What to do if pimples appear after shaving: effective tips. How to relieve skin irritation after shaving
Severe irritation after shaving is a problem familiar to many, and both men and women suffer from it. Of course, those who say that the cause of such trouble is sensitive skin are right.
But not only. Razor-free shaving can be a reality for almost anyone if you follow certain rules. Let's talk about how to avoid irritation after shaving.
In order to understand how to deal with irritation after shaving, you must first understand.
If we put aside subjective factors (some people have more sensitive skin, others less), the following remains:
- an unpleasant reaction occurs due to the fact that we scrape the machine on unprepared skin;
- irritation is the price to pay for saving on good cosmetics or making the wrong choice (each skin type has its own products);
- using a dull blade is a direct path to rashes and redness;
- the reason may also be non-compliance with hygiene rules during shaving;
- you also need to move the machine correctly, otherwise skin problems may arise;
- Too short periods of time between shaving and the next shave can lead to an undesirable reaction: by tormenting the skin too often, we simply do not allow it to recover;
- Finally, sometimes the choice of the time of day when we perform the hair removal procedure, as well as what we are going to do in the next few hours after that, matters.
Thus, the first thing that helps with irritation after shaving is proper organization of the process. Learn to shave correctly, don't skimp on yourself - and constant irritation after shaving will be a thing of the past!
How it manifests itself
Unpleasant consequences after hair removal on the body can manifest themselves in different ways: usually we feel unpleasant itching and observe redness, the appearance of red spots and even pustules, as well as dryness and flaking of the skin.
Itching after shaving occurs due to the fact that during the depilation process (dry skin or using a dull blade) we break the top layer of the epidermis. The body's reaction to such intervention is increased blood flow and vasodilation, as a result we feel itching.
Sometimes, wanting to alleviate an unpleasant condition, a person begins to rub himself with a hard washcloth. This is a big mistake. What you definitely cannot do if your skin itches after shaving is rubbing and combing the inflamed area, otherwise the itching will only intensify, and additional problems will be added to it - redness, inflammation and wounds.
So, redness usually occurs when we comb or rub damaged and weakened areas of the skin after hair removal.
Inflammation, pimples and pustules after shaving are most often evidence of infection in wounds on the skin. Red dots are manifestations of ingrown hairs.
If your skin becomes dry and flaky after shaving, you are probably drying it out with incorrectly selected cosmetics (for or after depilation).
Important! Any negative skin reaction to depilation using a machine can have the simplest explanation: perhaps this is an expression of an allergic reaction of the body to the gel, liquid soap, lotion or cream that you use during the procedure (more precisely, to some component contained in such products ). Just try using cosmetics from a different company or with a different composition - there is a chance that the problem will disappear.
However, in general, those who are puzzling over how to remove irritation after shaving should first of all understand that all the methods invented by mankind can only help to a certain extent.
Cutting body hair with a sharp blade that comes into direct contact with the epidermis is an unnatural procedure, and, therefore, a negative reaction from the body, on the contrary, is quite normal.
But since civilization and socially accepted rules of decency leave us no choice, all we can do is try to minimize the unpleasant consequences of depilation by helping our body cope with this stress.
How to get rid of "troubles"
So, if severe irritation occurs after shaving, what should you do? The best thing, of course, is to prevent the problem from occurring, and there are some nuances depending on where in the body it occurs.
On the face
Irritation on the face after shaving is, of course, predominantly a male problem (women shave their faces rarely and in much smaller areas).
First of all, the stronger half needs to realize that good cosmetics are by no means a woman’s prerogative. Lathering your cheeks with laundry soap and scrubbing them with Soviet-style Neva is not our method!
If you've tried a lot of expensive gels and still prefer three-day stubble, because after the barre your face looks like a red mask, try changing your approach.
Dermatologists advise picking up a razor not in the morning, as is usually customary, but in the evening, after a warm, relaxing bath and before going to bed.
In this case, having received inevitable stress, your epidermis will have enough time for normal and calm recovery. If, having scratched your face, you immediately go to work (or somewhere else), the skin receives a “control” shot in the form of contact with city dust and dirt, a mass of microbes teeming in the air, as well as low or high temperatures, equally harmful to the skin.
On foot
It usually occurs due to our haste and carelessness. The skin in these areas does not look particularly delicate, and sometimes we allow ourselves to literally scrape it on the go with a used disposable machine, which we cannot use on more sensitive areas, and would be a pity to throw away. And if, in addition, you shave without using gel, on dry skin, the problem will not be long in coming.
Therefore, the best way to prevent it is to treat the skin on your feet the same way as on other parts of your body.
Did you know? Today, walking around with unshaven legs is considered indecent for a woman. But just recently, literally a few decades ago, the situation was completely opposite. In America and Europe, not to mention the Soviet Union, where, as we know, there was no sex at all, women with smooth legs were treated almost like prostitutes. In any case, they were considered vicious and accessible, which repelled many men (however, others, on the contrary, were attracted to them).
There is another tip on how to relieve irritation after shaving on large areas, such as legs or arms. Make compresses with lemon or lime juice. A shock dose of ascorbic acid should kill any bacteria that are on the surface of the body and can penetrate the skin through microcracks caused by depilation, causing an inflammatory process.
