Smooth and Debonair, With Perfectly Trimmed Facial Hair
Mammals are inherently very hairy. However, compared to their primate cousins such as chimpanzees and gorillas, humans are considered bald. Humans have distinctive hair on their scalps, groins, armpits, and faces, such as whiskers in men, eyelashes, and eyebrows.
Even when compared to other mammals, the small amount of hair on humans is puzzling, particularly considering that only males can grow beards. So, what is the difference between men and women that only men can develop beards and mustaches?
The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulates hair follicles in men’s jaws, allowing them to develop beards as a testosterone byproduct. This type of hormone is also found in women, who have a modest amount of testosterone but are less sensitive to its effects.
Beards can make some men appear more macho, and there are other advantages to wearing facial hair, but they are not without drawbacks. Some men may find it taxing to keep up with their beards, especially if they need constant trimming and maintenance.
Men are required to preserve their beards in excellent condition and style, much like their hair, and in order to do so, they must consistently shave. Even regular grooming has its highs and lows. Razor burn is a skin condition commonly brought on by grooming. The condition can be annoying and agonizing, but it is preventable and treatable. In this article, the dermatologists of Sirwiss network explain what razor burn is, what causes it, and how to prevent and treat it.
Read on to find out more.
What Is Razor Burn?
The razor’s friction breaks down the skin’s protective layer, causing the skin and hair follicles to become inflamed and red. Thankfully, razor burn is just a temporary annoyance for your skin. Redness, itching, and a burning sensation are common symptoms, and they can arise anywhere you shave, including your face, legs, underarms, and bikini line. The skin may become red, flaky, and eventually develop red bumps, pimples, and pustules as a result of razor irritation. When the skin’s protective barrier is compromised by irritation, bacteria and other organisms are able to enter the hair follicles and cause an infection.
Razor Burn vs. Razor Bumps
Frequently, razor burn and razor blemishes are misidentified. However, they are regarded as two separate conditions. Razor bumps are the consequence of ingrown hairs, whereas razor burn is a shaving-induced skin irritation. Ingrown hairs occur when hair that has been shaved or otherwise removed, such as by plucking or waxing, sprouts back at an angle. This transforms the tissue into epidermis. People with coarse or curly hair tend to be the most susceptible to ingrown hairs, although this condition can affect anyone.
Ingrown hair symptoms include:
- Red Bumps
- Swelling
- Rash
- Tenderness
- Itchiness
Ingrown hairs can sometimes result in folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicle. Pseudofolliculitis barbae, a form of razor bumps, affects up to 60 percent of African American males and many others with curly hair. In severe cases of pseudofolliculitis barbae, medical treatment may be necessary.
What Causes Razor Burn?
The physical trauma induced by the razor blade as it scrapes against the hair and skin results in razor burn, which manifests itself as microscopic cracks in the skin, inflammation, and dryness of the skin.
Razor burn has the following potential causes:
1. Using too much pressure or shaving too close
2. Blades that are dull or dirty
3. Shaving in the opposite way that hair grows
4. Not enough grease while shaving
5. Sensitive skin or an allergic response to shaving products
Razor Burn Prevention Guidance
You can avoid razor burn by taking these precautions. The advice of experts is to stick to these rules.
1. Exfoliate and Wet the Skin
When you take the time to prep your skin before you shave, you can use less pressure to trim your hair, which will help prevent razor burn. Shaving can cause irritation, so it’s best to exfoliate first to get rid of any dry, flaky skin. Dead skin cells on the skin’s surface can be exfoliated away with the help of a scrub, which can be applied with a brush, sponge, or other tool. A close, clean shave might be hindered by the accumulation of dead skin cells on the razor. It has been proven in a study published in The Journal of Dermatology that wetting the skin prior to shaving greatly decreases the amount of cutting force required, which in turn helps eliminate irritation caused by dragging the razor across the skin. For best results when shaving, the study suggests letting water sit on hair for at least two minutes.
2. Use a Sharp, Clean Razor—and Lubricate Well
To minimize skin irritation and stop bacteria from entering the skin and developing an infection, always use a clean, sharp razor before shaving. Shaving gels and creams can be used to create a slippery, moist barrier between the razor and the skin, which in turn helps lubricate the skin, softens the hair, and reduces friction.
3. Shave Correctly
While shaving against the direction of hair growth may result in a closer shave, it can also result in irritation and razor burn. Shave in the opposite direction of hair growth. Also, it is best to avoid excessively aggressive shaving techniques, such as pressing down too hard or returning to the same areas multiple times, as doing so can irritate the skin.
