits and it (or the blade) should be replaced. Otherwise, the razor will pull out hair during shaving and cause severe itching and irritation.
After shaving
If you follow all the above instructions, you will be able to avoid skin damage. However, it doesn't hurt to build on your success with the following measures:
- Rinse your skin with cold water and pat dry with a towel. Cold water closes pores and soothes the skin. Never rub with a towel. This will cause you even more irritation.
- Moisturize your skin with aftershave lotion or something similar. Dryness is one of the main causes of irritation after shaving. In addition, this way you soothe the skin and protect it from germs, harmful bacteria and other infections.
- Peeling to soften the skin will not interfere.
- Do not touch the shaved area again. It is strictly forbidden to scratch the skin, as this you damage it and can cause an infection.
- You can apply a cream or ointment with hydrocotizine. This will soften the skin and relieve irritation. But use this ointment too often. If you use it regularly, it becomes addictive, and it loses its effect.
How to relieve irritation
How to get rid of irritation after shaving? The skin after the procedure becomes especially sensitive and reacts sharply to many external factors:
- Hygiene products: shampoos, shower gels, soaps.
- Remains washing powder on clothes.
- Synthetics.
- Deodorants, colognes, perfumes.
After shaving, all these factors should be eliminated.
If irritation remains, ointments, creams, folk remedies, etc. can be used.
In the bikini area
The bikini area is the most sensitive area on the body. The slightest awkward movement causes skin irritation. What to do if there is irritation in the bikini area? You can fix it in the following ways:
- Bactericidal agent with cortisone. Cortisone is a completely safe pain reliever that is widely used in medicine.
- Own pain reliever. Grind two aspirin tablets into powder and mix with the same amount of glycerin.
- Various ointments and lotions with calendula and aloe in the composition.
- Zinc ointment.
- Compress from mint-chamomile decoction. Boil mint and chamomile over low heat until boiling, and then leave for 2 hours. For each glass of water, a tablespoon of chamomile and mint.
- Baby creams ("Panthenol", etc.).
On the face of men
For men, the above methods are suitable, as well as the following means:
- A solution of alcohol with water in a ratio of 1 to 1 relieves irritation and disinfects the skin well.
- Ointment or cream with 2.5-5 percent benzoyl peroxide quickly reduces redness and relieves irritation.
- Hydrogen peroxide.
- Special shaving lotions. It is desirable that the composition contains aloe extract.
On legs and arms
How to relieve irritation after shaving legs and arms? Will help:
- Antiseptic ointments: Chlorhexidine, Actvegin.
- Hydrogen peroxide or 70% alcohol solution. Disinfects the skin, relieves irritation the fastest, but dries out a lot.
- Baby powder.
- A bath of decoction of medicinal plants (chamomile, calendula, celandine, string, and others).
- Homemade oil balm. Ingredients: tea tree oil and any other vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 4.
- Infusion of birch leaves. Birch leaves in the amount of 1 teaspoon pour 70 milliliters of boiling water. Insist from one and a half to two hours, then cool and strain through cheesecloth. Moisten a clean hypoallergenic cloth in the resulting liquid and apply to the site of irritation.
Armpits
The skin under the armpits is almost as sensitive as in the bikini area. Therefore, the same means will do.
A few more tips:
- If you've tried everything and nothing works, try not shaving at all for a while. Perhaps your skin is too damaged and needs time to recover.
- If you suspect an ingrown hair, use an antibacterial cream.
- Do not remove ingrown hairs without consulting your doctor. Even a sterilized needle can spread the infection.
- If the irritation does not go away within a week, you should consult a dermatologist. There may be an infection.
- Various creams and ointments that relieve irritation well, as a rule, contain salicylic and glycolic acids, aloe and witch hazel.
Currently, there are many ways to help get rid of hair in unwanted places effective and safe: waxing, laser, electro- and photoepilation. Nevertheless, shaving remains the easiest and most affordable. As for skin irritation, which often occurs after shaving, it can be easily prevented. But even if this fails, there are many remedies that will help get rid of the discomfort.
Check out the following video for more tips to help prevent irritation:
Shaving is one of the most versatile ways to get rid of hair, but it also has its drawbacks. Among them - irritation on the skin, which sometimes appears after shaving. How to deal with it and soothe damaged skin?