After watching this video, you can avoid common mistakes when shaving your legs:
In the armpit area
Irritation after shaving underarms has its reasons. In addition to the fact that the skin in these areas is very delicate, they are constantly closed and poorly ventilated. In addition, sweat glands are located here, and sweat is an independent skin irritant.
In conditions of limited access to oxygen and profuse sweating, the number of pathogenic bacteria on the skin begins to increase very quickly.
Penetrating into the deeper layers of the epidermis through microcracks resulting from the impact of the blade, These bacteria provoke inflammation.
In addition, in order to get rid of the unpleasant odor of sweat, we often use deodorants and antiperspirants in these areas, again causing irritation on the skin that has become thin after the razor.
It’s difficult to say how to quickly relieve irritation after shaving in these areas, but to avoid it, in addition to following the general rules, which we will discuss below, you need to:
- avoid excessive sweating at least during the first days after the procedure;
- pay special attention to the hygiene of the armpits to minimize the number of bacteria appearing there;
- do not use deodorants and antiperspirants immediately after depilation and give preference to dry products (pencils or powders);
- wear underwear and clothes made from high quality natural fabrics;
- If the problem cannot be solved, you may need to consider other methods of removing armpit hair that have a longer-term effect (for example, laser hair removal).
In the intimate area
A nightmare for most women, especially in the summer, when unwanted hair in the intimate area prevents them from wearing an open swimsuit, and after removing it, the delicate skin looks so that its pristine “beauty” seems much more decent!
Redness after depilation in the bikini area and pubic area means that due to improper implementation of the procedure itself or subsequent rehabilitation measures, the cut hairs began to grow inward.
The best remedy for irritation after shaving in the bikini area is a gentle peeling.
Moreover, this procedure must be carried out both the day before and the day after depilation.
Imagine that you cut a hair at skin level. The bulb and the lower part of the hair remained intact.
Subsequently, the pores are closed, the skin is restored, and the hair simply cannot break through, although its growth continues.
In this case, the direction of growth changes, the tip of the hair curls inward, and multiple red dots appear on the skin.
With the help of peeling, we remove dead skin cells, its surface becomes more delicate, and growing hairs come out in the “right” direction without any problems.
In addition to ingrown hairs, an unpleasant reaction to depilation in the bikini area often occurs due to the fact that the skin in this area is practically never open; moreover, it is constantly in a state of friction with the tissue, and not always natural.
At the same time, hair grows very quickly here, and especially during the holiday season on the sea coast, you have to remove it almost every other day. Thus, the skin experiences a double load, as a result, redness can develop into purulent wounds, the treatment of which already requires medical intervention.
Important! If irritation in the bikini area is a common condition for you, avoid synthetic underwear if possible, and choose only the highest quality swimwear.
Tips for depilating “tender” areas in this video:
Peculiarities
Irritation after shaving occurs equally often in both women and men, but nevertheless, these manifestations have their own characteristics in each gender. First of all, of course, this is due to the fact that hair removal itself does not occur in the same way for men and women: men overwhelmingly shave their faces and necks, and are forced to do this regularly; for women, depilation is a more varied process, but also less frequent .
Among women
Women's skin is very different in structure from men's.
Did you know? Under the influence of male sex hormones, in particular testosterone, men's skin is almost half as dense and thick as women's. The amount of collagen responsible for skin elasticity is greater in men, so women begin to notice the first wrinkles on their faces much earlier. But the smaller number of capillaries in women's skin explains the fact that women are much less likely to experience unnatural redness of the face.
Women, due to the peculiarities of their physiology, sweat less (the smell of sweat is one of the ways to attract the opposite sex, such a need in nature is necessary for males, in addition, the female body is designed to a lesser extent than the male body for hard work).
As already said, Excessive sweating is one of the causes of irritation of the epidermis.
In addition, if men, as a rule, shave only their faces, then women have to remove hair from different parts of the body, including those where the skin is especially thin and sensitive (bikini area, armpits, area near the eyes, etc.) .
All these nuances and differences between women’s skin and men’s skin prompted manufacturers of well-known brands of shaving cosmetics to separately highlight the women’s segment.
In particular, shaving foams and gels produced specifically for the fairer sex take into account their use not only on more delicate skin than that of men, but also on its more delicate areas.
Find out what dermatologists advise by watching the video:
In men
The main feature of men's shaving is, as has been said, its regularity. Many representatives of the stronger sex, especially those occupying public positions, are forced to scrape their cheeks every day, observing the rules of the dress code. It is clear that it is very difficult for the body to withstand such a load.
This is interesting! The need for daily shaving, along with the difficulty of tying a tie, fear of impotence, baldness and painful manifestations of prostatitis are among the top 5 reasons why men believe that life in the world is harder for them than for women.
So, if a woman can afford to stop fighting unwanted hair for a few days to let her skin calm down (and many of the fair sex don’t “bother” about this at all in the winter, when their legs are protected by tights, the beaches are closed, the maximum is that you can shave a couple once a week - this is the axillary area, so that sweat does not linger), then for men such breaks are an unaffordable luxury.
Unfortunately, there is only one way out: take serious care of your face, without fear of being suspected of unconventional inclinations. Looking healthy is quite traditional!
If the skin is not overdried and saturated with nutrients, it will be much easier for it to tolerate the mechanical impact of a razor blade.
Facial care should be regular, not occasional, and should not be limited to using a good gel and aftershave cream. Otherwise, such care will not have any effect.
