Shaving the bikini line is a beauty chore for today’s woman. It is one of the quickest and safest ways to remove pubic hair, but most importantly, it is cost-effective. However, as with such great things, there may be an underside. Shaving the bikini line with a razor may result in razor burn, which is of great discomfort. In this article, we extensively share how to prevent, and get rid of these possible razor burns.
What is Razor Burn?
Razor burn is a form of skin irritation. It appears as rashes, few minutes after shaving body hairs with a razor. It is easily identifiable as it causes great pain and discomfort. Razor burns can affect anybody, but they are temporary and they usually go away with time. (1)
Visible Signs and Symptoms of Razor burn
Here are some visible signs and symptoms to look out for
- Rashes
- Skin redness
- Itchiness
- Stinging
- Irritated patches of skin
- Swelling of the skin
- Burning hot sensation
- Skin tenderness
- Tiny red bumps
What Causes Razor Burn?
Razor burn is caused by friction between the hair, the blade, and the skin. Rough friction which may be a result of
- Shaving in the opposite direction of your hair growth – Shaving against your hair growth may cause rough friction. It is most recommended to shave your hair along the direction of its growth. (2)
- Using a clogged razor – After a few strokes of shaving, usually, there may be a clog of hair, soap, or cream on the razor. Continuous shaving with that clogged razor may cause razor burn.
- Dry shaving – Shaving without a lubricant such as soap, lubricating cream or water may cause razor burn.
- Using blunt old razor – This will drag your skin and result in razor burns.
- Repeated stroking of the blade across the same skin area.
- Using reactive shaving products.
- Shaving quickly – Fast strokes of the blade against your skin may cause razor burns.
- Pressing on too hard – Shaving aggressively against the skin can cause skin burns.
17 Ways to Treat Razor burn on your Bikini line
1. Avoid Touching The Shaved Areas
Razor burns may be tingly and very discomforting. Despite that, the healing process may be facilitated by completely avoiding the shaved skin area. No touching, no further shaving. This will subsequently result in reduced irritation, inflammation, and also infection.
Also Read – 10 Best Shaving Creams For Women for Soft and Velvety Smooth Skin
2. Apply Baking Soda Paste
Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste, and apply directly to the burn. Leave it to dry, and then rinse out properly. Baking soda has a cooling, soothing effect on the skin, and would leave your bikini line smooth and feeling better.
3. Take A Warm Bath
Taking a warm bath, soaking in your skin may open up the pores at the razor burn site. The opening of the pores may relieve swelling and ease skin irritation.
4. Wear Loose Fitted Cotton Clothes
Skinny jeans may not be a great wardrobe idea after an identified razor burns on the bikini line. Rather loose-fitting cotton underwear and outfits may help curb friction, thereby reducing irritation and discomfort.
5. Take A Colloidal Oatmeal Bath
Take a 10 to 15 minutes soak in a colloidal oatmeal bath. Colloidal oatmeal acts as an emollient – softens and soothes the skin (3). Its starch and beta-glucan content have protective and moisturizing properties that act on the tender razor burn skin. Oatmeal also contains phenols – phenols are antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. To make this colloidal oatmeal bath
- Blend a cup of regular oatmeal using a blender or whatever processor you have, into the finest consistent powder you can.
- Take a tablespoon of this blend and add to a cup of warm water. This is to test for absorption and to ensure an ideal powdery consistency has been achieved. The oatmeal is supposed to dissolve into the water, be absorbed, and form a milky, silky liquid. If this happens, then you have a fine blend. However, if the powder is not well absorbed, then you may need to grind further.
- Pour the entire blended powder into a warm bathtub
- Soak in it for 15- to 20 minutes
- Pat dry the skin.
This may soothe irritation and skin itchiness, as well as leave the skin cleansed and moisturized.
6. Massage The Skin With Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (4). Also as a natural moisturizer, it helps in soothing skin irritation from razor burns. For razor burn, use organic coconut oil, it may be in solid form – especially in cooler climates. Apply it gently to the inflamed bikini skin areas. It should melt into your skin, and offer soothing relieving effects.
