4 Ways To Get Rid Of Shaving Rash

Shaving rash, razor burn and bikini line rash can be painful and annoying. Whether you're trying to treat a harsh case of shaving rash or just trying to avoid it altogether, read our guide to understand how to prevent shaving rash.

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

STEPS TO AVOID SHAVING RASH

Unfortunately, shaving rash, razor bumps and bikini line rash are all natural by-product's of shaving. We’ve all experienced them at some point and know how irritating they can be - but knowing what the causes are can help you to understand how to prevent shaving rash.

Read our guide for everything you need to know about shaving rash and razor burn treatment, and make shaving rash a thing of the past

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SHAVING RASH & RAZOR BURN?

Understanding the causes can help you to know how to prevent shaving rash. We’ve highlighted some common causes to help you understand what to avoid when shaving.

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 exposed to the elements. Shaving rash is not the same as razor bumps which are caused 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.

HOW TO PREVENT SHAVING RASH

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 guide for more information on how to exfoliate.

How To Exfoliate

HOW TO PREVENT SHAVING RASH

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. Softening your hairs is a big step in understanding how to prevent shaving rash. Try using warm water in a bath, shower or with a flannel so the skin expands making it easier to shave.

HOW TO PREVENT SHAVING RASH

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.

Shop NIVEA Moisturising Shaving Gel

HOW TO PREVENT SHAVING RASH

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. Shaving rash legs is common, and applying too much pressure when shaving is often how a shaving rash is caused. 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.

HOW TO PREVENT SHAVING RASH

STEP 5: POST-SHAVE CARE

Post-shave care is key to avoid shaving rash, especially shaving rash 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.

SHAVING RASH PUBIC AREA

BIKINI LINE RASH

We all want to look great when we go on holiday, especially without bikini line rash affecting our confidence. Bikini line rash is caused by dry shaving or applying too much pressure when you shave. It is called bikini line rash because of where it occurs - on your bikini line. It's more common due to the thicker hair and sensitive skin within this area, however, it's no different from other forms of shaving rash, other than where it is on your body.

SHAVING RASH PUBIC AREA

BIKINI LINE RASH TREATMENT

Bikini line rash can be treated in the same way as other shaving rashes. Following our 5 steps can help you to avoid it, but remember, your skin in this area is much more sensitive - so take extra caution when shaving and treating.

We also recommend wearing cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes to avoid bikini line rash. Cotton is soft and less irritating on the skin, helping to reduce the chances of a rash appearing. Similarly, looser fitting clothes allow your skin to breathe, causing less irritation - helping to fight the battle against bikini line rash.

If you continue to be concerned about a bikini line rash, be sure to consult a doctor.

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE SHAVING RASH IT CAN BE A PAIN TO GET RID OF, BUT NIVEA ARE HERE TO HELP

SHAVING RASH AND RAZOR BURN TREATMENT - HOW TO GET RID OF SHAVING RASH

Shaving rash can be uncomfortable and affect your confidence. We’ve highlighted some treatments to help you overcome it.

Cold Compress - A great razor burn treatment is to apply a cold compress to the affected area. As soon as you notice the emerging signs of razor burn, it's best to address it straight away. Using a cold compress to soothe shaving rash 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 - Another effective razor burn treatment is hydration. 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 a shaving rash coming on is important when it comes to eliminating the rash. However, keeping skin hydrated is more than just using moisturiser. Make sure you drink enough water so your skin's natural protective barrier can perform to its best and be as protective as possible. When your skin is hydrated, it performs better, making it more efficient at combating irritation or impurities. As a result, it can help get rid of shaving rash quicker.

Allow It To Heal - Shaving rash and razor burn in its various forms should heal on its own, but it's important to let this happen. 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.

HOW TO GET RID OF RAZOR BUMPS

They can be very irritating, so we want to help you understand how to get rid of razor bumps.

Razor bumps are small bumps on the skin that occur after shaving, when your hair grows back on itself and into the skin. This can cause spots and tenderness in the affected area. They may seem inevitable after every shave, but we’ve got some tips to help prevent razor bumps!

woman exfoliating to prevent shaving rash legs

HOW TO GET RID OF RAZOR BUMPS

1. Exfoliate

Exfoliating before you shave helps to avoid razor bumps. It removes all the dirt and dead skin that can lead to blocked pores, which in turn cause razor bumps. It also allows for a closer and smoother shave, which reduces the chances of razor bumps caused by skin irritation.

HOW TO GET RID OF RAZOR BUMPS

2. Cold Water

Applying cold water after you shave will help to close your pores. As a result, it will help to prevent ingrown hairs and spots from appearing.

It may take some getting used to, but a cold shower is a great way to apply cold water to your body after shaving.

HOW TO GET RID OF RAZOR BUMPS

3. Apply Aftershave

As obvious as it may sound, applying aftershave after you shave is essential in preventing razor bumps. Similarly to cold water, aftershave helps to shrink your pores and stop hairs from growing into your skin. Like the scene from ‘Home Alone’, it may sting, but at least you'll be razor bump free!

Aftershave should only be used on your face. For your body, gently pat your skin dry with a towel, and avoid rubbing, as this can cause skin irritation.

HOW TO GET RID OF RAZOR BUMPS

4. Moisturise

Another tip for understanding how to get rid of razor bumps is to apply moisturiser after you shave. Using a moisturiser that will soothe your skin after shaving helps to prevent that burning irritation common with razor bumps.

Try our NIVEA Naturally Good Radiance Day Cream, made with Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil and Almond Oil to soothe and moisturise your skin for 24 hours. You should also try our NIVEA Naturally Good Cocoa Butter Body Lotion for 48H hydration, enriched with Cocoa Butter to nurture your skin after shaving.

Shop NIVEA Naturally Good Day Cream