Stop avoiding your favorite bikini or skipping water aerobics class at the gym because of razor burn. From dry, cracking skin and ingrown hairs, to red sore bumps, the itching associated with these skin irritations after shaving is manageable. Whether it's your legs, underarms, bikini line or another sensitive area on your body, always prep your skin before, during and after shaving to reduce itching and irritation.
Before and After You Shave
Exfoliate the areas where you shave at least twice a day to reduce the chances for itchy ingrown hairs. Use a shower loofah sponge or a salicylic-acid solution.
Use moisturizing deodorant or antiperspirant daily on underarms to hydrate the skin and reduce shaving irritation. Look for formulas containing glycerol or sunflower seed oil.
Hydrate other shaved areas daily using natural oils such a jojoba oil, coconut oil or cocoa butter to avoid shaving off dry skin flakes, which can later be sore or itch.
How to Shave
Soak your skin in warm water to dilate the pores. This helps the hair follicles protrude out farther and become soft and pliable.
Apply a thick lather of shaving gel or cream to further soften the hair and hydrate the skin.
Shave with a new razor. Since you apply less pressure when using a sharp razor, you're less likely to nick your skin, leaving it sore and itchy.
Tip
Wash razor burn prone areas like your bikini line and under arms with an antibacterial soap daily. This kills bacteria that can irritate hair follicles.
References
Writer Bio
Angela Tague writes marketing content and journalistic pieces for major brands including Bounty, The Nest, Lowe's Home Improvement and Hidden Valley. She also provides feature content to newspapers and writes health and beauty blogs for Daily Glow, Everyday Health and Walgreens. Tague graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications in 1999.