7. Apply Baby Oil
Grabbing the nearest baby oil may also speed up your razor burn healing process. Apply the baby oil generously to the inflamed areas of your bikini line for itchy-free relief.
8. Use Aloe Vera Gel Or Moisturizer
Aloe vera contains the plant hormones glucomannan and gibberellin (5). These hormones increase collagen syntheses. Collagen is the active protein present in the skin and bones. Using an aloe vera gel or moisturizer on your bikini line after a shave softens and induces moisture in your skin. It also soothes irritation and reduces inflammation of the area, facilitating the healing of the razor burns.
9. Massage Skin With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties ensure it soothes inflammation and prevents possible infection of the burns (6). However, it should not be used undiluted, as it could lead to further reaction. It is recommended to do a patch test before use.
Mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil. Apply directly to the irritated skin areas for relief.
Also Read – 14 Really Helpful Tips for Preventing Underarm Razor Burn
10. Apply Hot Compress
A hot compress may reduce skin swelling. Use a clean washcloth, dipped in hot water to gently press on your razor burns. Carry out this hot compress 2 to 3 times daily, for 8 to 10 minutes time intervals.
11. Massage The Skin With Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil acts as a great emollient and natural moisturizer (7). It is made from the dry almond kernel and available in a raw organic state. After shaving your bikini line, apply this almond oil directly to the inflamed skin areas.
12. Apply Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream soothes inflammation and reduces skin irritation and soreness (8). You may apply the cream directly to your bikini line for fast relief. However, it should only be used for a short period as it is a low-strength steroid.
13. Use Witch Hazel
You may have this already as a skincare product, however, you may also apply this to the razor burns on your bikini line using cotton balls. It will keep the skin clean and prevent possible infection.
14. Apply Natural Calendula Cream
Calendula cream is made from calendula flowers and used as an herbal remedy. It reduces skin inflammation and heals skin rashes. Apply the cream generously to the razor burns on the affected bikini line areas.
15. Use of Retinoids
Retinoids are Vitamin –A based cream. If your razor burns lead to further scarring, retinoids are a great option to smoothen skin and remove scars.
16. Use of Antibiotics
Razor burns usually fade off after a short period. However, sometimes they get infected and grow into bumps. These bumps become tender, painful, and filled with pus. When this happens, you should consult your doctor, antibiotics may be required for further treatments.
17. Use of Off-The-Counter Products
You may consider off-the-counter products containing
- Vitamin E oil – nourishes the skin and soothes the burning sensation.
- Yeast extract – this may induce a calming effect that soothes the skin.
- Wheat germ – has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, and also prevents skin scarring.
- Shea butter – has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that soften and soothes the skin.
- Evening primrose oil – moisturizes, soothes the skin and improves skin elasticity.
- Jojoba seed oil – soothes sensitive skin.
- Licorice root extract – it is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Green tea – its anti-inflammatory property makes it an effective soothing effect for the skin.
- White tea – It is an antioxidant.
- Chamomile – has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
- Panthenol – anti-inflammatory properties, calms and soothes the skin.
- Bisabolol – anti-inflammatory properties, calms and soothes the skin.
- Comfrey – relieves pains and inflammation, and boosts the growth of new skin cells.
- Allantoin – facilitates the growth of new skin cells.
- Caffeine – tightens the skin and reduces inflammation.
14 Ways to Prevent Razor burns on your Bikini line
Shaving is easy, and one of the least-painful processes of taking out hairs from the bikini line. If you opt for shaving, there are some precautionary steps to take to ensure razor burns are avoided. Some of these may include
1. Use of Warm Water
Before you start shaving, get your pubic hair wet with warm water. This is intended to get the hair soft. It also opens up your hair pores.
2. Use Quality Razor Blades
Using sharp razor blades would ensure a smooth glide across your skin. This would prevent rough friction which may result in razor burns.
