Sunday, September 23, 2012

A Few Tips on How to Avoid Razor Burn when Shaving your Legs.

How to Avoid Razor Burn when Shaving your Legs

Why does razor burn happen in the first place? Well, razor burn is simply a sign of irritation. Many just deem it as having sensitive skin, but there are many factors that can cause you to experience "the burn".

Think about it for a second. A razor doesn't have a brain, and it doesn't have the smart technology to avoid the skin and only slice the hairs. Each time you run your razor across your skin, you are shaving your skin along with it. More on this later.

I've had a problem with razor burn ever since the beginning of time. I have sensitive skin and my hair is coarse and grows quick. It's the recipe for disaster with a razor. It wasn't until recently I started pinpointing things that could be linked with my frequent irritation.

Here's the story of my life - Day 1 of shaving is baby smooth. Still running pretty good on day 2. Then BAM. Irritation and fine grit sandpaper on day 3. Time to shave again! But wait!? Can't do it, because my skin is inflamed. After waiting for the irritation to subside after a couple of days, I'm left with prickly legs that are in dire need of a shave. All for the vicious circle to start up again.

Now let me go over some of the common mistakes and the solutions.

Your Water Is Too HOT

I bet this is one you've never thought of. I like my water to be as hot as I can tolerate before it burns. But guess what that does? It causes your skin to become sensitive (temporarily) so before you even start shaving, your skin is already red and irritated. Hot water softens the skin, making it easy to slouch off all of the dead skin cells, exposing your new, fresh and sensitive skin cells that lie underneath. It also opens up the pores, which some believe will give them a closer shave. Since we've already established that a razor not only shaves your hair, but your uppermost layer of skin - it all makes sense that using hot water isn't the best when shaving. Another important factor is that hot water actually strips the moisture from your skin, causing your skin to be dry, which will lead to itch and further irritation.

The solution: Use lukewarm water. You want to be comfortable, but you don't want the water to be cold (shaving goosebumps won't get you anywhere either).

Exfoliation

We all love exfoliation. Exfoliating the legs with a good scrub or sponge will expose all of those stubborn in-growns/trapped hair follicles and will make your skin feel smooth. But since exfoliation removes the dead skin cells, you are left with squeaky clean skin and fresh, sensitive cells that are lacking the protective barrier you just removed. Your skin is very sensitive and shaving over it will only cause irritation. 

The solution: If you are known to have issues with razor burn, keep your exfoliation to the days you are not shaving.

5-Blade Razors

I thought these were genius until I bought a Schick Hyrdro 5 and had the worst razor burn ever. Depending on your skin, many of you can tolerate using five blades but for those of you with sensitive skin, you want to stay far, far away. If in fact, you want to use a razor with four or five blades, here is a piece of advice. Go over each area once, and do not press hard. I can't tell you how many times I went over my legs with a 5-blade razor to ensure the smoothest legs ever. I probably went over each area three times. Multiply that by the blades, that would technically be braising the skin with a blade 15 times. If you're one to one to shave using short, sweeping motions rather long strokes for a close shave -  do the math. That is 25 times minimum. Ouch!

The solution: Less blades are better for skin. I use BIC Silky Touch Twin Disposable Razors and go over each area once, and if I must.. twice. 

Dull/Old Razors

This one should be a no brainer. With dull razors, we have a tendency to press harder on our skin and go over the area many more times than with a new razor. Need I say more?

The solution: Have extra razors on hand. Buy a new pack even before you need one so you'll never use an old razor. Like I mentioned previously, I like buying disposable razors and tossing them after every couple of uses. 

Pressing too Hard & Shaving Too Fast

We aren't trying to slice butter folks, so be gentle. Apply as little pressure as you can while still remaining to achieve a clean shave. It takes a little bit of practice, but it's something many of us don't pay attention to when shaving. Also, I don't know why anyone would think running sharp blades across their skin as fast as they can is a good idea. If you're in a rush, please rush a different step of your getting ready process.

The solution: Pay attention to the pressure you're applying when you're shaving. The razor should just be laying on top of the skin, it shouldn't be pressed into the skin. And, try not to rush!

Fragrance in Shave Creams

Although all of the different brands of Skintimate Shave Gels smell great, and they are readily available everywhere - Fragrance in skincare products can irritate sensitive skin, especially if you already suffer with dryness, eczema and other skin issues. It's also good to avoid common irritants such as alcohols, menthol and dyes. You want to look for moisturizing ingredients such as Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E and B5. So flip your products over and examine the labels!