Important! Lotions and other products containing alcohol dry out the skin, so men should not use them. A large number of plants have antibacterial properties, and they should be looked for in cosmetics. This could be chamomile, calendula, green tea, aloe vera, etc.
They help like nothing else remove redness after shaving fruit or, as they are also called, alpha hydroxy acids(glycolic, lactic, apple, lemon, etc.), which perfectly replace peeling and kill any infection. In addition, the skin needs vitamins, which can be consumed both in their natural form and used as components of facial cosmetics. Adding panthenol to the men's line also makes it easy to relieve all unpleasant symptoms after shaving.
Useful information for men in the video:
Popular means
Our unfortunate grandparents, who lived in an era of total shortage and complete isolation from world cosmetic innovations and therefore had nothing at hand with which to anoint irritation after shaving, used for these purposes (and, admittedly, not unsuccessfully) the usual zinc ointment, which cost mere pennies.
Now we have a much wider choice.
Let's immediately make a reservation that some ointments for irritation after shaving contain hormones.
Such remedies may seem very effective, but before using them you must consult a doctor and undergo appropriate tests, otherwise the problem may worsen to the point of purulent inflammation.
Also Caution should be exercised when disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide. Like alcohol, this product dries out the skin greatly and is not suitable for everyone.
It is much safer to use ointments and creams against irritation after shaving, containing natural ingredients - chamomile, calendula, aloe vera, etc.. Components such as salicylic or glyceric acid have also proven themselves well.
A popular remedy for redness is hydrocortisone (it comes in both ointment and cream).
Natural oils soothe and nourish the skin well, but they can cause an allergic reaction.
Did you know? On every square centimeter of our epidermis there are more than thirty million different bacteria, which under normal conditions do not cause us any harm.
Irritation after shaving does not go away
A few words about how to get rid of redness and itching after shaving if traditional remedies have failed.
As usual, traditional medicine comes to the rescue in such cases.
It was already mentioned above how Aloe vera juice has a soothing effect on the skin.
This flower can be seen as a houseplant on the windowsills of many city apartments. We cut the sheet, spread it across into two plates and apply it to the problem area.
Chamomile, calendula, celandine, string, oak bark are wonderful natural antiseptics, which in dried form can be easily purchased both at the pharmacy and at the market.
This herb is steamed, filtered and used either as baths or compresses, or frozen and then rubbed over the area of irritation with healing ice cubes.
The decoction can also be prepared from very improvised means - the usual parsley or fir cones (freshly picked).
If natural medicines confuse you for some reason, mix an ampoule "Aevita" with almond or peach oil and wipe your skin with the resulting product. Homemade ointment can be made by grinding several tablets of cheap aspirin with any fatty base (vaseline, pork or badger fat, sunflower, olive or other vegetable oil).
Important! However, if no rubbing or lotions reduce the irritation, you should look for another cause of the problem. It’s not for nothing that the skin is called the mirror of health; perhaps the cause of redness is not at all in depilation, but in some kind of disease that reveals itself with such symptoms.
In other words, if nothing helps, consult a doctor!
How to prevent irritation after shaving
No matter how many ways humanity has invented to get rid of redness and itching, preventing the problem is much easier than treating irritation after shaving later, even with the most modern and safe means.
Remember a few simple rules which must be observed at all times and under all circumstances.
- A disposable machine can be used no more than three times, regardless of what area of the body you are treating.
- A dull blade is the main enemy of the skin! Changing them regularly, despite the high cost, is a must. Try to give preference to expensive machines; it is also good if the blade has a moisturizing strip with aloe extract.
- An electric razor can only touch absolutely dry skin, while a razor can only touch wet skin that must be covered with foam or gel.
- Wash the machine and blade before, after and during use to avoid transferring germs from one area of the skin to another. A blade sanitized with alcohol immediately after use will give you several extra shaves with it, as the alcohol will dissolve any remaining hair, skin, and dirt, preventing it from hardening on the blade, and it will stay sharp a little longer.
- Do not try to replace shaving foam with regular soap, it dries out the skin.
- Use high-quality cosmetics that suit your skin type.
- Do peeling before the procedure and a day after it, this will protect you from ingrown hairs.
- Do not use antimicrobials as a preventive measure for irritation; they are only appropriate for treatment.
- For better razor glide, if your skin is super sensitive, choose a gel containing silicone.
- Lightly, but not too much, steam the skin before depilation by taking a warm bath or using a hot compress (a wet towel will do), then lubricate with shaving gel or foam and wait a little until it softens the skin (just do not let the product dry).
- Warm up the razor before shaving in warm water and wet it as often as possible, so it will glide better and germs that get on it will not spread to other areas.
- The movement of the machine should be carried out in the direction of hair growth, and not vice versa, as we often do, to “make it faster.”
- Do not rub your skin after depilation, rinse it with cool water and only then carefully dry it with a clean towel.
- Store the razor with the blade facing up to prevent it from becoming dull.
Unfortunately, only a lucky few manage to not experience any discomfort after shaving. However, knowledge of the basic rules of hygiene, depilation technology and the peculiarities of skin care after hair removal, as practice shows, allows, if not completely eliminating irritation and itching after shaving, then at least minimizing the problem. And if you're lucky - almost to zero!
