Razor burn can be avoided by using clean, sharp razors and shaving with the grain of hair. You may experience additional discomfort by using drying or irritating treatments on affected skins. Over-the-counter medications and home remedies can help you get rid of razor burn. Since skin varies from person to person, you may need to experiment with a few strategies before you find the right way to get rid of razor burn.
If your skin is razor burned, you will want to keep it moisturized and clean. Use an unscented, aloe vera-based moisturizer two or three times daily. You may need to take a few days off from shaving to allow your skin to heal. Use that time to gently exfoliate your skin so that it is in better condition when you return to shaving. You can also use tea tree oil or witch hazel extract regularly while you're trying to get rid of razor burn.
You can use your shaving ritual to begin your crusade to get rid of razor burn. After you shave, splash the area with cold water and apply a gentle aftershave lotion. You should avoid alcohol-based products, as they can make the condition worse rather than help you get rid of razor burn. A good aftershave lotion should include both an antiseptic and a moisturizer. Many also contain fragrances, but the chemicals that form the fragrance can often dry or further irritate inflamed skin.
Some over-the-counter medications can be used to help manage the symptoms or get rid of razor burn altogether. You can use hydrocortizone cream to reduce the redness and irritation. This should be a short-term treatment because the skin can become dependent on the hydrocortizone product. Ointments used to treat diaper rashes can also help. These often contain mineral oils, zinc oxide, or lanolin as active ingredients.
There are some home remedies you can use to get rid of razor burn. A mask of mashed strawberries or tomatoes mixed with sour cream is a common remedy. This concoction should be left in place for about ten minutes twice a week to get rid of razor burn and prevent it from coming back. You can also use a paste made from dissolved aspirin tablets and water to reduce pain in the affected area. Another strategy is to pat apple cider vinegar on razor burned skin.
The best solution for razor burn is to avoid it in the first place. You should begin an age-appropriate skin-care regimen to improve the condition of your skin. Always be cautious and attentive when shaving to avoid razor burn.