Feeling the burn in the gym? Great! Feeling the burn from your razor? Not so great.

Razor burn, or shaving rash, is something we all face from time-to-time. But with the right steps, it can be managed. Discover the causes, prevention tips, and treatments below, and put an end to the discomfort of shaving rash and razor burn.

What is Razor Burn?

Razor burn, or shaving rash, is a skin irritation that can be caused by dry shaving; shaving too aggressively; or shaving with dull blades. Typically, it starts to appear a few minutes after shaving, and often takes the form of a rash. Razor burn and shaving rash are not the same as clinical razor bumps, a condition caused by in-grown hairs.

Take on Razor Burn with SkinGuard Sensitive

At Gillette, we’ve been designing razors for over 117 years, so we know all about razor burn, and the discomfort it causes so many men on a daily basis. We grew tired of seeing so many men suffer with irritation following a shave, so we decided to do something about it.

Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive is the first razor designed especially for men with sensitive skin, to shield them from irritation. It does this by absorbing some of the pressure from your hand as you shave, resulting in a lighter, less-irritating experience. What’s more, SkinGuard Sensitive Blades are evenly spaced to reduce tug and pull for a more comfortable shave. SkinGuard Sensitive is the only razor to be recognised by the British Skin Foundation as a product that addresses the symptoms of razor burn and shaving rash.

What Are the Causes of Razor Burn and Shaving Rash?

Dry Shaving

Always use a shave cream. Shave creams are packed with skin-protecting lubricants that help your razor glide across your face and can hold in hydration as you shave. When the hair is hydrated, it swells and softens, allowing your razor to glide through the hair more easily. This can result in less tug and pull, less scraping on your skin and less irritation. To bring you an even more comfortable shave, we’ve infused our Gillette SkinGuard Men’s Sensitive Shaving Foam with aloe and vitamin E to cool and soothe your skin.

Pressing Too Hard

Getting overly aggressive with your razor is a fast track to razor burn. Tread lightly over a layer of shave cream, or gel, to keep your face free from shaving rash. Let the razor do the work, and use gentle strokes while shaving with the direction of the hair growth.

How to Stop Razor Burn and Shaving Rash:

Swap Your Blades

Don’t get burned by bad blades. When you begin to feel discomfort, swap out your dull blades for less tug and pull during your shave. Want SkinGuard Sensitive blades delivered straight to your door? Trial a Gillette shaving subscription today.

Don’t Get Burned by Re-Strokes

Men average about 170 strokes while shaving, and almost 120 of these are re-strokes. Once you scrape off the shave cream, be mindful of repeating strokes, as this decreases lubrication, which can lead to shaving irritation. Luckily, SkinGuard Sensitive Blades provide shielding from irritation, with lubrication before and after the blades.

Tread Lightly

The skin on your face is sensitive and during a shave, you can make between 30-700 strokes, so tread lightly if you want to avoid razor burn. Shave with the grain and a light amount of pressure to help avoid razor burn, irritation and cuts. We’d also advise saving the more sensitive areas of your face until last. This will give your shaving foam or gel plenty of time to soak into your hair, reducing the likelihood of shaving rash and razor burn.

Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive Razor

Exfoliate

Take the time to exfoliate before shaving to reduce your chance of irritation after shaving. Exfoliating can help buff away oil, dirt and old skin cells that might be matting down facial hair and blocking your razor’s path. This can lead to skin irritation when you shave, resulting in razor burn. Exfoliation can help release trapped hairs – known as razor bumps – and let your razor make proper contact with your facial hair.

How to Get Rid of Razor Burn and Shaving Rash:

Apply a Cool, Damp Cloth

If you notice redness or skin irritation straight after shaving and need immediate relief, try wetting a clean washcloth with cool water and applying it to the affected area. This may help to reduce any redness and discomfort caused by razor rash.

Hydrate to Protect

Finish up your shaving routine with a moisturising after shave gel or lotion that refreshes your skin and replenishes moisture to leave your skin feeling more comfortable. Get more tips for your post-shave routine.

Give it Time

Razor burn should go away naturally with time – until it does, it’s best to avoid shaving the affected area. Give your razor burn time to heal before your next shave and try not to shave if you notice any redness or inflammation.