We get it. Razor burn can feel like you rubbed sandpaper all over your face (and legs for any cyclist, swimmer, or triathlete reading). And then the unsightly bumps.  It happens to everyone. YOU are not alone. The key is to prevent it, which can be accomplished by following these 10 simple tips.

Before we begin, a quick lesson about your skin. Your skin may look smooth and flat, but it’s really made of tiny peaks and valleys. When you run a razor over that surface, you catch a few of those peaks and valleys, leaving small tears on the skin's surface, which is, you guessed it, razor burn.

Anytime you use a razor, you are most likely leaving little tears on your skin, but you can’t always see them. Following the tips below will help reduce any damage or discomfort caused by the razor.

1. Wet your skin with warm water. Consider a shower or a warm washcloth. Heat opens the pores and softens the hair to help cut it more easily with the razor.
2. Use moisturizing, non-irritating shaving cream. It’s essential to use shaving cream to lubricate the skin to help the razor glide over it. Look for a shaving cream that contains deeply moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil and an element such as aloe that will cool the skin and help reduce any inflammation.
3. Apply shaving cream with a shave brush. Use a circular motion and apply a small amount of cream to your skin. A shaving brush helps avoid ingrown hairs by lifting the hairs and more evenly coating them with the shaving cream.
4. Let the shaving cream sit for 2-3 minutes. If you have the time and thicker hair, this is a crucial step, as it will penetrate the hairs and soften them.
5. Use a sharp, clean razor. A sharp razor will glide more easily over your skin, and you’re also less apt to pull. And don’t forget to use a new razor after every eight shaves.
6. Think about the number of blades. You can use a one-blade razor or five. The more blades, the closer the shave. However, if you have sensitive skin, it's more blades that run over your skin. Test both and see what works best for you!
7. Shave in the direction that your hair grows. Also, pull your skin taut. Both will help prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
8. Rinse the razor with warm water after each swipe. This prevents skin irritation and gives a smoother shave.
9. After shaving, rinse your skin with cold water. Cold water will help reduce any inflammation.
10. Apply an aftershave. Aftershave lotion will help close your pores and trap in the water to keep your skin hydrated.

That’s it. Stay tuned for our next blog about how to treat the few inevitable razor bumps and burn.

Let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help! Email us at support@guylively.com.

Sources:

How to Prevent Razor Burn – Skin Resource.MD (skinresourcemd.com)
https://www.aad.org/news/tips-for-men-how-to-shave?msclkid=515b64d1b42811ec99989478b0f2b31d
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/symptoms-causes/syc-20373893?msclkid=fa021fc7b44311ecbccb3e8ec3b29890