If shaving is your style, it’s time to get serious about soothing the inevitable razor burn. No matter how much body hair you choose to remove (if any at all), nobody enjoys those itchy red bumps or ingrown hairs that appear after the act. Luckily, a solution is already sitting in your kitchen. So whether it's on your legs, armpits, or bikini area, we have the razor burn home remedies you’re looking for.
"Several factors can cause razor burn," says Candace Marino. "Shaving without a lubricant, shaving in the wrong direction, using an old or clogged razor, using dull blades, shaving too quickly." Ahead, Marino shares her seven favorite home remedies for razor burn.
Keep scrolling to discover the best recipes for soothing your skin after shaving.
01: TRY AN EPSOM SALT SCRUB
Why It Works: A salt-based exfoliator is great for warding off ingrown hairs before they start for those with oilier or acne-prone skin.
How to Make It: For ingrown hair on the body, like the legs or bikini area, soak in the tub with two cups of Epsom salt.
02: OR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Why It Works: Apple cider vinegar comprises anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that work to soothe itchy, irritated skin. Black tea bags are also great for razor burns as they contain tannic acid, which alleviates irritated skin.
How to Make It: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and dab a cotton ball in the solution. Apply the vinegar to the affected area, and let it dry naturally. While the vinegar is drying on the skin, dip a black tea bag into hot water for a few minutes. Remove the tea bag from the hot water and place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Then, massage it into the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat several times a day for quick relief.
(Note: People with sensitive skin should avoid this method.)
03: SOFTEN SKIN WITH COCONUT OIL
Why It Works: Coconut oil is a great skin softener and helps do away with dry and hard skin conditions, and honey is known for its antibacterial properties. By combining both with an exfoliating substance, such as sugar, you can successfully scrape off excess dead skin cells without irritating your skin.
How to Make It: Mix four tablespoons of coconut oil with one tablespoon of honey, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and two tablespoons of white sugar. Apply the scrub to the affected area and let sit for 10 minutes. Wash the scrub off with warm water.
04: CALM INFLAMMATION WITH TEA TREE OIL
Why It Works: Tea tree oil contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, while olive oil has a rich fatty acid content that helps smooth the skin.
How to Make It: Mix one tablespoon of olive oil with five drops of tea tree oil. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture to the affected area. Let sit for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water.
05: CREATE A SOOTHING OATMEAL PASTE
Why It Works: Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory properties and soothing properties that help to lessen irritation and inflammation that are caused by razor bumps. The probiotics in yogurt will help restore the skin's protective barrier and increase hydration.
How to Make It: Mix equal portions of ground oatmeal and plain yogurt in a bowl. Next, add one teaspoon of honey to the mixture. Apply the paste to the affected area and let dry for about 30 minutes. Wash the paste off with warm water. Repeat twice a day for three days.
06: COOL OFF WITH CUCUMBER AND MILK
Why It Works: Not only do cucumbers have a cooling effect, they also contain vitamin C, which aids in skin restoration. Milk works to soothe the skin, thanks to its fat and protein content.
How to Make It: Peel one cucumber, add it to 1/4 cup of milk, and mix in a blender. Place the purée in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and then apply to the affected area. Let sit for 10 minutes, then wash the area with warm water.
07: OR TRY THIS STRAWBERRY MIXTURE
Why It Works: Strawberries have anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat razor bumps, and the fats in the sour cream will help to coat and soothe the skin.
How to Make It: Mash a few strawberries with a small amount of sour cream, and mix properly. Apply the paste to the affected area and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash the paste off with cold water, and pat dry.
08: FOR THE LESS DIY-INCLINED, TRY THIS OVER-THE-COUNTER GEL
SHAVEWORKS THE COOL FIX $26
Try a soothing gel to target ingrown hairs, razor bumps, razor burn, and redness. The formula below combines chemical exfoliators (glycolic and salicylic acids) to help release trapped hairs and kill bacteria while offering soothing relief to irritated patches with boerhavia root extract.
To prevent razor burn from forming in the first place, Marino recommends that you "use a clean, sharp razor. Use a good lubricant, like a shaving cream or rich soap... I actually like shea butter cream."
This article was originally published on byrdie.com.