The solution: Skip fragrance all together and try something like Kiss my Face Moisture Shave or Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel. This goes for your shower gel and lotion too! I like using St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash. 

So, let's go over a bad bath scenario and a good one -

Bad Bath Scenario: Turn the water on to the hottest you can tolerate. Let the whole bathroom steam up and enjoy the hot water hitting your body while you wash your body with a fragrance shower gel and abrasive bath sponge, making sure to scrub hard to soften your skin to get the closest shave possible. Then, wash your hair as the hot water continues to shower your body. 20 minutes later, lather up your legs with a fruity shower gel and with your boyfriend's 5-blade razor, shave your legs in short sweeping motions, going over areas numerous times until you don't feel any more stubble. Then, get a couple extra minutes of the smoothing hot water and turn the water off. Rub your body vigorously with your towel and you're good to go! (I feel bad for you in a couple of days.)

Good Bath Scenario: Turn your water on to lukewarm - you want it to be right in the middle. Since lukewarm water doesn't feel as soothing on your body as hot water, this is going to be a quick shower! Let the water hit your body while you wash your hair. Then wash your body (and any shampoo/conditioner residue left behind that can irritate your skin) with your non-fragrance, moisturizing shower gel and non-abrasive wash cloth making sure not to scrub too hard (only exfoliate where you are not shaving). Around five minutes should have passed, giving the hair enough time to soften. Lather up your legs in a non-fragrance shave gel and with your women's 2-blade disposable razor and light pressure, shave the legs in long strokes. Rinse your body with cool water to close your pores and pat your body dry with a towel. Apply a non-fragrance, moisturizing body lotion.

Bottom line is treat the skin on your body the same way you would treat your face, and don't use products on your skin that you wouldn't use on your new-born baby.

If all else fails, you may want to try this wonderful product called Tendskin. It's basically a mixture of alcohol and aspirin, so it will heal/soothe inflammation as well as disinfect the area so you won't get folliculitis or irritation. Aloe Vera also works wonders!

Happy Bathing!

52 comments:

  1. I'm gonna try using lukewarm water, I've always just used hot and never realized that it'd make my skin sensitive.
    Another great tip (from Gossmakeupartist on YouTube) is to apply conditioner on the area you're shaving--it's done wonders for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's something that most of us overlook. Anything that makes our skin red is irritating our skin, and it also makes you more susceptible to folliculitis (when bacteria enters the hair follicle). Hot water also dries out the hair. It's just all around no good!

      That's a good tip! As long as it's a gentle conditioner.

      Delete
    2. Also, hot water strips your skin of it's natural oils, sometimes making your skin dry and irritated, so I agree with you. Hot water is just no good all around (unless you're making tea, of course!).

      Delete
  2. Thanks for this post. The last few years my legs have become super sensitive with shaving. I've recently started using Dove soap in the shower to shave. Before I was using really heavy creams, shaving creams, shaving milks, etc. and all they did was further irritate my skin. I think it's because the Dove is unscented and lightweight that it allows my skin to breath and not get congested with all those thick and heavily scented shave creams. Moisturizing right after the shower is also a great tip. I've found if my skin dries too much then it really gets irritated.

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  3. Great tips! I've never considered the amount of blades, which makes total sense! I've been using a 4 blade razor and going to pick up the 2blade and see if that helps. Thank you, love your blog and videos btw!
    Xx

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  4. I find that shaving my legs outside of the shower is best..I'm a hot shower lover as well!

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  5. Great tips! I don't shave but when in hurry and wax is too much hassle, these will come in handy. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Razor Burn

    Wow, surprisingly I never knew this.Really Great tips!These sound like great products, I'll have to check them out. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. Good tips Natalie:) I'm having this problem more and more recently!

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  8. Great tips!
    I have the same issues...sensitive skin, coarse hair..blah.
    A big help I have found is after doing all of this, pat your legs dry and apply plain baby oil.
    My worst areas for razor burn are my underarms and bikini area. Since I started using the baby oil I haven't had near the trouble with razor burn.
    Thanks for this article! :)

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  9. I learned that to get super baby soft legs, I shave lightly with a good moisturizing lather then go back over the legs with hair conditioner on a second shave. Then I use spray on tea tree oil after my shower before I dry off. Works like a charm.