The mechanism of unpleasant sensations after shaving is very simple. They appear primarily from direct damage. skin. And even if you do not see noticeable cuts, microtrauma can still occur. And the dust or microbes that get into them often aggravate the situation, up to the appearance of rashes and even purulent acne.
Ingrown hairs also often cause irritation.
There are, in addition, a number of factors that can increase the negative effects of shaving:
- dry skin when shaving;
- Very sensitive skin;
- blunt razor;
- dirt on the machine or on the skin;
- using someone else's razor;
- shaving too often.
How to avoid the problem
Many people who are accustomed to shaving excess hair complain about the resulting skin irritation, while some lucky ones have never heard of it. How do they do it? There are a few tips to help you avoid negative consequences shaving:
How to relieve irritation
If you are still unlucky and after shaving, you feel a familiar itch, and your skin turns red, you should try to get rid of the discomfort. It's great if you have a special aftershave lotion - that's why they are created to not only prevent, but also relieve irritation. But in fact, you may well get by with other improvised means.
Pharmacy preparations
First of all, check your home first aid kit- may be in it effective means to help your skin:
- Zinc ointment. Zinc oxide has a disinfecting effect and dries the pustules well.
- "Panthenol". This well-known burn remedy is also excellent at softening and soothing irritated skin. It is especially good that it can be applied to any areas, including intimate areas.
- Salicylic acid. Another way to deal with purulent pimples is to treat them with salicylic acid. However, it should not be used on visible wounds.
- Hydrogen peroxide. This universal disinfectant dries acne well and prevents inflammation. However, it can damage and dry out dry, sensitive skin.
- "Aspirin". A well-known antiseptic and analgesic can also help with irritation after shaving, for this it should be crushed to a powder and mixed with glycerin to make an ointment. One tablet is taken per tablespoon of glycerin. The ointment is then applied to the reddened skin and is not washed off.
- "Chlorhexidine". One of the most affordable and harmless antiseptics - chlorhexidine - relieves irritation and prevents inflammation, and most importantly - suitable for any skin type.
- Miramistin. This remedy is in many ways similar to Chlorhexidine in terms of the principle of action, that is, it has the same antiseptic effect and relieves irritation. And you can use it even with the most sensitive skin.
- "Vishnevsky ointment". Although more often this remedy it is used for more serious ailments, it will also help with irritation after shaving - a small amount of it is applied to the reddened area. Inflamed acne is also effectively treated with Vishnevsky's ointment.
- "Sinaflan". A well-known remedy for many dermatological diseases will relieve inflammation and eliminate purulent rashes after shaving. However, Sinaflan should not be used during pregnancy.
- Hydrocortisone ointment. This hormonal drug very quickly relieves inflammation and completely eliminates itching when irritated. However, due to the composition, it must be used very carefully - side effects such as swelling, redness and fever are possible. Expectant mothers should not use hydrocortisone, as well as Sinaflan, at all.
- Essential oils. The most effective and safe of these is tea tree oil, which can be applied directly to the skin. Other essential extracts are used at the rate of 2 drops per half teaspoon of vegetable base oil (it is best to take almond oil or jojoba). Oils help relieve irritation after shaving:
- palmarosa;
- myrtle;
- cedar;
- juniper;
- hyssop;
- vetiver;
- Caiusuta.
All of these are good in their own way. various kinds irritation after shaving. But at the same time, zinc ointment, salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide and Vishnevsky's Ointment should be used only when acne appears and only until the inflammation subsides so as not to overdry the skin. "Aspirin" is indicated only in cases of noticeable redness and inflammation. And "Panthenol", "Chlorhexidine", "Miramistin" and a mixture of vegetable and essential oils can be used not only when irritation occurs, but also to prevent it, that is, every time as an aftershave lotion. As for hormonal ointments, they can be used either one-time, directly when itching and rashes occur, or after consulting a dermatologist and completely according to his recommendations.
