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Bikini razor burn normally heals itself. You may prevent razor burn by shaving in the direction of your hair and moisturizing the region.
Your bikini line situation is up to you, whether you opt for a Sphinx or a bush. Caring for your tender skin is key to avoiding razor burn, which can trigger causes pimples, redness, itching, and burning.
Razor burn occurs when skin reacts to shaving irritation. It's technically irritating contact dermatitis, which is basically a fancy way of saying “skin rash.”
Even though it normally goes away on its own, you may want to know what to do and how to prevent it.
Below, three experts dish on razor burn and how to prevent it with a foolproof shaving procedure.
How to prevent razor burn on the bikini line
Preventative medicine is true. You can shave without getting razor burn, experts say, if you employ the following:
1. Carefully select a razor
Razors aren't created equal, as anyone who's used one can attest. Dermatologist Erum N. Ilyas suggests cartridge razors because they have more padding to protect your skin. Example: Gillette Venus Deluxe
She also suggests safety razors, which cut close in fewer passes. Even if price doesn't necessarily imply quality, a dirty dollar store razor should be tossed.
Allyson Brennan, a professional pharmacist and skin care specialist, recommends using antibacterial soap if you cut yourself.
2. Clean razor
Brennan recommends a clean razor. Sanitize yours with rubbing alcohol and warm water. Bacteria buildup can cause ingrown hairs and razor burn.
Instead of the moist, bacteria-filled shower, store your blades somewhere clean and dry. Toss a rusty razor.
3. Hydrate your skin
Wait to shave until you're done showering. This is when hair is moisturized and less prone to irritation, says dermatologist Debra Jaliman.
After conditioning your hair, your skin should be wet and warm enough for easier cuts.
4. Avoid scented products
Even if you adore your lime-scented shaving lotion, it may cause razor burn.
Brennan says fragrances cause skin discomfort. Soaps, cleansers, and creams should be devoid of synthetic smells.
If you want a fragrant shower, add lavender or rose essential oils.
5. Use razor cream
Shaving cream is essential. It's not just for photoshopped advertisement legs; it protects skin.
Jaliman advises using shaving foam to moisturize the skin and hair. This lubricates the hair so you don't scrape your skin.
Never shave dry skin or with soap. Jaliman says shaving dry or using soap prevents your razor from gliding.
How about shaving cream? Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel has anti-inflammatory aloe, moisturizing glycerin, and skin-lightening soy.
She also advises EOS Sensitive Skin Cream, which contains oats, shea butter, and glycerin.
6. Go with the grain
Jaliman warns about going against the grain. Shaving with the hair growth is the best way to avoid razor burn.
Avoid repeating yourself. Donuts with a razor increase the risk of skin cuts. This causes ingrown hairs and discomfort.
Jaliman recommends using a shaving brush with shaving cream to pull longer hair off the skin.
7. Replace blades frequently
Dullness is bad for razor blades and personalities. You may be tempted to keep using that old cartridge, but it won't help your bikini line.
Brennan suggests replacing razors or cartridges every 4 to 5 usage to reduce bacteria and hair follicle straining.
Why do you get bikini razor burn?
Brennan calls razor burn pseudofolliculitis barbae (aka razor bumps). This happens when shaving damages hair follicles. Inflammation, discomfort, and redness on rough skin result.
Ilyas says razor burn is a catch-all word for several shaving triggers. Examples:
- The razor's nicks. Too-close shaving can harm hair and skin, she says. You shave off keratin and the epidermis, leaving raw skin like a burn.
- Razor-cut flaky skin. Dry skin is flaky or scaly. She says shaving dry skin can cause razor burn.
- Ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs and razor burn often occur concurrently. With a close shave that leaves the chopped hair end under the skin, growing hairs might cause pimples. Shaving can worsen these elevated patches. Adding bacteria creates irritated, furious follicles.
- Perspiring. Sweat is good for fitness and releasing pheromones, but bad for razor burn. Brennan says sweat irritates and breaks down fragile skin, aggravating razor burn.
If you have razor burn, avoid shaving until you heal. Shaving may not be the ideal solution for people prone to ingrown hairs or with sensitive skin.
Bikini razor burn treatment
Burning up? We've got you. Try this at-home, DIY, deeply soothing ritual:
1. Bathe in oatmeal
If you're burned, try an oatmeal bath. Relax in a bath with 1 to 1 1/2 cups. Jaliman says colloidal oatmeal soothes skin.
15-minute baths soothe skin without drying it out.
2. Apply moisturizing cream
Jaliman recommends a fragrance-free, moisturizing moisturizer for the bikini line.
Cetaphil and other basic formulae work.
3.Get hydrocortisone cream
Jaliman recommends OTC hydrocortisone cream for inflamed skin. Anti-inflammatory helps itching.
Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength is affordable and effective.
4. Aloe-for-the-win
Use your aloe plant! Jaliman says you can use aloe vera gel from the plant or a product. Jaliman recommends fragrance-free gel to avoid skin irritation.
Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel is 100% pure.
5. Tea tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects, says Brennan. She's not recommending putting tea tree oil on your pubic area. Blend it with a carrier oil and undertake a patch test.
Use a tea tree oil blend made for your privates. Fur Oil's popular.
6. Cool compress
Cool compresses minimize swelling and soothe burns. Taking a chilly bath can also be soothing.
Shaving alternatives
Shaving making your skin (and temper) red? Some advise against shaving your pubes because it's tough.
Jaliman suggests the following hair removal alternatives:
- Laser depilation. It takes "6 to 8 treatments 1 month apart" to permanently remove hair.
- Waxing. If you wax professionally, you're less likely to acquire ingrown hairs than shave.
- Depilatories. Chemical depilatories like Nairare still work well for removing pubic hair.
Another Greatist-approved option is sugaring.
Takeaway
Common razor burn can be prevented and treated.
It usually resolves itself. Colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and other fragrance-free hydrating components can help.
Changing your razor often, keeping it clean, and shaving with the grain can prevent future problems.