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  10. My legs feel better when I soak in the bath for a bit with some Epsom salt. Not sure why, but if you've got a bit of free time, or you're willing to cut some time out because you've got some important event coming up, i would recommend Epsom salt.

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  11. Another great tip that i can vouch for with my own experience- when moisturizing (whether your legs, face, whatever) do it about 30-15 minutes before you get into the shower, so that it has time to sit on your skin, then time to be absorbed when your pores open up. Moisturize again anytime after your shower. i use a scentless lotion (Jergens sensitive skin relief) so that it doesn't irritate my skin right after a shave.

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  12. Thanks for such great tips.I think changing the razor after each shave can work a little better.You can also try other technologies like laser hair removal which I think is a smart choice.
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    ReplyDelete
  13. If all else fails, use coconut oil instead of shaving cream.

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  16. I've always been so afraid of shaving!!

    It's crazy seeing as I actually run a shaving blog, haha.. but the absolute best thing I have found is to exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! It opens up your pores and allows an easy cut from the root of the hair, its the best shave and makes life loads easier :)

    Great blog and great information.

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  18. This is far by the most helpful shaving article I've ever read. I've been experiencing nasty razor burns lately and I just realized its mainly because I was using those 5 blade razors, I never had this issue before and I remember I used to use the bic 2 blade razor and just discard it after each use. Also I love hot showers and I always exfoliate! Gonna try this regimen soon. Great advice especially that summer is now upon us all!

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  19. Wow! My routine is literally just all of the bad scenario... that's not great then! I use the Venus Spa Breeze razors and always have done... my issue is my skin just can't tolerate anything! I tried switching to one without the soap attached and that was even worse! So I'll try this now, thank for this article... pinning it for later as well!

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  32. Zipp Mist isn’t just for men anymore. The innovative shaving mist that all but eliminates uncomfortable and unsightly razor burn now has a close cousin – Zipp Mist for women.

    Developed after five years of intensive research, Zipp Mist is a combination of special oils and skin conditioners that gives men a close, comfortable shave in less than half the time it takes to shave with traditional shaving cream.

    The women’s version has the same oils and moisturizers and comes in an almost identical, easy-to-use spray bottle – with two notable exceptions. The label for the women’s version is slightly different, featuring a pink “Z” rather than a blue one, and Zipp Mist for women has a higher percentage of olive oil than the original.

    Just as Zipp Mist serves a dual purpose for men – setting up whiskers for a smooth shave in the morning and moisturizing the skin all day – it has more than one application for women. They can use it to shave their legs or as a deep, hydrating moisturizer for dry skin – or both.

    Mark Goodson spent five years of his life finding the combination of oils and skin moisturizers that would give him and millions of other men a smooth, comfortable shave. Now women can enjoy the fruits of his labor as well.

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  39. I know shaving with a brush and soap helped me avoid razor burns, I think you lady's should give it a try. Maybe try an electric shaver for women, it might help reduce the razor burn.

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  41. Razor burn is one of the most common ailments associated with shaving, and it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

    So what is it that causes razor burn, you ask? The major culprit is the thick, creamy shaving creams and gels that currently dominate the market. You have to apply a lot of pressure to drag your razor through that sloppy mess, and the result is that your blade scrapes across the sensitive skin on your face, leaving you with a case of uncomfortable and unsightly razor burn.

    It doesn’t help that most shaving creams and gels have a pH factor of 8.5, which irritates and damages your face almost as much as the razor does.

    What can you do about this sordid situation? If you’re not interested in growing a beard, you should take a serious look at tossing your can of shaving cream in the trash and picking up a bottle of Zipp Mist, a soothing combination of 20 oils and skin conditioners that will give you a cool, clean and comfortable shave every time. And speaking of time, with Zipp Mist, you can take care of your morning shaving ritual in a minute or less.

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  42. Im goimg to try the lukewarm water idea. I usually soak in hot water exfoliate and then shave and then moisturize with coconut oil. I still get razor burn. Ill try anything...

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  43. After reading a few Bevel razor reviews I've come to the conclusion that using a safety razor is by far the best method for avoiding razor burn... there's not really any magical lotion or cream out there that will prevent as well as a proper sharp razor will.

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  49. My girlfriend needs to read this post.So many of us experience razor burns each time we shave.It does not have to be like that.

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