Gallery: pharmacy remedies for skin irritation
Essential oil tea tree is used both on its own and as part of creams "Liniment balm (from Vishnevsky)" - one of the names of the well-known remedy Hydrogen peroxide is sold in different packages Salicylic acid helps not only with acne, but also with inflammation after shaving "Sinaflan" - another universal hormonal remedy from irritated skin "Aspirin" - trade name acetyl salicylic acid"Panthenol" and "Bepanthen" are two different names, but the same composition "Zinc paste" is another name zinc ointment Hydrocortisone in the form of an ointment - a popular hormonal remedy Two drugs with a similar composition and effect
Folk remedies
If you trust the experience of your ancestors more than the achievements of science, folk remedies for irritation are at your service. Most of them are decoctions of leaves and other parts of plants. The most popular in this regard fir cones, oak bark, parsley, birch leaves and chamomile or calendula flowers. getting ready herbal lotion in the following way:
- It is necessary to prepare plant materials, namely, to collect plants, wash them, separate leaves, flowers and cones. If oak bark is chosen, it should be finely chopped.
- Boil required amount water - a glass for each tablespoon of raw materials.
- Pour the plants into boiling water and leave to cook for 10 minutes over low heat.
- Cool the resulting broth for 2-3 hours, during which time it will have time to infuse properly.
- Then the liquid must be carefully filtered through a very fine sieve or a double layer of gauze. The resulting lotion should be transparent, without turbidity and remnants of leaves and flowers.
The broth is either lubricated with irritated areas of the skin, or moistened with gauze compresses, which are then slightly squeezed and left on the skin for 10-15 minutes.
Almost every man in modern society starts his day with hygiene procedures and removal of stubble from the face. And for sure everyone had to deal with how the skin reacts to shaving with a machine. In fact, banal irritation after shaving can lead to unpleasant consequences, skin injury, inflammation, rashes and infections.
In order to avoid irritation, a man needs to learn correct execution shaving, as well as choosing the right cosmetics for safe shaving and skin care after procedures. It can be all kinds of foams, gels, lotions, balms and creams. If irritation causes discomfort and discomfort, it is important to give up shaving for some time in order to restore the normal condition of the skin.
Sensitive skin responds instantly to stubble removal procedures, as the blades of the machine are removed along with the hairs. upper layer skin. The new layer cannot cope with the impact at first external factors resulting in irritation. For such men, experts advise to carry out procedures in the evening in order to give the skin the opportunity to adapt during the night.
For reference! For men with shaving sensitive facial skin, it is best to remove the stubble with an electric clipper.
Irritated epidermis immediately catches the eye with its shade and appearance. The skin turns red, may be covered with a rash, spots and pigmentation. Most often, irritation is accompanied by cuts, abrasions, inflammation. In addition to acne, itchy peeling can be observed on the skin, and the itching can be so annoying that it will distract from everyday activities.
Causes
If a man is looking for ways to get rid of skin irritation after shaving, before choosing a remedy for irritation, you need to understand the reasons for this phenomenon.
Experts name several typical factors that provoke a negative reaction of the skin of the face, namely:
- use of a machine with a dull blade during shaving;
- intense pressure on the machine while shaving, which leads to cutting off the skin;
- shaving skin with pustules and pimples, which are cut off with a blade along with the bristles;
- ingrown hairs due to improper shaving;
- the use of alcohol-containing products;
- the use of cosmetics containing allergens;
- the use of machines that are not cleaned and stored incorrectly.
Particular attention should be paid to the correct shaving procedures for a man. In most cases, it is by mistake or not knowing how to remove the stubble that men suffer from severe irritation, ingrown facial hair, folliculitis and rashes.
How to get rid?
If the irritation does not go away after a while, the man needs to find the best method to remove the unpleasant symptoms of irritation and soothe the skin. To do this, you can pick up any remedy in a pharmacy, for example, a cream for irritation or a soothing balm. You should not immediately pay attention to the advertised expensive drugs, since in most cases the usual remedies for skin diseases can help.
The best remedies that can relieve irritation and itching contain:
- aloe vera extract;
- vitamins E and F;
- witch hazel;
- panthenol;
- salicylic acid;
- glyceric acid.