Shaving for men and depilation for women is an important hygienic procedure. Although…
After hair removal, your legs may become irritated. The injured upper layer of the epidermis sometimes reacts with red...
Almost every man has experienced irritation after shaving. How to get rid of this problem or prevent it? More on this later.
If a man shaves, he has probably encountered skin problems
Where does irritation after shaving come from?
To answer this question, you need to pay attention to theory. Under normal conditions, the outer layer of skin, or epidermis, performs a barrier function. It protects the body from the penetration of foreign agents, such as microorganisms or dirt. The strength of the barrier depends on many factors, including the normal secretory activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands, the thickness of the epidermis and its ability to retain moisture.
Shaving negatively affects all these factors. How does this happen?
When in contact with the face, the blade removes more than just hair. It removes the layer of epidermis. The skin inevitably receives microtraumas that are not visible. Finally, due to contact with foam, the epidermis is subject to alkaline attack. Soap or cream washes away the protective secretion of the sweat and sebaceous glands from its surface.
As a result, the protective and barrier properties of the epidermis are lost. Thinning and injury to the outer layer opens the gates for microorganisms. Normally, their ability to reproduce is limited by the secretion of the sebaceous and sweat glands. And after shaving, the number of microbes increases sharply. They cause inflammation, which manifests itself as redness, pustules and itching.
Due to dehydration, the ability of the epidermis to regenerate is reduced. Compared to other parts of the body, the outer layer of skin on the face is already thinner. Shaving makes it thinner even more.
Another cause of irritation is shaving too aggressively. If you shave against the grain or use a razor with multiple blades, you may be cutting the hair too close to the skin. In this case, the hair may not grow outward, but inside the epidermis. The body reacts to this with inflammation. As a result, you see pustules and redness on your face and neck. Dermatologists consider this situation a disease. It is called pseudofolliculitis barbae.
What is pseudofolliculitis of beard hair?
This is an inflammatory disease caused by constant trauma to the epidermis during shaving and ingrown hairs. The ICD-10 code is L 73.1. Pseudofolliculitis must be distinguished from true beard folliculitis or sycosis. The main cause of this disease is considered to be bacterial flora that lives on the skin. In practice, only a doctor can distinguish pseudofolliculitis from true folliculitis.
Manifestations of pseudofolliculitis barbae The disease is manifested by the appearance of pustules in the shaving area. If you look closely, near each lesion there is a hair that has grown into the skin. It causes an inflammatory reaction and creates conditions favorable for the development of microorganisms.
Psephdofolliculitis can develop not only on the face. It appears on any part of the body that a person shaves. For example, ladies sometimes experience irritation after shaving and pustules on their legs and bikini area.
Before returning to classic shaving, I had terrible irritation on my face and neck. It bothered me so much that I had to see a dermatologist. The doctor diagnosed pseudofolliculitis. The specialist recommended shaving only according to hair growth. He also prescribed an antibacterial cream.
After the first application of the antibiotic cream, the condition of the skin improved significantly. After a week there were no signs of irritation on my face. But I was happy early. A couple of days after stopping the use of the medicine, irritation and pustules appeared again.
How to avoid irritation after shaving
Ancient doctors said that a small drop of prevention is always better than a huge barrel of medicine. This means that it is easier to prevent problems than to try to fix them.
My recipe for dealing with irritation includes several points. They are listed below.
Skin preparation
The quality of shaving depends on the preparatory stage. Before the procedure, it is necessary to moisturize the epidermis as much as possible and soften the bristles. This problem can be solved with warm water and soap. The detergent washes away fat, which prevents moisture from entering the epidermis and hair. And warm water expands the pores and makes the skin elastic. Due to this, it is less injured when in contact with the blade.
I usually try to shave after I shower. If you don't have time to shower, you can try steaming your face with a towel soaked in hot water. I don’t really like this method, because I don’t like to bother with drying and washing towels.
For preparation, you can also use preshave: creams, lotions or oils. Proraso pre-shave cream does an excellent job of moisturizing the epidermis. Please note that it is enough to apply it to the face once before the first pass in a thin layer. This cosmetic does not create any shields or barriers between the face and the blade. The purpose of the preshave is to quickly moisturize the skin and make it elastic.
Dense and moist foam
The quality of the foam determines the hydration and protection of the epidermis during shaving. I like the foam to be thick and moist. To get the desired consistency, do not skimp on cream or soap and water. You also need to spend time whipping the foam.
How to check that you have the right foam consistency? I use a simple test: the shaving brush should stand firmly in the bowl without support from the walls. If the brush tilts and falls, you need to add a little cream and beat the foam again.
Don't forget about the quality of the shaving product. The main selection criterion is that it should suit you. If the shaving area does not become inflamed after the procedure, cream or soap is suitable for you.
If you have sensitive skin and can't handle the irritation, try non-foaming shaving products. They do not contain alkali, which negatively affects the condition of the epidermis. This allows your skin to respond better to non-foaming cream than to regular soap.
Do not shave with canned products. Aerosol cosmetics do a very poor job of moisturizing the epidermis. It may also contain aggressive chemicals. Finally, the funds from the cylinders run out very quickly. This has nothing to do with shaving irritation, but can irritate your family due to the high costs of cosmetics.
The right razor
You will have to choose the appropriate machine yourself. Moreover, in different hands the same razor can turn out to be a bloody and traumatic instrument or a delicate accessory.
