Shaving rashes are painful and annoying. The inflammation and itching can last up to a week. In any case, it is possible to speed up the healing process. Treating the problem with natural or over-the-counter remedies can help you fix it in a few days.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply a cold compress immediately after shaving or as soon as you notice that the skin has become irritated
Wrap ice cubes with a small towel or soak a sponge in cold water, then squeeze it until it is only slightly damp, preventing it from dripping. Apply it to the affected area for 5-10 minutes several times a day until completely healed.
Step 2. Apply a mixture of oats on the irritation
Oats naturally exfoliate and soothe the skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of ground oats with 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- If you find it too thick and you find it difficult to apply it creating a smooth, even layer, try adding a teaspoon of water.
- Applying it immediately after shaving can maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
Step 3. Coat the affected area with honey and apple cider vinegar
Honey has many antibacterial and moisturizing properties. Apply a thin layer to the irritation using a teaspoon or spatula. Leave it on for about 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water and pat your skin dry with a towel.
To further even out the application, try filling a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar and spray it on the affected area 1 or 2 times. Let it air dry. The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar will refresh the skin and relieve irritation
Step 4. Apply black tea bags to the irritation
Black tea is available at the supermarket, usually sold in boxes of 10-20 sachets. Any brand will do, but make sure it's black tea. Dip the bag into the water to get it wet, then massage it gently on the affected area. Tannic acid can lessen the redness and inflammation caused by shaving.
- Repeat 2 or 3 times a day, or as needed.
- Do not rub the sachet too vigorously on the affected area: it is very thin and tears easily.
Step 5. Prepare a baking soda treatment
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water until you get a smooth paste. If it's too liquid, add more baking soda. Soak a cotton ball and massage it into the affected area. Leave on for about 5 minutes. Remove it and rinse with cold water. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day, or as needed.
Step 6. Apply aloe vera to the affected area
The leaves of aloe vera contain a gel characterized by moisturizing properties. Cut one along the edge to squeeze out the gel. If you have difficulty with the procedure, remove it from the leaf with the help of a knife or your fingers. Massage it on the affected area with your fingertips in a circular motion. Do this for about 2 minutes. Leave it on until it starts to soothe, then rinse with cold water. Repeat the application 2-3 times a day or as needed.
If you don't have an aloe vera plant or can't get any leaves, you can use the same technique with purchased gel
Step 7. Apply some cucumber and yogurt to the affected area
Cucumber has many moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, while yogurt contains lactic acid, which exfoliates the skin. Together they can help get rid of shaving irritation quickly. Blend half a cucumber with 1 to 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Use a blender or food processor. Scoop up the mixture with a spoon and apply it to the affected area creating a thin layer with a spoon or spatula. After 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.
- If the affected area is large, you should calculate 2 tablespoons of yogurt instead of 1 and use one whole cucumber rather than half.
- If you don't have yogurt on hand, you can apply cucumber slices directly to the affected area for immediate relief. Cut into thin slices and put them in the fridge for about 30 minutes, then leave them on for 20 minutes.
Step 8. Use witch hazel water
Witch hazel is extracted from the bark and leaves of a small shrub. Contains astringent substances that help heal and soothe irritation. Soak a cotton ball and massage it into the affected area. You could also fill a spray bottle with witch hazel and spray it 2 or 3 times on the skin. Whichever method you choose, apply witch hazel 2-3 times a day or as needed.
Method 2 of 4: Use an Oil
Step 1. Apply essential oils to the affected area:
many of them are effective in getting rid of irritation right away. Lavender, chamomile and calendula have soothing properties. Mix 6-8 drops of your favorite oil with 60ml of water and soak a cotton ball. Apply it to the affected area 2-3 times a day or as needed.
Step 2. Treat irritation with tea tree oil, which contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties that are effective in relieving irritation quickly
Mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or 4-5 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of water. Gently massage the solution on the affected area with your fingertips and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Repeat twice a day or as needed.
Step 3. Soothe the irritation with coconut oil
Contains lauric acid, a compound characterized by therapeutic, moisturizing and antiseptic properties. Pour a small amount on the affected area and massage it. Do not create a heavy layer. Repeat 2-4 times a day or as needed.
Method 3 of 4: Over-the-counter remedies
Step 1. Use an aftershave, a product specifically designed to take care of the skin after shaving
There are 2 types: spray and cream. The first is an alcohol-based perfumed astringent, the second a moisturizing lotion with a more delicate fragrance. Experiment with various brands and products in order to find one that is effective for soothing the irritation.
- Aftershaves based on vitamin E, provitamin B5 and chamomile are particularly effective for shaving irritation.
- To make sure your aftershave is effective in this regard, it should also contain ingredients such as shea butter and birch extracts.
Step 2. Use a moisturizing lotion
There are several effective products to get rid of razor rash quickly. The best ones contain glycolic acid, which promotes skin healing. Those with alcohol, salicylic acid, or both are just as useful, but they may dry out the skin. If you have sensitive skin, read the ingredients list to make sure the lotion contains glycolic acid.
Step 3. Use petroleum jelly, which can soothe razor burn and keep skin hydrated
Massage a veil on the affected area. Since the skin absorbs it, there is no need to wipe it off or rinse it. After 2 hours, apply another layer. Continue until healing is complete.
Step 4. Make an aspirin paste
The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin work wonders on the skin. Take 2 or 3 tablets and reduce them to powder in a small bowl using the bottom of a cup or a large spoon. Add a few drops of water and mix with a fork until you get a creamy paste. Usually 4-5 drops of water are enough, but if necessary add more. Massage the mixture on the affected area and wait for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Do the treatment twice a day until complete recovery.
In case of pregnancy, allergy to aspirin, bleeding disorders such as haemophilia, episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding, breastfeeding or taking anticoagulants, aspirin cannot be used
Step 5. Apply an anti-itch cream based on hydrocortisone, a topically administered drug that fights itching, swelling and redness, typical symptoms of a skin irritation
It can help relieve discomfort and speed up healing times.
- Do not apply hydrocortisone cream for more than 3 days at a time.
- Avoid applying it to open wounds.
Method 4 of 4: Change Your Shaving Habits
Step 1. Don't shave too often or your skin won't have all the time it needs to recover from previous shaves
Try to wait at least 4 or 5 days between shaving.
Step 2. Use a sharp razor
The razor should be thrown away after 5 or 7 shaves, in this way the blade will always be sharp and it will hardly irritate the skin.
Step 3. Use a depilatory cream
Before shaving, moisten your skin with mild soap and warm water, then apply the hair removal cream or gel. This product makes the procedure gentler and reduces the chances of irritating the skin.
Step 4. Perfect your technique
Shave by taking short passes. Don't exert too much pressure - the weight of the razor should be enough to help you shave with the right force. Always move it following the direction of hair growth. If you shave in the opposite direction, you risk pushing the hairs into the follicles.
Step 5. Try not to cover the irritated skin
Exposing it to fresh air can speed up healing. If you really have to cover it up, wear only soft-fitting clothes to allow your pores to breathe.
