It’s probably the most annoying part of shaving. You’ve finally got your legs ready for summer, and there it is – a red, itchy rash that feels like you’ve been stung by a thousand bees.
Shaving rashes suck, but they are not a sign that you should stop shaving forever. They are definitely related to the process of shaving, but they aren’t permanent or inevitable.
Whether you have sensitive skin or not, these tips will help you find relief from those ugly rashes once and for all.
The 3 keys to smooth, clear skin
Preparation. Preparing the skin and hair for the actual shave is actually more important than shaving itself & believe it or not, it all comes down to hot water.
Protection. There are several things you can do to prevent shaving rash. The best way, however, is to prepare properly. Think sharp blades & highly moisturising shave creams.
Technique. If you shave, there's a good chance that you're pressing down on the razor to get closer to the skin. We've all done it! Shaving correctly can help you avoid this type of irritation all together and can also result in a closer shave.
The Cause of Shaving Rashes: What’s actually going on?
Rashes like the ones that come from shaving are often referred to as “shaving bumps”, “razor bumps”, or “ingrown hairs”. All of these things are basically the same thing – an irritation of the hair follicle caused by pulling or tugging at the hair. This causes inflammation and the release of histamines, which causes redness and an itching sensation.
Never shave dry skin. Shaving with dry skin is one of the worst things you can do.
It’s important to always use warm water when shaving to soften up that dead layer of skin that can clog pores and lead to ingrown hairs.
The skin is our natural barrier to infection, irritation, and bacteria. When it’s dry, it’s less effective at doing all of these things. When the skin is moisturised and hydrated, it’s less susceptible to irritation.
Wet shaving (shaving in or after a long shower) helps keep the skin soft for easier shaving whilst opening the pores makes it easier to get the benefits of your shaving cream.
Shave with the grain – not against it! Going against the grain might feel like it’s getting rid of all those pesky hairs, but in reality it’s just rubbing harder against your sensitive skin, causing irritation and redness in the process.
I know, I know - it’s slightly more difficult when shaving your legs but it will reduce the chances of irritating your skin and that’s got to be worth it.
When you shave, it's essential to have a gentle touch. This ensures that your skin isn't damaged by unnecessary tugging or pulling against your hair follicles.
While it may seem counterintuitive not to apply pressure when shaving, doing so will ensure that you get a closer shave without irritating your skin. Glide the blade over your skin with very little pressure applied so that it barely touches.
Top tip - use a weighted razor and let gravity do its work!
It may seem like a no-brainer, but never use a dull razor blade. A dull blade doesn't cut cleanly through hair, so it catches and pulls on your skin instead.
That's how you get inflammation around your hair follicles, which can result in irritation, redness and bumps that look like acne. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so it’s important to take good care of it.