The R89 closed head is the least suitable for me. She is very soft. This is her cunning. To achieve an acceptable close shave, you have to make extra strokes and even passes. This often causes redness of the skin and bloody spots.
Paradoxically, with the R41 head I injure my face less. Perhaps the secret is that with this aggressive razor you can get a clean shave in two passes with virtually no touch-ups. But the 41st head has its drawbacks.
Firstly, it cuts off too much of the epidermis and also removes stubble too close to the skin. Sometimes this leads to the appearance of ingrown hairs and pustules. Secondly, not every person can handle daily use of R41.
Merkur 37c and Muhle R41 suited me You can try to find a middle ground between the soft R89 and the aggressive R41. These could be Merkur and Fatip open heads, different slant options or machines with adjustable aggression.
Suitable Blade
Here you will also have to experiment. Blades with a balance shifted towards aggressiveness suit me. This is Astra green, Bic Chrome Platinum, Gillette Silver Blue. I'm enjoying Feather. But sometimes troubles happen to it: the “feather” cuts off some invisible irregularities on the skin, which is why red dots appear.
ASP is one of my favorite blades I am not friendly with soft blades like Muhle. With them you have to do more strokes to achieve a normal close shave. Because of this, severe irritation appears on the face. And if you try to “chase” missing hairs with blades that are not sharp enough, this is a direct path to cuts and pustules.
What else do you need to know about Rapiers and Satellites? Don't set records for the number of procedures with one blade. It's better to change it ahead of time. This ensures a sharp cutting edge. In addition, after shaving, a little foam and skin particles remain on the blades. You don't see them, but for microbes they become an excellent breeding ground. If the machine is stored in a damp place at a suitable temperature, such as a bathroom, entire colonies of bacteria will develop on the blade.
Shaving technique
- Shave with short strokes.
- Do not press on the machine.
- Try to limit yourself to two passes: along the growth and across the growth of the bristles.
- Maintain an angle of attack of about 30°. Read more about choosing an angle.
- Stretch the skin as necessary to effectively remove hair in the folds.
Irritation is caused by injuries to the skin due to strong pressure on the razor. An angle of attack that is too sharp will result in cuts, while an angle that is too blunt will reduce shaving efficiency.
Find a suitable contact angle Ingrown hairs often appear after shaving against the growth of the stubble. In this situation, you cut the hair too close to the skin and also injure the follicles. Because of this, stubble may grow not upward, but to the side. As a result, inflammation and pustules appear.
What to do with an ingrown hair? Try to gently release it using clean tweezers or a needle from a disposable syringe. In this case, you must not injure the skin. Do not pull out hair or try to shave it off at any cost. If you carefully pull the ingrown end of the stubble out, the inflammation will subside literally within a few hours.
Alum stone
For me, alunite has become a real godsend in the fight against redness and itching. Alum has a slight antimicrobial effect. Thanks to this, when using the stone, the manifestations of inflammation are reduced.
I use alum like this: after the procedure, I wash off the remaining foam, place the stone under a stream of cold water and treat the area of the Adam's apple and neck. After three or four minutes, I wash my face again with cool water and apply aftershave.
Aftershave
Don't look for a magic cream or balm for irritation. Better try to find a moisturizer that suits you. It’s good if it contains natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, for example, chamomile flower extract. If your skin often reacts to contact with the blade with inflammation, do not use products containing alcohol.
Nivea balm is an excellent aftershave Remember, no balm alone can cope with skin irritation. This problem must be dealt with comprehensively. After shaving, the main thing is hydration. Moisturized skin recovers faster and copes with inflammation more easily.
Shaving frequency
Sometimes, to combat irritation, it is necessary to reduce the frequency of contact of the blade with the skin for a while. If you shave every day, limit yourself to shaving every other day for a month. During this time, your skin will recover, and the signs of inflammation will disappear or at least decrease.
How to deal with irritation after shaving
It is easier to prevent any problem than to deal with its consequences. Try to avoid irritation with a proper shaving approach. Carefully prepare the epidermis and stubble for the procedure, choose, do not shave against the hair growth. Use alum stone and a good moisturizer.
Don't forget that every person's skin is different. Therefore, look for comfortable shaving methods that suit you and allow you to avoid serious inflammatory reactions. By the way, do not hesitate to contact a dermatologist if you cannot cope with irritation for a long time, and its inflammation causes you not only cosmetic inconvenience.
Facial irritation after shaving can “undo” all a man’s heroic efforts to look good. Red, raw skin covered with small pimples - oh, this is irritation! After reading this article, men will no longer look with horror at their reflection in the mirror.
If you get up in the morning with a swollen face, then shaving at this time is strictly prohibited. Lymph that has accumulated under the skin will certainly cause external irritation. Postpone shaving until later in the day or evening. And be sure to establish and eliminate the cause of morning facial swelling. Severe skin irritation is caused by the use of electric razors - refuse such a convenient gadget. It is better to shave with a razor with a blade, but the blades must be of the highest quality. However, like the machine. Do not buy an unknown Chinese brand, but rather a time-tested brand - Schick or Gillette.
- Grind 2 aspirin tablets into powder and add to 50 ml of pharmaceutical glycerin.
- Mix one pharmacy ampoule (1 ml) of vitamins A and E with 50 ml of almond or peach oil.
