11 Razor Burn Remedies That Are Expert-Approved

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Shaving is one of the most popular forms of hair removal, and for good reason. It's pain-free, provides immediate results, and is easy to do once you master the right technique. However, a very common side effect to shaving is razor burn. The itchy, red, and sometimes painful bumps appear when the blade irritates the skin barrier and creates micro-tears. Thankfully, there are more than a handful of ways to treat and get rid of razor burn.

The best way to treat it is to prevent it from happening in the first place. "When patients come in with razor burn, razor bumps, or folliculitis, I usually start by asking them to go over their shaving routine, step by step," says dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD. She recommends always exfoliating with a washcloth or sugar scrub before shaving, using a sharp razor, and letting your gel or cream sit on the skin for about 10 minutes beforehand. "After shaving, wash the area with an antiseptic/antibacterial cleanser or soap and rinse with cold water."

Having a solid hair removal technique is key, but we understand that razor burn can happen anyway. So, we tapped three skincare experts to share their best tips for reducing and treating those post-shaving bumps. From dabbing apple cider vinegar onto the affected area to soaking your skin in fermented milk, keep scrolling for the best at-home remedies for razor burn.

Meet the Expert

01 of 11

Take a Bath With Epsom Salts

A salt-based exfoliator can be especially great for warding off ingrown hairs before they start in those with oilier or acne-prone skin. For ingrown hair on the body, like the legs or bikini area, soak in the tub with two cups of Epsom salt. "Taking a warm bath may open up the pores and relieve swelling and skin irritation," says Dr. Hayag.

02 of 11

Dab on Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is claimed to comprise 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 helps to alleviate irritated skin. Though Dr. Hayag notes that more research about the topical application of ACV needs to be done, there may be certain benefits. "After shaving, there can be micro-cuts and irritation to the skin that can be benefited by acetic acid, which is found in ACV. It also contains citric acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid. This may increase cell turnover and help unclog ingrown hairs."

Key Ingredients

Apple cider vinegar is fermented apple juice formed when yeast mixes with the sugar of the juice. It contains antibacterial properties.

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. Repeat several times a day for quick relief.

Note that apple cider vinegar and citric acid can be very irritating post-shave—particularly around the bikini line—and it is possible to give yourself chemical burns from these ingredients. Wash the product off immediately if you experience any burning or stinging. Those with sensitive skin should avoid this method altogether.

03 of 11

Apply Raw Honey to Skin

Ambrosen says honey is the best at-home ingredient to have on hand for soothing razor burn. "The less processed the honey, the better," she adds. For the best results she says to apply it directly onto the affected areas and to leave it on to soften rough skin and calm redness.

Byrdie Tip

Manuka honey is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and acts as a powerful humectant. As such, it works to speed up wound healing (like razor burn) and soothe skin.

04 of 11

Soften Skin With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great skin softener, 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. “Because coconut oil is solid in cooler climates, it melts into the skin as a person applies it, which may feel soothing,” adds Dr. Hayag.

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.

05 of 11

Calm With Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, while olive oil has a rich fatty acid content that might help smooth the skin. Dr. Hayag recommends performing a patch test to make sure the tea tree oil doesn't cause further irritation.

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.

06 of 11

Soak Skin in Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that's very rich in probiotics. "It's full of microbiome-friendly bacteria which are going to add to the already skin-friendly microorganisms that protect the skin," adds Ambrosen. To soothe razor burn and bring down redness, she suggests soaking gentle fabric (or a cotton pad) with cold kefir and applying it to the skin.

07 of 11

Take an Oatmeal Bath

"Oatmeal baths are a traditional remedy for soothing the skin and relieving itchiness," says Dr. Hayag. "The starch and beta-glucan in oatmeal are protective and moisturizing. Oatmeal also contains phenols that have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effect.” You can soak in an oatmeal bath or mix it with plain yogurt and honey to create a topical paste. The probiotics in yogurt may help restore the skin's protective barrier and increase hydration.

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.

08 of 11

Apply an Oatmeal Mask

As an alternative to bathing in oatmeal, Ambrosen says you can apply an oatmeal-rich mask to the razor burn instead. To go this route, first make your porridge and let it cool before applying a thin layer of it to the skin. Leave it on until it dries, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

09 of 11

Use Cucumbers and Milk

Not only do cucumbers have a cooling effect, but they also contain vitamin C, which aids in skin restoration. Milk may work to soothe the skin, thanks to its fat and protein content. "The combination of cucumber and milk may be able to provide moisture and a cooling effect to alleviate irritated skin from razor burn," says Dr. Hayag.

Key Ingredients

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body, including the skin, but we cannot produce it on our own. For the skin, it helps to boost collagen, lighten discoloration, and fight free radicals.

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 it to the affected area. Let sit for 10 minutes, and then wash the area with warm water.

10 of 11

Apply Strawberries and Sour Cream

Strawberries may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat razor bumps, and the fats in the sour cream might help to coat and soothe the skin. "There still needs to be further research on whether it can be anti-inflammatory when applied topically. However, strawberries contain seeds that may be able to act as a physical exfoliant to combat razor burns," says Dr. Hayag, who notes that more research is necessary to confirm whether this is fully effective as a razor burn treatment.

If you want to try it out, 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.

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Try an Over-the-Counter Gel

"Razor burn can cause a lot of redness and irritation that can lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring. In severe cases, it is best to seek professional help. However, when mild inflammation is present you can use an OTC steroid cream to reduce inflammation," Dr. Hayag says. For lesser irritation, she recommends using a soothing gel, such as Weleda's Calendula Diaper Rash Cream to target ingrown hairs, razor bumps, redness, and razor burn.

FAQ
  • How long does it take razor burn to go away?

    Razor burn typically goes away after two to three days. Remedies such as those listed above will help you get rid of your razor burn faster.

  • Why am I getting razor burn all of a sudden?

    "Several factors can cause razor burn," says celebrity esthetician Candace Marino. "Shaving without a lubricant, shaving in the wrong direction, using an old or clogged razor, using dull blades, shaving too quickly."

  • Why does my pubic area hurt after shaving?

    Dr. Hayag notes that razor burn and other forms of post-hair removal discomfort crop up more easily "in 'tricky' areas with thicker hairs," such as the bikini line or underarms.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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  3. Feldstein S, Afshar M, Krakowski AC. Chemical burn from vinegar following an internet-based protocol for self-removal of neviJ Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8(6):50.

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  5. Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Bagherani N, Kazerouni A. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatologyInt J Dermatol. 2013;52(7):784-790. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x

  6. Kober MM, Bowe WP. The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoagingInt J Womens Dermatol. 2015;1(2):85-89. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.02.001

  7. Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatologyIndian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593

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