Any topical application that contains at least one of the listed components will be appropriate for quick and effective recovery epidermis. You can consult with a dermatologist or a specialist in a beauty parlor for depilation and skin care after shaving. In addition, most reliable manufacturers male cosmetics offer wide choose sedatives.
How to deal with itching after shaving?
The first sign that skin irritation after shaving has turned into inflammation is a strong and annoying itch. Most often, in addition to itching, the skin is covered with rashes, acne and pimples, which can fester over time. Itching should be treated immediately with the help of several tricks:
- A decoction of chamomile should be used as a compress on the skin. To do this, moisten cotton pads in a warm broth and apply to itchy places.
- Itchy and rash skin should be regularly lubricated with baby cream or products containing panthenol.
- Itchy pimples should be treated with tea tree oil regularly.
- You can disinfect acne with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, in extreme cases, hydrocortisone ointment.
- You can heal inflamed skin with aloe juice, for this you can make compresses or simply apply a cut leaf to sore spots.
- If the skin is swollen and redder after irritation, you can wipe it with a solution of calendula.
- Coconut oil and almond oil are considered anti-inflammatory.
- Itching and skin rashes can be treated with acne medications, such as Miramistin, 2% benzoyl peroxide solution, or zinc ointment.
If the itching gradually increases, there is hyperemia of the skin, pulsation, swelling and the appearance of a rash, you need to visit a dermatologist. Any wounds, abrasions, cuts and pimples on the skin can become a source of infection and bacteria.
How long will it take?
Many men take no action to relieve irritation and itching, redness of the skin and rashes after shaving. In most cases, irritation without complications and accompanying unpleasant symptoms can go away on its own if a man provides skin care with moisturizing and nourishing products. After shaving and irritation, it is worth giving the skin a few days to rest so that it can cope with such stress and recover.
Important! If irritation appears from time to time after each shaving procedure, a man needs to pick up alternative methods depilation - waxing, shaving with an electric razor, laser hair removal and other cosmetic procedures.
How to prevent irritation?
You can reduce the risk of skin irritation after every shave if you follow precautions and prevention. To do this, follow the recommendations of experts, namely:
- Before each shave, the skin should be steamed with warm water and moisturized.
- Do not use hot water, as it opens the pores into which particles of hair and dirt can penetrate.
- It is worth refusing to use soap, which dries the skin and prevents the machine from sliding smoothly over the skin.
- You can shave 1-2 times with a disposable machine, you need to change the blades in the machine as often as possible so that they do not become dull.
- After each shave, the machine must be treated with a disinfectant.
- Shave better with special means to remove stubble. After that, you need to apply a balm, cream, lotion or gel after shaving.
After each shaving procedure, for some time it is better to protect the skin of the face from mechanical influences with tissues and various objects. Do not dry your face with a towel, use synthetic fabrics. It is better to nourish and moisturize normal and oily skin with lotions containing alcohol, for dry and sensitive skin such cosmetic products won't fit.
What cosmetics to use after shaving?
Every man after shaving expects positive result in the form of smoothness, silkiness and softness of the skin, where until recently there was a bristle. This can only be achieved by using suitable means cosmetics for facial skin care after shaving. Manufacturers offer a huge selection of such products, differing in structure and texture, composition, principle of action and effect.
Experts advise choosing the following skin protection products after shaving:
- . This product guarantees deep hydration, softening and toning of the epidermis, and alcohol additives disinfect the skin. Suitable for normal and oily skin men's faces.
- . This product promises a light and gentle effect compared to other forms of aftershave cosmetics. The composition will contain nutritious and valuable components, vitamins, minerals, moisturizers, but alcohol is not expected in the balm. You can use the balm for sensitive or dry skin.
- . A product with a greasy and thick texture deeply moisturizes the skin, revitalizes and restores softness and elasticity to the skin. The formula of the cream assumes long-term protection, but it is suitable for normal, dry skin.
Among the existing manufacturers of men's cosmetics, you need to choose such products that will ideally fit the type of face and skin features. The most popular brands are Nivea, Loreal Paris Men, Old Spice, etc.
The best remedies for irritation after shaving
Specialists studied in detail the peculiarities of skin response to the shaving process, as a result of which effective means to relieve irritation and inflammation. Now you do not need to look for options to relieve irritation, as cosmetologists and dermatologists have compiled a personal top rating of effective soothing and restoring skin health after shaving products.
