Let’s face it, one of the biggest bugbears of shaving is razor rash! You know those angry red bumps that appear and ruin those freshly shaved legs, our worst nightmare! Or that hot feeling rash that shows up on date night after de-fluffing your bikini line, the worst! You don’t have to suffer razor rash any longer, we have the tips to treat your shaving rash nightmare.
Shaving rash is about as welcome as a cold nosed dog in a nudist camp! Let’s face it you’re shaving to feel or look good so why does it always seem to strike at the worst possible time? When you pull out the cutest dress, ready for that date you’ve been looking forward to all week? When you are getting trim and tidy for summer to strut in the sand in that killer bikini, honestly, whenever it strikes it is inconvenient, irritating, and uncomfortable! Sounds like we are describing an ex doesn’t it? But no matter what the skin type or how sensitive your skin is, everyone deserves a rash free shave.
Here are our expert tips, tricks and products to prevent razor burn, rid the rash and get the shave of your dreams. But first let’s understand razor, bumps, shaving rash and burn on a deeper level.
What is razor burn or shaving rash?
To avoid them first we need to understand what on earth they are. Shaving rash, razor bumps, razor spots or the enemy, whichever you choose to call it there is no denying they are all irritating but what exactly are they and are they different?
Shaving bumps or spots are not to be confused with shaving rash or razor burn. Razor burn is irritation caused by friction of the razor pulling against the skin, this can result in itching, redness, burning and stinging sensations. Doesn’t sound pleasant does it! However, this is different to razor bumps or shaving spots.
What are razor bumps?
Razor bumps are small red spots that appear post-shaving. Ingrown hairs, scientifically named folliculitis, where the hair curls under the skin instead of finding its way to the surface. Occasionally these bumps can become infected with a buildup of bacteria beneath the skin's surface, this can form a spot or pimple that will disappear after a few days. If the hair breaks through it can become an inflamed spot or pimple that becomes sore and painful to the touch. Ingrown hairs occur when hair is cut too short (often pulling the skin taut as you shave) or when you remove hair improperly (i.e failing to prepare the skin), they can happen anywhere, legs, underarms, face, and pubic area. Ouch!
Why do I get razor burn after shaving?
The most common cause for razor rash is dry shaving! Failing to soften hairs and open pores with warm water will make the shave much harder on your skin, add to this the lack of protective barrier with a shave cream and you really are opening yourself up for a world of pain and an unsightly rash and nobody wants that. Another cause is too much pressure, if you have the right tools for the job the shave will be effortless and only the lightest, fewest strokes will be required.
Why do I get razor bumps after shaving?
Razor bumps are often caused by blunt, dull razor blades, blunt blades are more likely to cause nicks to the skin, these nicks allow bacteria in, causing a red inflamed bump. Also, if you are using blunt blades the hair removal is less effective therefore resulting in you revisiting the same areas causing increased friction against the skin leading to irritation. Another common cause is failing to prepare the skin before shaving, a pre exfoliant is your best friend when it comes to preventing pesky ingrown hairs. Shaving against the direction of hair growth is another cause, so when it comes to your legs, contrary to popular belief, shave in downward strokes.
Who knew shaving was such a minefield? We did! Fortunately, we’re experts in this stuff and are here to share our wisdom.
How long do razor bumps last?
Fortunately, these bothersome bumps usually disappear in a few days, if not too severe it can be as little as a few hours, especially if you avoid the urge to pick at them. To help them disappear sooner we recommend letting the area breathe, so no creams, make up etc and avoid the urge to reach for that razor again until you have read our top tips for the best shave. If you really are suffering from the burn and bumps then follow these top tips to help soothe irritated skin.
How do you get rid of shaving rash and razor bumps?
You’ll be pleased to hear there are a number of things you can do to help alleviate irritated skin caused by razor rash.
- Applying a cold compress – this will help cool and calm and soothe the skin.
- Use Vitamin E – Vitamin E is great for helping skin keep its moisture and protects skin cells from further damage, FFS blades have a Vitamin E moisturising strip built in.
