Why does aftershave burn?

What makes freshly shaved skin sting?

A blade moving across your skin can cause tiny cracks, moisture loss and inflammation. Dry shaving, a dull blade, rushing and shaving against hair growth all contribute to razor burn. Sensitive skin is more prone to it. The burning can come from the shave itself, the product applied afterwards, or both. If your skin already stings before you apply aftershave, changing the bottle alone will not fix the shaving technique.1

Does aftershave normally burn?

Burning is a sign of irritation, not something to seek from an aftershave. Razor burn can appear within minutes of shaving and cause stinging, itching, tenderness or a blotchy rash. An irritating product can add to that discomfort. The word aftershave tells you when a product goes on, not whether it deserves to.12

Does aftershave help with razor burn?

A moisturizing aftershave can help soothe dry, irritated skin, but alcohol and fragrance are ingredients to avoid while it heals. Look for a fragrance free, alcohol free formula and read the ingredient list rather than choosing by the product name. A fragrance free moisturizing lotion can do the same soothing job, without requiring a separate job title on the bottle. After shaving, a soothing aftershave formulated to reduce irritation and razor bumps is another option; a burning splash is not a substitute for one.123

What should you do when aftershave burns?

1. 1Stop using the irritating aftershave and pause shaving or waxing the affected area until the irritation clears.
2. 2Hold a cool, damp washcloth against the skin to ease discomfort.
3. 3Apply a fragrance free moisturizing lotion or alcohol free, fragrance free aftershave. Aloe vera gel can also cool and ease discomfort, but it does not cure razor burn.
4. 4Avoid applying apple cider vinegar or witch hazel to the irritated area, as they can sting.

Could it be an aftershave allergy?

Perfume in aftershave can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction to something touching the skin. Irritation and allergy can look alike, so stinging alone cannot distinguish them. An allergic rash can develop hours or days after exposure, even to a product you previously tolerated for years. It can also spread beyond the application area. Stop using a suspected trigger and seek assessment for a recurring rash; a clinician can use patch tests to investigate contact allergy.45

If you have rosacea, which often makes skin sensitive and easily irritated, avoid alcohol, fragrance, menthol and camphor in skincare. Choose fragrance free rather than unscented products. A cream is preferable to a lotion or gel, and applying moisturizer once your skin is dry makes burning or stinging less likely.6

How to make the next shave less irritating

1. 1Soften the hair at the end of a shower or with a warm, damp washcloth.
2. 2Apply moisturizing shaving cream. Shaving cream helps the blade glide, because a razor is not improved by a friction challenge.
3. 3Shave in the direction of hair growth with light, short strokes, avoiding repeated passes over the same area.
4. 4Rinse away the shaving cream, apply a cool, damp washcloth, then use a soothing moisturizer or suitable aftershave.
5. 5Replace disposable razors after five to seven shaves and store them somewhere dry.

When should you get medical help?

Razor burn usually clears within a few hours to a few days. See a clinician if it persists or gets worse. Raised, itchy bumps can be ingrown hairs rather than razor burn; do not pick or squeeze them. Get medical help if a bump or surrounding skin is very painful, hot or swollen, or you develop a high temperature or feel shivery or very unwell.27