Friday, 27 January 2023 | 14:17
Aulia Hafisa
Shaving illustration (Shutterstock)

TheIndonesia.id - There are many ways to remove your body hair. The most common one is shaving. However, if you don't shave your hair well, it can leave the notorious patches of irritated, inflamed skin known as razor burns or bumps known as ingrown hairs. It can occur anywhere you shave like your legs, underarms, and bikini line. 

Razor burn and ingrown hair have almost been experienced by anyone who shaves. 

A dermatologist and co-owner of Modern Dermatology PC in Connecticut, USA, Rhonda Q. Klein says that razor irritation is caused by dry shaving, aggressive shaving techniques, or shaving with dull blades. 

Quoting Health.com, razor burns can also happen when the hair follicles are open after shaving and some substance gets in, such as salt water, chlorine, or sunscreen.

Razor burns are usually temporary and go away on their own. However, it is better to treat the wound. The first option for treating a razor burn is to wait for the rash to disappear and not shave the affected area again until it heals.

Here are several steps to soothe your skin and prevent razor burns from happening again. 

1. Oatmeal 

Soaking in an oatmeal bath is a great way to relieve itching, says Dr. klein. Add one cup of colloidal oatmeal (not the kind you eat for breakfast) into warm water, and bathe your body for up to 20 minutes. 

2. White vinegar 

You can also add white vinegar to the bath water to relieve irritation. It has an antimicrobial substance that can fend off folliculitis. Add the white vinegar one to two cups to your bath, soaking for 20 minutes, and then rinse off with cool water. 

3. Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera gel illustration (Shutterstock)

Dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, who practices privately in Manhattan says products with anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as aloe vera can also help. 

Aloe vera is very relaxing and relaxing. A systematic review found evidence to support aloe vera's potential to heal first and second-degree burns. To treat razor burns, apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to the affected area. 

4. Tea tree oil 

Tea tree oil is another anti-inflammatory product commonly used as a natural remedy to heal minor cuts and burns. However, it should not be used undiluted. Therefore, it is best to mix it with sweet almond oil or coconut oil, using one to three drops of tea tree oil per teaspoon of the oil. 

It's important to note that even when diluted, tea tree oil can irritate some people's skin, so you can first test it on a small patch of skin to make sure it's OK. 

If neither of the tips helps to relieve the symptoms of a razor burn, you should consult a dermatologist.