How do I soothe sensitive skin after shaving?

What should I put on sensitive skin after shaving?

1. 1Rinse your skin with cool water after shaving.
2. 2Hold a clean, cool, damp cloth against the irritated area. For itchy skin, keep it there for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the itch eases.
3. 3Apply a fragrance free moisturizing lotion or barrier repair cream while your skin is still damp. Use a moisturizer you already tolerate; test a new product before applying it widely.
4. 4Reapply moisturizer when your skin feels dry or itchy. Leave shaving and waxing alone until the inflammation settles and your skin clears.

A soothing routine can be just a cool cloth and moisturizer, which leaves very little work for the bathroom's marketing department.1

How do I stop my face stinging after shaving?

Start with cooling and moisturizing rather than adding more treatments. Aloe vera gel can help ease discomfort while your skin heals, but it is not a cure for razor burn. Skip apple cider vinegar and witch hazel because they can sting; tea tree oil products can contain other irritating ingredients. After washing, pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it.2

Should I use fragrance free moisturizer after shaving?

Yes. Fragrance can irritate skin, and moisturizer helps seal in the moisture your skin needs. Choose fragrance free soaps and other skin care products too, rather than removing fragrance from only the last step. A moisturizing lotion can do the job without being called aftershave, because the product name is not a professional qualification.134

Can shaving cause a rash on my face?

Yes. Razor burn usually appears within minutes as a blotchy or streaky irritated rash, with burning, tenderness or itching. Small raised bumps can instead be ingrown hairs, where a hair grows back into the skin. Coarse or curly hair makes ingrown hairs more likely. Redness can be harder to see on brown or black skin, so also look for bumps or a change from the surrounding skin colour.15

A rash can also come from contact dermatitis, meaning inflammation caused by an irritant or an allergic reaction. Friction and irritating products can damage the skin's protective barrier. An allergic reaction can appear hours or days after contact, even with a product you have used for years. Stop using a suspected trigger; a dermatologist can help identify the cause if it is unclear.46

How long should irritation last?

Simple razor burn usually clears within a few hours to a few days. Contact a clinician if it is worsening or has not cleared after a few days. A rash that blisters, repeatedly returns or remains uncomfortable also needs assessment. Avoid scratching, picking or squeezing bumps, which can damage skin and lead to infection.1245

Pimples or pustules around hairs can be folliculitis, inflammation of the hair follicles that can involve infection. Seek medical help for an area that is very painful, hot or swollen, or if you have a fever or feel unwell. Recurring folliculitis, worsening symptoms or symptoms lasting longer than 2 to 3 days need medical review.57

Make the next shave less irritating

Once your skin clears, wet it with warm water and use shaving gel. Shave in the direction of hair growth with light, short strokes and as few passes as possible. Rinse the razor after every stroke and avoid blunt blades. If ingrown hairs keep returning, avoid daily shaving where possible, leave at least 1 mm of stubble, or try an electric razor.15