- Place dried calendula flowers (3 tablespoons) in a thermos (250 ml) and fill with boiling water.
- Finely chop a large bunch of fresh parsley and brew it like tea in half a liter of water.
If none of the remedies to combat facial irritation have helped, go to the doctor. It is possible that the cause of constant irritation on the face lies deep in the body and needs to be eliminated by other methods.
Why does irritation occur after shaving?
Irritation after shaving is a common problem for both men and women. There are many reasons for its manifestation, it could be too sensitive skin, a mediocre shaving machine, bad soap used for shaving, or something else. When shaving, the skin is injured, since its upper part is removed along with the hairs being removed.
To facilitate the shaving process and prevent skin irritation, a certain set of hygiene products is used, which is well known to everyone. However, not everyone uses creams and gels after shaving, which often results in skin irritation. In general, each specific case should be approached individually, and in order to understand how to eliminate the irritation that has arisen, you need to know why it appeared. In addition to the above reasons, skin irritation can occur as a result of using a dull blade during close shaving, too coarse hair that needs to be shaved, as well as soap that dries the skin excessively. Irritation will certainly occur on dry skin, so it is imperative to moisturize it with gels after shaving.
Irritation after shaving my face, what to do?
In order to eliminate irritation that occurs after shaving, you should follow a number of simple recommendations that can significantly alleviate the situation:
- Make a decoction using a parsley leaf placed in one liter of distilled water. After cooling for some time, soak a towel in the broth, then apply the prepared compress to the irritated area for half an hour. You can also use a similar compress made from hop cones;
- It is possible that irritation may appear on the face after shaving, caused by an allergic reaction to food. Moreover, absolutely any product can cause such a reaction; everything is determined by the characteristics of each individual organism. In this case, the product that causes such manifestations should be identified and eliminated from the human diet. The use of antiallergic drugs that can relieve skin irritation may also be recommended. You need to know that antihistamines can also cause allergic rashes on the skin of the face;
- It is possible that irritation may appear on the skin of the face after shaving after using significant amounts of flour, fried or sweet foods. In this case, you should simply adjust the nutritional diet and eliminate all of the above from it;
- harmful substances can be absorbed into the blood if the body is not cleansed in a timely manner as a result of constipation. As a result, intoxication of the body may occur and it will manifest itself as rashes on the skin after shaving. It is necessary to cleanse the body of toxins, after which the process will normalize. Full functioning of the intestinal tract is possible after enema therapy. After removing from the human body all harmful substances that interfere with its full functioning, the problem resolves itself;
- Irritation may occur as a result of contact with various fabrics, plastic and metal products. In this case, you should simply exclude such contacts in the future so as not to aggravate the situation.
As practice shows, eliminating irritations on the face after shaving is an individual task and is determined by each individual situation. In order to cope with irritation, you should find out why it manifested itself in each specific case.
How to get rid of irritation after shaving?
- To effectively eliminate skin irritation after shaving, you can use medications from the pharmacy. You can eliminate the problem by using standard pharmacy aspirin. Crush a couple of tablets in a glass cup, then mix them well with glycerin. The product is rubbed into the skin with simple massage movements. It should not be washed off until the product is absorbed;
- It is widely believed that a good remedy for skin irritation caused by shaving is the use of vitamins A and E. Their use in ampoules is allowed. The vitamin should be mixed with peach or almond oils, then thoroughly rubbed into the skin in areas affected by irritation. It should not be washed off before the product is absorbed;
- It is recommended to add hydrocortisone ointment with a concentration of 1% to the shaving cream. The product can effectively prevent the occurrence of irritation and redness on the face. Since it causes thinning of the skin, it is not recommended to use it very often;
- It is mandatory to use moisturizing ointments and creams after shaving. It should be noted that it is not recommended for men to use women's cosmetics. Remaining fat can clog pores and cause inflammation of the skin; in addition, there is a difference in acidity between drugs for different sexes;
- If there are a lot of pimples and purulent formations on the skin, you should shave with great care. It is recommended to use bactericidal shaving foams containing silicone and triclosan. After shaving, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with a cream containing aloe vera and chamomile, as well as vitamins A and E. They effectively and quickly heal wounds and eliminate the formation of acne on the face.
Homemade face remedy for irritation
At home, using traditional medicine to eliminate irritation on the face after shaving is effective. The natural ingredients in which the described products are rich qualitatively eliminate the problem, returning the skin to a healthy, natural appearance. There are several such remedies; methods for preparing them are outlined below:
- mask made from cottage cheese with the addition of eggs. Two teaspoons are mixed with the yolk of a fresh egg, as well as a teaspoon of vegetable oil. After thoroughly mixing all the components, the mask is applied to the face in an even layer for half an hour;
- mask based on aloe and protein. Crushed aloe leaf is mixed with whipped egg white and two drops of lemon juice are added to the mixture. It is applied to the skin in several layers, each subsequent one must be applied on top of the dried previous one. The procedure is carried out for fifteen minutes, after which the composition must be washed off with warm water;
- mask consisting of sour cream with the addition of parsley. Carefully chopped two branches of parsley are mixed with fat sour cream, in the volume of one teaspoon. The mixture should be applied evenly to the affected areas for at least twenty minutes, then rinsed off with warm water.