3. Use an Antibacterial Cleanser
Cleanse your bikini area before shaving. This would get rid of residual skin sweat and underlying bacteria which may trigger an infection.
4. Hydrate Your Skin
Immediately after shaving, rinse with cold water, and use a moisturizing gel or lotion generously on your bikini line. This would replenish your skin moisture.
5. Use Shaving Gel
Dry shaving may result in razor burns. Hydrating your skin with skin-protective lubricants would prevent this. Use a shaving gel, this will ensure the razor glides smoothly over the pubic hair with less skin drags and pull.
6. Avoid Repeated Strokes
While shaving, avoid repeated strokes of the razor on the same skin area, this reduces lubrication and causes friction. Once the shaving cream, gel, or lubricant is off with the pubic hair, be mindful of repeated strokes of the razor across the same spot.
7. Shave Gently
Avoid shaving speedily and in a haste. Rather use gentle, short strokes of the razor.
Also Read – Body Hair Removal; 12 Big Mistakes to Stay Clear of
8. Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliating your skin before shaving may help in preventing ingrown hairs (9). This ingrown hair causes friction during shaving, resulting in razor burns.
9. Shaving After Taking A Shower
After taking a shower, your hair is at its softest. Also, the warm water opens your pores. You may spend the next few minutes in the bath to shave your bikini line.
10. Use A Clean Razor
Use a razor that is free of debris and clogged hair.
11. Shave In The Direction Of Your Hair Growth
Follow the hair growth sequence and shave them off in that direction (10).
12. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
Avoid tight-fitting clothing immediately after a shave. This may rub aggressively across the freshly shaved skin, causing frictions that may result in razor burns.
13. Shave Less Frequently
Reduce the frequency at which you shave your bikini line. Give your skin time to heal from each shaving process.
14. Rinse Out The Blade Frequently While Shaving
During shaving, the blade may get clogged with shaving cream, gel, or accumulated hair. If you continue using this on your bikini line, it may drag across your skin, causing razor burns.
If you implement these precautionary tips while shaving, and still end up with razor burns, you may have to try out other hair removal options.
Summary
If you have a low pain threshold, then shaving may be the only hair removal process you acknowledge, especially for your bikini line. Also, it is one of the easiest and affordable processes that can be completed within minutes with a blade. However, everyone is not lucky with the shaving processes, and have razor burns. Razor burns are discomforting and cause itchy pains. This may be tolerated on random parts of the body, but on the bikini lines, always covered by clothing, definitely discomforting. In this article, we have shared precautionary tips to take while shaving that may prevent the occurrence of razor burns. We also shared treatment tips to take care of the razor burns, when and if they do appear. Usually, razor burns heal after a short period of time. However, if it does not heal, and the burns get infected, you may need to consult your doctor for further care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you know you have razor burns?
The appearance of rashes after shaving, usually with skin redness and burning sensation may be razor burn.
How long does razor burn last?
This may depend on the severity of the burn. It could fade away within hours or last for days. However, the healing process will speed up if you take some precautionary efforts. You may also need to stop shaving completely and wear loose-fitting clothes to speed up the healing.
Is razor burn different from razor bump?
Yes, there is a difference. Razor burn occurs after shaving, usually as a result of friction between the blade, skin, and hair. While razor bumps occur when hair curls into the skin while growing back after shaving. These are called ingrown hairs, and they curl into the skin resulting in bumps.
References –
- “Everything You Need to Know About Razor Burn“- Healthline.com
- “HAIR REMOVAL: HOW TO SHAVE” – Aad.org
- “Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry and clinical properties” – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis” – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Aloe Vera” – nccih.nih.gov
- “How to use tea tree oil for skin” – medicalnewstoday.com
- “The uses and properties of almond oil” – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Hydrocortisone Topical” – medlineplus.gov
- “Ingrown hair” – mayoclinic.org
- “Want a Smooth, Safe Shave Every Time? Try These Tips” – health.clevelandclinic.org
