HOW TO GET RID OF SHAVING RASH

Shaving rash sometimes known as razor burn can be painful and annoying. Whether you're trying to treat a harsh case of shaving rash or just trying to avoid it altogether try NIVEA's top tips

FIND OUT HOW TO AVOID AND GET RID OF ANNOYING AND PAINFUL RAZOR BURN & SHAVING RASH

STEPS TO AVOID SHAVING RASH

Make razor burn and shaving rash a thing of the past

Step 1: Exfoliate Your Body

Prep the area you plan on shaving. You don't want to shave over a build-up of rough, dead skin cells or dirt/oil left over from the day. It's best to use an exfoliating cloth or mitt to scrub away the dead skin.
Read our how to exfoliate guide for more information, and try our NIVEA Daily Essentials Gentle Exfoliating Scrub to clear away debris and ensure you avoid shaving rash and open pores so that ingrown hairs don't become a problem.

Step 2: Soften Your Hairs

Trying to shave right after exfoliating might seem like the next step but there are more steps to go especially if you want to prevent shaving rash. Ensure you soften hairs by using warm water in a bath, shower or with a flannel so the skin expands making it easier to shave.

lady soothing her shaving rash on her legs

Step 3: Use Shaving Cream, Gel or Foam

The key to a good shave is lubricant, avoid the body wash and use a proper shaving cream, gel or foam to avoid irritation which can cause razor burn or shaving rash and ensure the closest shave possible.
Consider NIVEA Body Shaving Gel, designed to help protect the skin as you shave with a smooth glide and easy application. The transparent formula allows you to easily see hairs whilst you shave as well as ingredients designed for anti-irritation.

Step 4: Shave... In The Right Direction

It's important when you're shaving to know which way to shave. On your legs you want the closest possible shave, this is against the grain making sure you have the smoothest possible legs. Don't apply too much pressure as this can cause shaving rash. However, in more sensitive areas like the bikini line or your underarms, it's important not to shave against the grain as the sensitive skin can get irritated and lead to ingrown hairs as well as make it harder to avoid razor burn.

Step 5: Post-Shave Care

Post-shave care is key to avoid shaving rash, especially shaving rash on legs and other sensitive areas. Ensure you rinse your recently shaved area with cold water to close up the pores. Then use a lotion or moisturiser designed for sensitive skin, perfumed products can irritate skin further and cause redness. It's also key to swap your razor blades when you notice them starting to dull and definitely before that start to get rusty.

If you already have shaving rash it can be a pain to get rid of, but NIVEA are here to help

HOW TO GET RID OF SHAVING RASH

Cold Compress As soon as you notice the emerging signs of razor burn its best to address it straight away. Use a cold compress to soothe shaving rash which will stop the burning sensation, reduce redness and prevent shaving bumps from appearing as well as an early method to help get rid of shaving rash. Hydrate Dehydrated skin is more likely to be affected by shaving rash so it's important to always stay hydrated. Moisturising your skin after a shave and especially if you see shaving rash coming on is important when it comes to eliminating the rash. Keeping skin hydrated is more than just using moisturiser though, making sure you drink enough water so your skin natural protective barrier is at it's more protective is can also help get rid of shaving rash quicker. Allow It To Heal Shaving Rash and razor burn in it's various forms should heal on it's own but it's important to let it heal on it's own. Don't shave the affected area again until the skin has recovered and healed, even if you don't think you have razor burn any redness or inflammation is a sign not to shave the area again.

What are the causes of shaving rash & razor burn?

And see what might be causing your shaving rash.

What Is Shaving Rash?

Shaving rash is a type of skin irritation that occurs on the skin after shaving, it usually appears a few minutes after shaving but can also develop a little later in the day if you're wearing tight clothes, or it's exposed to the elements. Shaving rash is not the same a razor bumps which is causes by lots of little in-grown hairs rather than rash from the razor.

What Causes Shaving Rash?

You may have sensitive skin, and are more prone to getting razor rash, but there are some things you could be doing to cause it:

Dry shaving - this is never a good idea. Dry shaving causes shaving rash because there's no protective barrier between the skin and the blade, which causes friction and prevents the blade from gliding smoothly over the skin. You should always use a shaving gel or foam.
Pressing too hard on your skin with the razor - you want to make sure the blade is gliding smoothly over the skin so pressing harder than you should will not actually help to remove any more hairs, instead it'll cause the razor to catch your skin more and cause friction.