Anti-irritation cream after shaving
The question of choosing a cream for irritation after shaving is purely individual. Ultimately, its choice is determined by the type of skin on which it will be applied and its characteristics. For sensitive skin, the use of cream with a high fat content is not recommended; for rough skin, on the contrary, this indicator is not decisive. In most cases, in order to avoid irritation after shaving, it is recommended to use Gillette cream as a universal preparation suitable for most skin types. The cream used in each specific case must perform the function of high-quality moisturizing of the treated skin surface in order to prevent its subsequent drying. If this task is performed, the likelihood of irritation is reduced several times.
How to use aftershave lotion
The use of aftershave lotion can effectively and efficiently soothe the skin, ensure its disinfection, and bring the skin into a state of proper tone. For the most effective use of aftershave lotion, it must be applied correctly. To do this, after the shaving process is completed, it is necessary to thoroughly cleanse the skin. If cuts and abrasions remain on the skin after shaving, the resulting wounds should be cauterized with an alcohol-based solution. If there are still traces of using shaving foam and the corresponding gel on the skin, they should be washed off with warm water. Do not pre-treat skin areas if your aftershave lotion contains alcohol.
After completing the washing procedure, lightly wet your face with a towel. This is necessary because the lotion should be applied to slightly damp skin. When applying the lotion, you should squeeze a certain amount onto your hand, then wet your entire face with it, evenly rubbing the lotion into the skin with light massaging movements.
For the most economical use of aftershave lotion, you should take a certain amount of it on a cotton swab, and then evenly distribute the entire amount over the face area. After finishing rubbing the lotion into the skin of the face, you should give it some time for proper absorption into the skin.
If a person has been carefully monitoring the condition of his own skin on his face for a long time, it will not be very difficult for him to determine the moment when it becomes necessary to apply a certain amount of face cream to the skin after the lotion has been applied evenly and correctly. will be absorbed into the skin. When carrying out such a procedure, you should carefully ensure that the lotion and cream are elements of the same series of manufactured cosmetics.
With all the variety of means for leg hair removal, most women prefer shaving using a machine. The advantages of this method are low cost, painlessness and minimal time consumption. Disadvantages - short-term effect and irritation on the skin. It is almost useless to fight the first problem, but the second can be solved. Let's figure out how to prevent, remove or relieve irritation after shaving your legs.
Causes of leg skin irritation after shaving
Skin rash, redness in certain areas, dryness, flaking, itching are possible consequences of shaving your legs.
These unpleasant phenomena occur due to the fact that during depilation, the thinnest upper layer of the epidermis is removed using a machine.
In damaged tissues, blood flow increases and a local inflammatory process starts.
The problem is often faced by owners of sensitive skin, as well as girls who do not follow the basic rules of shaving their legs.
Factors that may lead to irritation:
- dull razor blade;
- repeated processing of the site;
- shaving without wetting the skin or using special products;
- using soap suds instead of creams - it dries the skin very much;
- ignoring after-depilation care;
- mechanical irritation of the skin after the procedure - wiping with a hard towel, scrubbing, wearing tight clothes;
- daily shaving.
This is what irritation looks like
Before, after and during shaving, it is important to strictly follow the rules of hygiene, which include using a personal clean razor, washing your hands, and wiping your skin with your own towel. Otherwise, an infection may penetrate into microtraumas on the skin and pustules will appear.
Video from a dermatologist
How to shave your legs correctly at home?
Preparation
Preparing for the process of shaving your legs begins with choosing a machine. It can be single or reusable. It is important that the device is equipped with 2-4 blades, as well as a moisturizing strip. A convenient option is the floating head, it allows for careful bending of the legs. There is no fundamental difference between female and male models.
You should update your shaving device regularly. A disposable machine can be used a maximum of 2-3 times. It is advisable to change cartridges on reusable devices after 5-6 uses. As soon as the machine becomes dull, it must be thrown away, otherwise irritation is guaranteed.
Of great importance blade cleanliness. Before and after the procedure, they should be thoroughly washed, or even better, treated with an antiseptic.
One more preparatory moment - choosing a shaving product. It is strictly not recommended to treat dry skin or apply soap suds to it.
It is wiser to use a special product in the form of a cream, gel, mousse or foam. It softens the hairs, makes it easier for the blades to slide, and also makes it possible to clearly see which area has already been shaved.
Stages of preparation for depilation:
- Take a hot bath or shower to open the pores, soften the top layer of the epidermis, and make the skin more elastic.
- Treat the surfaces with small abrasive particles. Instead of store-bought products, coffee grounds, oatmeal, fine salt, and sugar are suitable. The exfoliant should not contain oils - fat dulls the blades. Peeling is needed to remove dead cells, impurities and “free” ingrown hairs.
- Apply shaving cream to clean, damp skin. If you don't have it, you can use hair conditioner or shower gel. Wait 2-3 minutes.
Process
To remove vegetation, you should move it smoothly, slowly and with minimal pressure over the surface of your legs. One area is processed once. If hairs remain after this, then the blades are not sharp and should be replaced. It is more convenient to work from the bottom up. The machine must be periodically washed under running water.
Regarding the direction of processing, there are two approaches:
- against hair growth - stubble is removed thoroughly, but the risk of irritation increases;
- in terms of hair growth - hairs are not completely removed, but the likelihood of redness and flaking is minimal.
Second option preferable for girls with delicate skin and light, thin hair.