- Taking a break from shaving – Allow your skin to breath and calm for a few days before attempting to shave again.
- Conditioning the skin - Skin will become dry so it is important to keep the affected area well moisturised – avoid lotions with perfumes that could cause further irritation, use something gentle like a shea butter enriched formula
- Soaking in an oatmeal bath - Oatmeal is known to alleviate dryness and itching so it is a great way to soothe irritated angry skin and soothe away those razor bumps and burns. And who doesn’t love an excuse to take a long relaxing bath and binge on Bridgerton?
Here are the 7 shaving sins you might be committing
- 1. I don’t have time - We hear you; we feel you, but dry shaving is a no, no! Dry shaving is bad for your skin, it increases friction, irritates skin and can cause damage. Adding warm water will open your pores creating an easy shave.
- 2. Skipping the shave cream or gel - Yes, it’s an extra step but it serves a purpose, a good shave cream or shaving gel will be packed with moisturising ingredients and will create a slippery barrier between skin and blade, meaning less friction.
- 3. Under pressure - Gently does it, if you have the right tools for the job the razor will do the work for you and you do not need to add unnecessary pressure, which for us sensitive types is never a good thing.
- 4. Blunt blades - Not sure when you last changed your blade? Don’t risk it! Change it! Rusty old razors are a recipe for nicks, cuts and bacteria build up – Yuk!
- 5. Against the grain - We know you have seen many a TV and, show or movie with people shaving in upwards strokes. Don’t do it! Go with the hair growth, always. Legs, face, armpits, bikini line or toes, always in the direction of hair growth please, your skin will thank you.
- 6. Avoiding to rinse - Think your done already? Remember to rinse thoroughly to remove loose hair, we recommend using cold water, hear us out, we don’t like the cold either but this step will really help to close the pores, which means smooth skin and less chance of bacteria build up.
- 7. Don’t go thirsty – Give your skin a little moisture top-up, something rich and nourishing packed with emollients like vitamin E and shea butter will be your friend, you skin will lap up that goodness and be left glowing.
How to avoid razor bumps and shaving rash
Follow these steps and we can guarantee you will say goodbye to razor bumps for good and hello to the silky smooth, cared for skin you deserve!
Prep
So important, you wouldn’t apply your foundation without moisturising first, would you? Exfoliating is super important; it will help release potential ingrown hair and lift away dead skin cells that can clog your razor. Exfoliate your skin with FFS shave scrub this gentle natural exfoliator contains walnut shell which helps lift away dead skin cells and reduce ingrown hairs. It also contains one of our favourite ingredients, Salicylic acid which is great and unclogging pores and alleviating razor bumps.
Open pores
It's important to open your pores with warm water, this will help you get a closer shave and softens the hair follicles.
Avoid Dull Razors
If you shave with a dull blade, you’re likely going to experience irritation. A dull blade will snag at hairs, plus it will likely have millions of bacteria built up on it which will transfer straight onto your skin (no thank you). This can cause severe irritation and even infection if getting into a nick or cut.
Remember, when shaving, the blade should always do most of the work for you – if it’s not then it’s time for a new blade.
Lubricate
Apply a generous layer of moisture, our natural shave cream is non drying and transparent so you can see exactly where you are shaving, it is packed with shea butter and almond oil & coconut oil to leave your skin soft and smooth after shaving but also contains witch hazel that helps prevent razor rash, it’s a natural astringent and can reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Direction
One way street – pull your razor in the direction of hair growth only, our 6 blade heads make it possible to be hairless in the fewest strokes possible.
Rinse
Rinse away the fluff, adding a cold-water rinse will close pores and reduce the risk of irritation and bacteria build up.
Sooth
Apply a soothing post shave balm, ours contains Manuka honey known for its antibacterial properties which is great for fighting bacteria. It is also packed with skin loving and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butte, almond oil (which is packed with moisture rich vitamin E) to leave your legs super soft and bump free.
Replace
Lastly switch it up! It’s so important to change your blades regularly, you should get between 4-7 shaves per blade with FFS if you care for them correctly. And when you’re done you can send them back to us to be recycled.
