Razor burns are a significant concern for both men and women. They can affect any part of your body, including the underarms, face, legs and others. These burns cause severe discomfort and look unpleasant on your clean, shaved appearance. So, you are not the only one wondering how long do razor burns last, and this article will clear your thoughts.
Razor burns can clear off within a few hours or days, depending on how you treat them. Hence it is essential to understand the different causes of razor burns and recommended treatment.
What causes razor burns?
Unlike razor bumps, these burns are triggered by shaving and appear right after shaving. They appear within an hour two after shaving. Here are some of the causes of razor burns.
- Shaving without soap, water, shaving cream or other lubricants.
- Shaving in a rush
- Using products that irritate your skin
- Shaving with dull blades
- Using a clogged razor, i.e. razor stuffed with soap, hair or cream.
- Shaving one area too many times
- Using the razor against the direction of your hair.
Proper maintenance of your razor is essential, and replacement is also compulsory when the razor is old. If you choose to shave without lubricant, always ensure that you are not using a clogged razor or shaving in the wrong direction. Your razor can’t shave the hair if it’s coming from the wrong angle. Instead, you are harming the skin around the hair.
Using a dull blade means that you will constantly press hard on one area and irritate the skin. All this may feel like a lot, but they are necessary to avoid when shaving. You don’t want to ruin your looks while preparing for a perfect date night.
How to avoid razor burns?
Avoid razor burns by simply maintaining a good shaving habit. Adjust your shaving routine as it may not be necessary to shave as frequently as you do. Also, if you have sensitive skin, you may need to change your shaving cream.
Nevertheless, below are the preventive measures you need to take to avoid razor burns.
- Exfoliate your skin regularly to clear dead skin cells.
- Apply lubricant like shaving cream, soap or water before shaving.
- Never pull your skin tightly when shaving.
- Ensure you shave with light strokes focusing on the direction your hair grows.
- Rinse your blade at intervals while shaving.
- Clean your skin with cold water or a cold washcloth to close your pores.
- Avoid using old blades or razors. Change it regularly.
Home remedies for treating razor burns.
As mentioned earlier, razor burns can last for a few hours or days, depending on what you use to treat them. One way to treat this is to avoid the affected area while shaving and give it time to heal. Also, since razor burns come with itching, dryness and inflammation, certain household items will provide you with some relief. They include:
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera provides first-hand support for first-degree and second-degree burns, cuts, and scrapes. Research has shown that some natural enzymes in aloe vera that helps to reduce inflammation on the skin. You can squeeze the natural gel on affected areas of the skin or use commercial products.
For Razor burns, aloe vera calms the heat and itching. Simply dip your washcloth inside cold water and apply it to the affected area. Then, rub aloe vera directly on the skin.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Here is another perfect solution to inflammation. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that work fast to soothe your itchy and irritated skin. However, it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin because it can be too harsh around the bikini line. If you notice burning or stinging after applying, wash off immediately.
Mix apple cider vinegar with eater to effectively use apple cider vinegar for razor burns. Then dab a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. After it dries up on the skin, dip a black tea bag into hot water, place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and massage it into the affected area.
- Tea Tree Oil
Here is another plant extract that contains anti-inflammatory properties. Since Olive oil contains fatty acid that smoothens the skin, it is often used with tea tree oil to soothe razor burns. But ensure you do a patch test soon to ensure that your skin won’t be more irritated after using tea tree oil.
The process is quite simple. Mix one tablespoon of olive oil and fix drops of tea tree oil. Then, use a cotton ball to dab the solution into the affected area on your skin. Leave it to sit for 15 minutes. Then, wash off with warm water.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains starch and beta-glucan that helps to protect and moisturize the skin. It also contains phenols for anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. A soak in an oatmeal bath might be a perfect remedy for your razor burn.
Mix a portion of oatmeal with plain yoghurt in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of honey and paste the mixture on the affected area. Leave it to dry for 30 minutes and wash off with warm water. You can repeat this process twice a day for three days to get the best result.
Some Recommended Products for Razor Burns
We hope your question of how long razor burns last has been answered. Here are some recommendations for you just in case you don’t wish to use the home remedy procedures. Here are some top picked products that do more than razor burn soothing.
This is an aftershave repair serum for burns, ingrown hair, dark spot and others. It provides relief for irritation from shaving and gives the skin a better appearance. Evagloss adds a unique glow to your skin and corrects the skin colour defect that was caused by burns or ingrown hair. The product comes in a roll-on bottle, making it easy to apply quickly and evenly. It is suitable for all skin types, men and women alike. Evagloss can be used on the legs, hands, chin, chest, stomach, thighs, underarms, etc.
Cremo is another effective aftershave product that soothes, cools and protects the skin from dryness and razor burns. It contains ingredients like tea tree oil and menthol that gives a refreshed feeling and tighten it as the skin heals. The formula also contains shea butter, baobab seed oil and tamanu seed oil for invigorating your skin. It leaves no residue and gives you a pleasant scent.
Just as the name suggests, it gives fast relief from razor burns and prevents ingrown hair. The hair pads can be used on the underarms, face/neck, legs and everywhere you remove hair. It exfoliates the skin and leaves it soft and smooth. These hair pads contain glycolic and salicylic acid that removes dead skin cells. It also has witch Hazel and aloe leaves for smoothening the skin. First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair pads are free from alcohol, parabens, lanolin, ethanol and other harmful ingredients. It is suitable for vegans and is equally gluten-free.
Here is another aftershave formula suitable for all skin types and tones. It has added penetration boosters that help your heal fast from razor burns and other aftershave irritation. It effectively clears out burns in the legs, hands, underarms, and intimate areas. Bump Patrol gives you a clear difference after 48 hours of usage. It is easy to apply and gives you an exceptional skin care experience. For safety reasons, do not use it if you are allergic to aspirin.
Razor burns can take a few hours to days to clear off with proper care. We have given home remedies and certain products as recommendations that can help you heal faster. Some of these remedies also make your skin brighter and clear off the burn marks.
However, if you notice sweet-smelling pus or bleeding from the burns, do not hesitate to see a doctor.
Don’t forget the prevention tips listed above as you wonder how long razor burns last. Reducing your shaving routine and practising a hygienic way will help you avoid razor burns.