Page 149 - Cosmetology

How to Eliminate Razor Burn

Avoiding razor burn to begin with may be easier than dealing with a painful skin rash
once it's started. The old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," is
right on the money when it comes to razor burn.

Instructions

• STEP 1: Purchase good razors. Gender-specific razors are designed with handles
and blades at the precise angles to allow for optimal shaving of faces (for men)
and legs (for women).
• STEP 2: Choose a razor that is affordable enough that you can discard it after a
few uses. Shaving with a fresh, sharp blade requires less pressure, and that means
less razor burn. Consider a single-blade razor; double-blade razors shave closer,
but also exfoliate more skin cells and can cause more irritation.
• STEP 3: Shave at the end of or after your shower or bath, after your skin is
softened from the heat and steam. This will allow for a closer shave with less
abrasion.
• STEP 4: Lather on a shaving cream or gel designed for sensitive skin before
shaving. Shaving gels are thicker and offer more protection from razor burn than
shaving creams. If you use soap, a soft bar soap offers more protection from razor
burn than liquid soap, shower gel or hard-milled bar soap. Avoid using a
deodorant soap for shaving if you are prone to razor burn; it dries skin.
• STEP 5: Take your time.
• STEP 6: Allow the razor's weight to take off the hair. Avoid pushing into the
skin.
• STEP 7: Go over an area just once. Excessive pressure and multiple swipes
remove layers of skin, which leads to razor burn.
• STEP 8: Shave no more than once a day. If necessary, do touch ups with an
electric razor. Use minimal pressure to avoid irritating your skin.
• STEP 9: Splash shaved skin with cold water after shaving is complete. Be sure to
rinse off all shaving cream, gel or soap, which can cause irritation.
• STEP 10: Apply lotion 30 minutes after finishing your shower, if at all. This will
allow for your pores to close, also minimizing irritation.
• STEP 11: Treat existing razor burn with pure aloe vera gel. Aloe vera has
analgesic qualities that reduce swelling, soothe skin irritation and form a barrier
that will protect your skin from infection. It also promotes healing.

Overall Things You'll Need

• hot shower or bath
• shaving gel or cream or bar soap
• aloe vera gel
• a sharp razor