How To Reduce Skin Irritation After Shaving

Step 1: Cleanse before shaving
Before you begin shaving, use a cleanser to clean the skin and soften the hairs. Softer hairs are shaved more easily and cause less tension and irritation for the skin. Use a mild cleanser so that you don’t irritate the skin before you get your razor out. When you start shaving, be sure to double check you don’t have dull blades as this can cause irritation and will prevent a neat, closer shave.

Step 2: Try a different way of shaving

A lot of us shave with cream, gel or soap, but all of these can irritate the skin and cause it to dry out. You can try experimenting with different products such as a balm until you find one that is friendlier for your skin. You can also try to shave dry, but that can cause irritation, razor bumps, or razor rash as well if you don’t do it right. Check out our guide on dry shaving. And remember to shave in the direction of hair growth when possible to prevent skin irritation.

Step 3: Use alcohol-free aftershave
Alcohol-based aftershave has been important historically because the alcohol helped prevent infection in any cuts. Although alcohol still has a major influence today, the chances of skin infections are less likely thanks to modern safety razors and rotary shavers. Trial an alcohol-free aftershave – a shaving companion that’s friendly for your skin.

Step 4: Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
Every time you shave, you should moisturise the skin after. It doesn’t matter if you’re shaving your facial hair or any other part of your body, moisturising matters. Use an unscented moisturiser for those more sensitive areas, some people swear by baby powders or petroleum jelly to soothe the skin. Prevent redness and stop itching after shaving with a cool compress.