Zinc ointment
As part of such a preparation, zinc oxide acts as an active ingredient, and vaseline is also considered useful for softening and nourishing the skin. The drug works as an antiseptic, which disinfects the skin, in addition, the ointment dries, providing an adsorbing and astringent effect. Apply with irritation ointment 4-6 times a day with a small layer.
Hydrogen peroxide
With the help of such a solution, the skin can be instantly disinfected from pathogenic flora. Hydrogen peroxide, in addition to antiseptic action, promises an anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effect, which is appropriate for irritation after shaving, and for cuts and abrasions. You can use hydrogen peroxide in spray form.
Miramistin
Pharmaceutical drug Miramistin is an effective antimicrobial and antiseptic agent, which is an analogue of chlorhexidine. And if peroxide can dry the skin somewhat, then chlorhexidine has a milder effect on the skin, protecting it from aggressive action and dryness. It is necessary to apply the solution after each shaving procedure in order to cleanse the skin of pathogenic flora.
Panthenol
Any products containing panthenol, whether creams or foams, accelerate the process of restoring the skin and mucous membranes. Preparations relieve irritation and hyperpigmentation of the skin, red spots and swelling. It is better to use such drugs for the treatment of rashes, acne, cracks, peeling of the epidermis. Apply such funds to the field of each shave, leaving for 10-15 minutes until completely absorbed.
Aspirin
A good remedy for relieving inflammation and irritation is Aspirin tablets. To treat the skin, it is enough to crush a couple of tablets, place them in a glass container and mix with a small amount of glycerin. The resulting mixture should be rubbed into areas of the skin where there are unpleasant consequences of shaving. You do not need to rinse off the product, it should be completely absorbed into the skin.
Bepanthen
To keep the skin healthy, intact and unharmed after shaving, you can regularly apply Bepanten cream, which contains the active substance - dexpanthenol. The cream is an analogue of the well-known Panthenol, it accelerates the regeneration of skin cells, improves trophism. Apply Bepanten 2 times a day to reduce and relieve irritation.
Boro plus
Ayurvedic preparation Boro Plus contains only natural ingredients protecting the skin from irritation and inflammation. It has an antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing effect. It can be used to treat cuts, burns, rashes, insect bites and also after shaving stubble. Apply the cream 2 times a day until the irritation disappears. The best remedy for connoisseurs of traditional medicine.
Coconut oil
Properly selected coconut oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin with valuable substances, so it can be used in different occasions. For example, with sunburn, irritation, inflammation, rashes, as it quickly removes signs of inflammation and irritation, eliminates peeling, itching and dryness. You need to apply the oil in a thin layer on the skin of the face after shaving, after some time, removing the remnants with a paper towel.
Deodorants for redness after shaving
In addition to the listed products for protecting the skin after stubble removal procedures, manufacturers offer special deodorants that also need to be applied to the skin of the face after each shave. Most often, such products are used to protect the skin from irritation in the armpits. You need to pay attention to such deodorants, which contain vitamin E (tocopherol). New products offer potassium alum content, such as Hemani and crystal deodorant.
Folk remedies for irritation
It's no secret that it helps from any trouble, including skin irritation after shaving. ethnoscience. The most popular and effective will be the following recipes:
- Herbs. To prepare a decoction, take a tablespoon of dry mint and chamomile, boil in two glasses of water and leave for a couple of hours in a thermos. The resulting product wipe the skin of the face after each shave.
- Aloe vera. Using a blender, crush the leaves of the plant, mix with vegetable oil and then applied to the skin after shaving.
- Scrub. To prepare the product, there will be a couple of drops of ether, a tablespoon of honey and a couple of tablespoons of ground Hercules flakes. After mixing the composition, the product is rubbed into the skin of the face, after which it is washed off with warm water.
- Laundry soap. With the help of this tool, you can relieve irritation. To do this, rub the skin with soap after shaving, leave to dry, then rinse with warm water.
- Lemon. Natural antioxidant and antiseptic lemon juice. Squeezed juice to wipe the skin of the face after shaving.