4. Practice Shaving Aftercare
Shaving should be followed by a cool water rinse and the use of a calming aftershave or moisturizer that does not include alcohol. After shaving, your skin may feel irritated or dry due to the exfoliation process. Repairing and supporting the skin barrier using an emollient containing ceramides can reduce the likelihood of skin irritation and inflammation. Ceramides keep skin moisturized by reducing water loss through the skin’s barrier.
Treating Razor Burn
In most cases, razor burn is a bothersome and inconvenient condition that resolves with time. However, a variety of treatments are available to alleviate the symptoms of razor burn, ranging from over-the-counter medications to household remedies.
Examples include:
1. Avoid Shaving or Touching the Area
By avoiding further contact, you give the skin a chance to heal and lessen the likelihood of aggravation or infection.
2. Cool compresses
An itchy, inflamed area might be soothed by applying a cool, damp compress. A cold compress can be made by running a clean washcloth under cold running water. Excess water should be wrung out before being applied to the skin for up to 20 minutes. You can do this as many times as you like.
3. Astringent liquids
Using a natural astringent liquid as a soothing aftershave is a common home remedy for razor burn. Itching and redness caused by razor bumps and razor burn are alleviated with these.
Examples of popular natural astringents include:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chilled, brewed black tea
- Tea tree oil (a few drops mixed with water)
- Witch hazel extract
These can be applied directly to the face or added to a cold compress.
4. Natural Oils
The itching, sensitivity, and burning sensations of the skin can be alleviated by using one of several natural oils that soften and hydrate the skin.
Some of the most popular oils include:
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Sweet almond oil
Dry skin can also be treated with other emollients such as unscented lotions, aftershaves, and moisturizers. Alcohol is a recognized skin irritant; thus, you should avoid using products that contain it.
5. Aloe Vera
Damage to the skin can be treated with aloe vera gel, which is extracted from the aloe vera plant. Reports of its success in relieving razor burn are anecdotal. Aloe vera gel contains enzymes that, when applied to the skin, alleviate inflammation. Squeezing the gel straight from the plant onto the affected region or using a commercially available aloe vera solution are both viable options for those interested in using aloe vera for sensitive or damaged skin.
6. Oatmeal Bath
Several skin conditions, especially those associated with inflammation, respond well to oatmeal treatment. Some studies have shown that it can relieve the pain of razor burn by acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. To alleviate symptoms, take a bath in lukewarm water with a cup of ordinary or colloidal oats, or use an oatmeal-based bath treatment. If you’ve ever gotten razor burn in the genital area or on your legs, this may help.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural alkali that is primarily used in baking. Nevertheless, it is a popular natural treatment for a variety of ailments, including razor burn and razor rashes. Using a cotton pad, apply a mixture of one cup of water and one teaspoon of baking soda to the epidermis. After the mixture has dried, rinse it off. Repeat up to twice daily until the symptoms have resolved. Alternately, one cup of baking soda can be added to a tepid bath to relieve symptoms.
8. Lotions You Can Buy at the Store
There are a variety of over-the-counter remedies for razor injury. Men’s and women’s aftershave lotion may be beneficial, whereas infant products such as baby oil and diaper rash creams are both gentle and soothing for irritated skin. Hydrocortisone-containing products can reduce edema and inflammation. Salicylic acid, a substance commonly used to treat acne, may also be beneficial for razor burn sufferers.
Those with razor bumps in addition to razor burn may benefit from glycolic acid-containing moisturizers, which have been shown to reduce lesions by 60%. This could enable individuals to resume shaving daily. For the prevention of ingrown hairs, razor bump moisturizers, such as Bump Stopper and Tend Skin, are also available.
9. Antibiotics for Infection
Bumps are a common symptom of razor burn. Although these typically heal without further complications, infection is always a risk. Patients should see a doctor if the bumps become unpleasant to touch, tender to the touch, or if they develop a white or pus-filled head. Possible need for antibiotic treatment.
When to See a doctor
There may be an infection in the skin, so it’s best to contact a dermatologist if the razor burn is getting worse, spreading, or if there’s pus or fluid draining from the wound. See a dermatologist if the rash is leaving behind discolored skin and ask for advice on how to prevent razor burn by switching to an electric trimmer or utilizing another form of topical skincare.,
Most cases of razor burn heal on their own in a few days. It’s best to wait until the razor rashes have gone away before shaving again. See a doctor if the affected area looks infected or doesn’t improve in a timely manner. Razor bumps and burns that persist over time may require medical attention since razor burns and razor bumps aren’t the only possible causes of your rash. Consult your doctor if you notice a rash on your skin that does not go away after shaving, or if you think the shaving product you used may be the cause.