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Health

How do I Treat Razor Burn on Legs?

Diane Goettel
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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There are a number of ways to treat razor burn on your legs, some of which treat the skin irritation after it has occurred and some that help to prevent it. It is important to remember that razor burn is essentially a kind of rash that appears as a result of removing a top layer of the skin and causing the area to become chafed. To treat this, you can use a skin care product that includes hydrocortisone or make sure to moisturize the legs directly after shaving. Preventative treatments for razor burn on legs include using new razors with each shave, shaving at the end of a shower or bath, using a shaving cream that is formulated for sensitive or dry skin, or avoiding shaving altogether by switching to a waxing regimen. Another preventative method is to use an electric razor.

Using a topical treatment, such as lotion with or without hydrocortisone, helps to soothe the skin, replenish moisture that was stripped from it during the shaving process, and reduce the appearance and sensation of razor burn. Hydrocortisone can help to reduce the redness of razor burn and also reduce the stinging sensation that is associated with the condition. In most cases, a topical solution containing just 1% hydrocortisone will do the trick. Those who prefer to use lotion without this ingredient should look for a lotion that includes aloe or chamomile, which can offer extra soothing benefits.

One of the main reasons that people experience razor burn on the legs has to do with the type of the razor that they use. If the razor has been used multiple times already, it may be quite dull, which can worsen razor burn. Be sure to use a fresh razor every time. You may also want to try a few different brands and see if one seems to yield less discomfort than the other.

Shaving after allowing the skin to become soft and hydrated in the bath or shower will also reduce razor burn. This means that shaving at the end of the shower or bath can help to reduce the problem. You may also want to use a shaving cream or shaving oil instead of soap. These sorts of products will do a better job of lubricating the skin prior to shaving, which will help to reduce damage to the skin on the legs.

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Diane Goettel
By Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane Goettel serves as the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. Over the course, she has edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter “Sapling,” and The Adirondack Review. Diane holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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Discussion Comments

By anon924236 — On Jan 03, 2014

I started making my own shaving cream which helped a lot. I used an aloe vera based body lotion, coconut oil and homemade oat milk. It's great! The oat milk can make a bit of a smell after a few days but I don't mind that so much. I'm also wondering about oat oil, rose oil, shea butter and honey as it's anti-bacterial. I guess I'll just keep experimenting!!

Never heard of using a hydrocortizone cream but will definitely give it a try.

By burcinc — On Apr 19, 2013

My sister suffers from razor burns all the time and the worst part is that she never lets them heal. She will go back to shaving right away.

A razor burn needs at least four or five days to heal and no one should try to shave until the redness, irritation and bumps are gone. An all natural moisturizer with beeswax, coconut oil or cocoa butter should be used daily to moisturize skin.

I think the only reason I rarely get razor burn, razor bumps or ingrown hairs is because I moisturize my skin constantly and I do so with natural oils. I think razor burn becomes more likely when the skin is dry and when hair is coarse.

By bear78 — On Apr 18, 2013

@fBoyle-- I think you might be pressing too hard while you're shaving. You should be very gentle when using a new razor.

Also, stick with razors with a single blade. Especially the three blade razors tend to cause razor burn because they remove a lot of skin along with the hair.

I only use a single blade razor and I only shave with a moisturizing shaving cream. I never get razor burn.

By fBoyle — On Apr 18, 2013

I'm surprised to hear that people get razor burn with a dull blade. It seems to be exactly the opposite with me. When I use a new razor, I get painful razor burn and bumps. But after using a razor two or three times, it doesn't give me razor burn anymore. Why is that?

Diane Goettel

Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane Goettel serves as the executive editor of Black...
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