Folk remedies are a safe and cheap alternative to using branded cosmetics. Therefore, many men prefer this way of dealing with irritation, inflammation and skin rashes after each shave.
Conclusion
For every person the best remedy to protect the skin from irritation and a negative reaction to shaving can be radically different individual. Someone is being saved cosmetics, namely, balm, cream or aftershave lotion. Others can cope with skin reactions only pharmaceutical preparations, be it an ointment, cream or antiseptic solution. Do not underestimate folk remedies, as they have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries due to their effectiveness.
Irritation after shaving can be an unpleasant and painful experience. The likelihood of irritation after shaving depends on many factors, including skin type, process and methods. daily care behind you, as well as a razor. Fortunately, if you notice signs of irritation, there are a number of steps you can take to soothe your skin and get rid of the problem. Deal with irritation with medications, folk remedies, or start to be more reverent about shaving.
Steps
Treat irritation immediately
- You can also make a cold compress by soaking a towel in very cold water, or by placing a damp towel in the freezer for 10-15 minutes (before it hardens).
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Use Vaseline for instant relief. To relieve the first signs of discomfort, itching and pain due to irritation, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly. This will keep your skin hydrated and also prevent further itching and irritation. Apply a layer of Vaseline to protect the skin and repeat the process every few hours or if the damaged area starts to dry out.
Make an ointment from acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). Try to immediately reduce discomfort and inflammation by crushing a few aspirin tablets in a few drops of water and mixing well to form a paste. Apply the ointment to the irritated area for 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. If symptoms persist, repeat the process thrice a day regularly.
- If you have dry or sensitive skin, apply the ointment to more short term to avoid irritation.
- Do not apply acetylsalicylic acid on the skin if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients, or if you have problems with blood clotting. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how your body reacts to aspirin.
-
Relieve itching and pain with hydrocortisone ointment. You can buy it at your nearest grocery store or pharmacy. Squeeze out a small amount of ointment on fingertip or on cotton swab and gently spread over the entire affected surface so that the skin absorbs it. Follow package directions and do not apply to open wounds.
Prevent infection and subsequent irritation. Apply an antibacterial or antiseptic, such as antibacterial gel or something similar, such as witch hazel. Use products as directed to reduce bacteria and heal rashes faster. If you don't have antibacterials, try dabbing the area with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol.
- While rubbing alcohol and alcohol-based products kill germs, they also dry out the skin and can cause it to sting. These products often dry out the skin, so use them sparingly.
- Check the labels on the skin care products you use for alcohol.
- If your cleanser or antibacterial cleanser contains alcohol and irritates your skin, stop using it or use it in combination with a balm or petroleum jelly.
Use folk remedies
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Apply aloe vera pulp, gel or spray to reduce irritation after shaving. You can buy aloe vera gels and sprays, but it's best to use the pulp from the plant. Apply it on the affected area with light patting movements and leave it to soak for half an hour or longer, and then rinse with cold water. If necessary or desired, you can repeat.
- If you are using purchased remedy check it for alcohol. Avoid alcohol-based products as they dry out the skin, causing further irritation.
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Try tea tree oil. It can be used on its own or mixed with skin care products. Apply enough oil to saturate the shaved area immediately after hair removal. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your moisturizer or aftershave.
Moisturize and soothe your skin with coconut oil. Rub a small amount coconut oil into irritated skin. If you are not going to wash it off, use as much oil as your skin can absorb. Alternatively, you can apply a thin layer, leave it for half an hour, and then rinse with warm water.
Use honey to soothe irritated skin after shaving. Apply honey directly to your skin and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse first with warm water and then cold. Honey reduces inflammation and itching and also nourishes the skin.
- For gentle exfoliation, add oatmeal in equal proportions. Do not exfoliate damaged skin, otherwise the irritation after shaving may increase.
- Consider mixing honey and yogurt in equal proportions to soothe your skin. Apply the mixture, leave for about ten minutes and rinse first with warm water and then with cold.
Improving Hair Removal Methods
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Remember, your skin needs rest. Don't shave every day or every other day, and try to occasionally skip shaving on the days you normally do. Your skin needs several days to recover after shaving. Whether you're removing facial or body hair, it can irritate your skin. If possible, let your skin rest and use moisturizers and exfoliating products between shaves.