On the back of the legs above the knee, the direction of hair growth is chaotic. When treating this area, it is better to use a mirror.
Aftercare
After shaving, rinse off any remaining product, rinse your legs with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
There is no need to rub the skin; it may remain slightly damp. If there are cuts, they should be wiped with hydrogen peroxide or another alcohol-free antiseptic.
Shaving your legs should not be done in a hurry. It is important to allocate at least 15-20 minutes for this process. Doing this in the morning or evening is an individual decision. During dawn hours, the skin is softer and more elastic due to the presence of moisture. In addition, if hair growth is active, a morning procedure will ensure smoothness throughout the day. But in the evening there is usually more free time. And during the night's sleep, the integument will have time to recover from microtraumas.
It is important not to shave your legs before going directly to the pool or beach. Chlorine and salt dissolved in water can cause redness and burning. It is advisable that several hours pass after the procedure.
How to remove and get rid of irritation?
Cream
Irritation after shaving can be relieved with body cream or baby product. Preparations that contain extracts of aloe, chamomile, string, celandine, and vitamins E, A, and F have a calming effect. Inexpensive facial preparations with the same ingredients are also suitable.
Other creamy products that help relieve redness, itching and pimples:
- With dexpanthenol (panthenol). Penetrating into the skin, this substance is converted into vitamin B5, which has regenerative and moisturizing properties. Panthenol is included in products for burns and abrasions (“Rescuer”, “Panthenol”), against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (“Nivea SOS”), as well as for diaper dermatitis (“Bepanten”).
- With benzoyl peroxide at a concentration of 2.5-5%. The compound is characterized by a disinfectant and keratolytic effect. It is used in anti-acne products - “Baziron”, “Ugresol”, “OXY”.
- "Vagisil" The cream is designed to moisturize the skin in the intimate area. But it can also be used to restore the integrity of the epidermis of the legs. It contains laureth 9, aloe juice, vitamins A, E, D.
- Boro Plus. Ayurvedic cream with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. It contains aloe, turmeric, vetiver, sandalwood. Removes redness and heals small wounds.
Ointment
Ointments are characterized by a dense consistency and a high content of medicinal substances. They should be used when rashes and pustules appear, treating not the entire surface of the legs, but individual areas several times a day.
Effective means:
- "Chlorhexidine." The composition includes a substance with an antibacterial effect. Intended for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, the membranes of the mouth, as well as for the treatment of wounds and burn surfaces.
- "Actovegin" and "Solcoseryl". Contains hemoderivat obtained from calf blood. Helps improve metabolic processes in tissues and accelerate their healing. Indicated for trophic ulcers.
- "Miramistin". Characterized by antibacterial and antifungal effects. Used to treat suppurations caused by staphylococci and streptococci, as well as mycoses.
- "Zinc ointment". Zinc oxide has astringent, drying and antiseptic properties.
If inflammation and pustules do not disappear after several days of using antibacterial ointments, you should consult a dermatologist.
Look at the review of anti-irritation products
Folk remedies
A popular alternative to ready-made creams with a soothing and healing effect are home remedies made from herbal ingredients.
Aloe
Aloe perfectly moisturizes and regenerates the epidermis. It can be used in several ways:
- Cut a clean leaf lengthwise, squeeze the juice onto a cotton pad and wipe the skin;
- grind the green shoots in a meat grinder, wrap the pulp in gauze and apply to the irritated area for 10-15 minutes;
- rub pharmaceutical extract into the skin.
After aloe, vegetable oil should be applied to the skin - olive, coconut, wheat germ.
Herbal compresses
Any plants that have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect are suitable as raw materials - chamomile, mint, birch leaves, coltsfoot, parsley leaves, crushed fir cones. They can be combined in any combination in equal shares.
To prepare the infusion, you need to pour 1 tablespoon of dry herbs (leaves, flowers) with 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Then soak a cloth or gauze in a cooled solution and apply to the irritated skin for 10-15 minutes. The procedure can be repeated several times. 
Avocado
Ripe avocado is a source of vitamins, microelements and fatty acids. It nourishes the skin and relieves irritation.
For a soothing mask after shaving your legs, you will need sour cream (cream) and fruit cut into thin slices. First, a dairy product is applied to the skin, and then avocado slices. The mask is washed off after 15 minutes.
"Aspirin"
Acetylsalicylic acid (“Aspirin”), when in contact with the skin, helps to quickly relieve inflammation.
Several tablets should be crushed and mixed with a small amount of glycerin to make a paste.
Apply a thin layer to your feet. Wash off after 15 minutes.
To help relieve irritation after shaving, your regular body lotion can be improved. It is enough to add 1-2 drops of mint or tea tree essential oil to a small portion of the product.
What to do to urgently relieve irritation
The most effective way quickly and urgently remove redness and itching after depilation of the legs - apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone ointment or other hormonal-based allergy remedy. It acts instantly by neutralizing substances that cause inflammation and constricting blood vessels.
Hydrocortisone ointment is a hormonal agent that should not be used frequently. Possible side effects are an allergic reaction, swelling, skin atrophy, increased hair growth, hormonal imbalance.
Safer options for quick help with irritation:
- compress - a towel soaked in cool water;
- rubbing the skin;
- applying an oil solution of vitamin A or E;
- treatment with talc-based baby powder.
