Shaving is a daily ritual for many, but it can often come with an unwanted side effect – redness and irritation. Your skin can feel extra sensitive and sore. Bumps may also appear a few days later as the hair growth reforms; this can be a very uncomfortable condition for men who shave.
Whether you're prone to razor burn or just experience occasional redness after shaving, finding ways to soothe your skin is essential for a comfortable grooming experience. This guide'll explore effective techniques and products to help you conquer redness after shaving and restore your skin's calmness.
Razor Burn versus Razor Bumps
Before we discuss what causes redness after shaving, it’s important to distinguish between razor burns and razor bumps.
Razor burns and bumps are not the same, although the words are used interchangeably. Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that result from hair removal; the hair curls into the skin as it grows back.
Both conditions can cause red and irritated skin, but razor bumps are characterised by bumps, which may look like small pimples. Razor burn looks more like streaks or blotches across the skin.
What causes redness after shaving?
When you shave, the razor can open small cracks in the top layer of the skin, which can cause your skin to become irritated and cause redness after shaving. Compared to other skin on your body, beard hair on the face and neck comes out of the skin at a lower angle, making it much harder to shave. This is especially true on the neck.
You can read more about how to get rid of facial redness on our blog.
Additional factors that may lead to redness after shaving include:
- Using a blunt razor
- Lotions that irritate the skin
- Shaving against hair growth
- Shaving too fast
- Having sensitive skin
How to avoid redness after shaving
Here is our guide with tips to prevent the frustrating redness that often occurs after shaving:
Step 1 - Preparing the skin to prevent post-shave redness is key.
Before you even pick up your razor, proper skin preparation can make a world of difference in preventing redness. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, and impurities. This step helps soften the hair and opens up the pores, making it easier for the razor to glide smoothly.
Our Red Algae Cleansing Soap Bar is the perfect skin preparation. It’s made with Red Algae flakes to gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells that could block and blunt the razor. It’s also made with an array of hydrating ingredients, such as coconut oil and shea butter, to hydrate and nourish the skin and prevent cracking of the top layer of skin.
Step 2 - Use a sharp razor to prevent razor burn and redness.
One common culprit behind post-shave redness is using a dull razor blade. Dull blades can tug and pull at the hair follicles, leading to irritation and inflammation. Ensure you're using a sharp razor and replace the blades regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Step 3 - Apply a soothing shaving cream or gel.
Invest in a high-quality shaving cream or gel formulated specifically for sensitive skin. Shaving creams and gels provide lubrication and protection, allowing the razor to glide effortlessly over your skin. Look for ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Apply a generous layer to your damp skin and let it sit for a minute or two before shaving to soften the hair and create a barrier against irritation.
Step 4 - Shave with the grain.
Shaving against the grain might provide a closer shave but also increases the risk of irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Instead, shave in the direction of hair growth to minimise friction and reduce the likelihood of razor burn. Take short, gentle strokes, and rinse the razor frequently to prevent clogging.
Step 5 - Rinse your skin with cold water.
Once you've completed your shave, rinse your face thoroughly with cold water to close the pores and soothe the skin. Cold water helps constrict blood vessels, reducing redness and inflammation.
Pat your skin dry with a clean towel, avoiding any harsh rubbing or tugging.
Step 6 - Apply a calming aftershave balm
Finish off your shaving routine with a soothing aftershave gel to calm and hydrate your skin.
The Recovery & Repair Gel is a natural Red Algae Gel which tackles inflammation and sensitivity while moisturising the skin. Dehydrated skin is more likely to be affected by shaving rash, so it's essential to always stay hydrated. Moisturising your skin after a shave, especially if you see a shaving rash coming on, is important when it comes to eliminating the rash.
Gently massage the gel into your skin until fully absorbed, focusing on areas prone to redness and sensitivity.
Your three key products for a smooth, calm shave and to target redness after shaving
Red Algae Cleansing Soap Bar: Our unique Red Algae Cleansing Bar. It is intensely hydrating while tackling all signs of inflammation, redness, and dry skin. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and moisture for a delicate cleanse. It’s rich in coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter and castor seed oil to hydrate inflamed skin at every level.
The Recovery & Repair Gel: Our best-selling Red Algae gel. Tackles inflammation, soothes irritated skin, targets blemishes, redness, pigmentation, dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, all while intensely nourishing and moisturising the skin. It gradually repairs the skin barrier while providing unparalleled moisture and nourishing the skin with vitamins and minerals. It’s made with Chamomile, Calendula and Jojoba Oil to soothe the skin.
Proven to reduce redness by 21% in just 28 days. This makes it perfect for acting as your moisturiser, anti-ageing cream, post-shave balm, and blemish treatment in one.
A sharp, multi-blade razor: This one goes without saying. Try a subscription kit such as this one by Harrys, to ensure you never end-up using an old, blunt razor.