Apply a cold compress. At the first sign of irritation, wrap an ice pack or ice cubes in a clean towel and apply to the affected area. Low temperature instantly reduce swelling and redness, and possibly relieve discomfort. Don't rub your skin with a towel. Instead, lightly pat the irritated skin if the affected area is larger than the compress covers.
Irritation after shaving is not only unattractive by-effect hair removal. Irritation can cause an inflammatory process and create skin problems. The bikini area can be especially problematic due to very sensitive skin. In this article, you will learn how to get rid of irritation and make the skin soft and tender.
Steps
Irritation treatment
- If you don't know what to buy, call a waxing salon and ask what they recommend to their customers. Most likely, you can buy similar products in the salon, but you can also search on the Internet.
- Apply to skin at least once a day. Do this immediately after a shower, before your skin sweats.
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Treat the infection with an antibacterial cream. If you suspect you have an inflamed ingrown hair, apply an antibacterial cream daily, such as bacitratin, neosporin, and polysporin.
Treat scars with Retin-A. Retinoids derived from vitamin A can make the skin smoother and lessen scars from irritation caused by shaving.
- You may need to ask your doctor for a prescription to purchase this remedy.
- Do not use Retin-A during pregnancy and lactation. This medicine can cause serious birth defects.
- Skin areas treated with this agent are highly susceptible to sunburn. Cover them with clothing or apply sunscreen with a protection factor of 45.
- Do not use Retin-A on areas of skin that you plan to wax. The product makes the skin very thin, which can lead to wounds during waxing.
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Visit a dermatologist. If the irritation does not go away within a few weeks, and you have not shaved during this time, then consult a dermatologist.
Prevention of irritation
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Throw away all old razors. A dull and rusty razor does not shave the hair, but pulls it out, thereby irritating the skin around the follicle.
Shave every other day, no more. Daily shaving can irritate fresh bumps, so give your skin a break. It is best to shave once every three days.
Apply a scrub. Peeling cleanses the skin dead cells and other particles, and you can get a better and cleaner shave. You can use a scrub, washcloth, mitt, whatever you want.
- If you have very sensitive skin, don't exfoliate the day you shave.
- If your skin tolerates exfoliation with minimal irritation, then exfoliate immediately before shaving.
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Do not press down on the razor while shaving. The blades will shave unevenly. Instead, swipe across your bikini area in a light, gliding motion.
Try not to shave the same spot twice. If you've missed too much hair, swipe with a razor By direction of hair growth.
- Shaving against hair growth means that you move the razor in the opposite direction of the hair growth. For example, most people shave against the grain of the hair, running the razor from ankle to knee.
- Shaving in the direction of hair growth causes less irritation, but small hairs remain after it. Try this method if you need to re-shave an area.
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Shave in the shower. Warm steam will make hair softer and skin less prone to irritation.
- If the first thing you do in the shower is to shave, then change your habits and do it last. You must wait at least five minutes before shaving.
- If you don't have time to shower, soak a towel in hot water and place it over the area you're about to shave. Leave the towel on the skin for 2-3 minutes.
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Use shaving cream or equivalent. Shaving cream softens the hair and makes it easier to remove. The cream also makes it easier to keep track of which areas of the skin you have shaved and which not.
- Look for a cream with aloe or other moisturizing ingredients.
- If you don't have shaving cream on hand, use hair conditioner as a last resort. It's better than nothing!
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Rinse off your shaving cream with cold water. End your shower with cold water or apply a cold compress to your skin. The cold will close the pores and make the skin less vulnerable to irritation and infections.
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Let your hair grow a little before shaving again. Shaving an irritated area of skin can aggravate the situation and cause an infection (and most likely, you will not be able to shave off a lot of hair). Let your hair grow out a bit and see if it grows through the redness after shaving.
Don't scratch! You may want to scratch the irritated areas, but your nails can damage the red bumps, cause infection and scars. Control yourself.
Use products to treat razor burn. Look for something containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, aloe, or any combination of these ingredients. Some products are applied directly to the skin, while others need to be applied to irritation with a cotton swab.
