Ways to Treat and Prevent Razor Burn

Every morning, men throughout the world head off to their jobs with tiny shreds of tissue stuck to their cheeks and chins. As they pass each other on the streets, stand side by side on assemble lines, and sit around conference tables, they exchange brief but meaningful glances, as if they were members of some sacred brotherhood. Indeed, razor burn leaves few men unscathed. And those tiny cuts and abrasions inflicted by a menacing blade can be murder on sensitive skin. But razor burn is not exclusively a male malady. Women suffer too. The skin of the legs and underarms is just as vulnerable as the stubbly cheeks of a just-awakened man. Here are some tips that you can take to relieve the pain of razor burn.

1. Multiply Your Moisturizing

Lotions and creams make just shaved skin feel better. The best moisturizer is petroleum jelly. But if you do not find it cosmetically pleasing, use something bland and not highly scented. Apply it three or four times a day.

2. Don't Go Against The Grain

You can reduce your odds of razor burn by shaving in the same direction as your hair growth. Don't use upward strokes on the cheeks or legs, and don't shave from side to side. You do not get quite as close a shave this way, but it trains the hairs to grow straight.

3. Choose The Right Tool

You should use a new, clean blade for every shave. And if you are using double-track blades, you may want to consider switching to the single-tray type. The advent of double-track blades has produced more cases of razor burn. They create irritation and sometimes follicle problems.

4. Don't Get Too Close

If you try to shave very close, the way television commercials tell you do, you will only irritate your skin. The two rules of thumb are, never stretch your skin while you shave, and do not apply too much pressure with your razor.

5. Lather Up

Shaving cream is a must for men and women alike. It keeps moisture in the hair follicles and makes the shave smoother. Just make sure that you are not allergic to the product you are using. If you are sensitive to any of the ingredients, the shaving cream will make your skin red when you use it. To find out if you are allergic, put a little shaving cream on your arm and cover it with a bandage. Leave it on until the next day, then check for irritation. If you are allergic, try a different brand, maybe one for sensitive skin or without fragrance.

6. Follow Directions

The natural growth of a beard may vary from one part of the face to another. The hairs may not point in the same direction. Let your beard grow for a few days and watch the patterns as the hairs come in.

7. Put On The Pressure

If you nick your skin, press directly on the cut with a piece of gauze or a clean cloth. Apply steady pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. And do not peek. Every time you peek, you dislodge a clot, making the cut bleed again.

About The Author:
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.