Minimizing/Soothing Razor Burn/Itchiness

[Constance]

So, I've tried two differnet ways of shaving my legs and arms: wet with shaving cream (Kiss My Face to be precise) and dry. I seem to get a closer shave dry, but either way I end up with razor burn on my legs.

My arms are always OK. And, I've never had razor burn on my face since switching to a razor from an electric shaver. Well, as long as the blade is sharp.

The other night, I tried putting Nivea Sheer Moisture Lotion on my itchy legs, and that seemed to make the burn feel worse for a bit. In fact, the sensation went from itching to burning.

Most of the red bumps are high enough on my thighs that they'd be hidden by dresses or skirts anyway. But, what would you, my fellow boardmates, recommend to minimize or sooth the itchiness and burning that follows the shaving.

[FairyGirl]

I guess it would depend on your skin type, allergies, etc., but I use Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew which is just a simple daily moisterizer that seems to cool off razor burn for me. Also aloe vera gel works well for a really bad case.

[Constance]

Aloe vera; of course. I should have thought of that. 

Thanks.

[Nicky]

Could it be the itchyness from regrowth rather than razor burn? You mentioned red bumps which sounds more like regrowth rather than razor burn.

Whenever I shave my legs within a day they get mighty itchy. I think this is caused by the now sharply cut hairs sitting just below the surface of the skin poking from the inside.

You could try shaving with the grain (just like facial hair), you don't get as close a shave but it might save you in ingrown hairs and razor burn and cuts.
Exfoliate regulalry - this helps reduce the chance of ingrown hairs.

maybe moisturise after shaving - shaving seems to leave my legs dry (making them itchyer).

Have you tried a hair removal cream?

[Cindy]

I use razors made for females (sorry trying to get around brand names) which self lubricate. I always shave my legs in the shower or when having a bubble bath. I always moisturise. I do so every morning. Face, Legs and Fanny 

I use hair removal cream on my arms and hands but not my legs.

BTW a tip for plucking eyebrows and anywhere else; use a childs toothing gell, rub some over the area and pluck away - no pain! Just don't get carried away

Love
Cindy

[Ellieka]

I used to have the same problem with my legs. I got cuts and large red spots no matter what I used. So I stopped shaving them  and bought an electric epilator. I've never had my legs so smooth. No bumps or burn. The first time I used it I did have some break out but it was gone within a few hours.

If you get one I don't advise getting a cheap one. Pay a little more and get one that plugs in, it will take a while to do it the first time and a battery powered one will go dead too soon.

I paid about $60.00 US for mine and I absolutely love it. I use it one my entire body... excluding the face.

[Janet_Girl]

I made a tone that is half apple cider vinegar and half green tea.  It takes the sting out of razor burn, tones the skin and the vinegar smell goes away after a few minutes.  Cheap to make.

Janet

[Suzy]

I occasionally shave my face till it is raw in spots, not intentionally, but I am just so anxious to be smooth, and have not gotten to do electro yet.  My dermatologist (who is also a CD) told me to put hydrocortesone cream on those spots.  To my surprise, it worked like a charm!  Cooled them right down.  It is quite inexpensive in generic, too.

When I shave everywhere I use Aveeno Positively Radiant.  I also use it on my face daily.  It has an SPF of 30, and really does a nice job after shaving. 

Kristi

[Constance]

Nicky,

I usually shave even my face against the grain. I could try the opposite, though. I've tried Nair before, with varying levels of success. Maybe it will work better if I shave real close first, then try the Nair a day or two later? I've never tried exfolliating; I'll give that a shot.


CindyJames,

The idea about the children's teeting gel for plucking is great. I'll give that a try, too.


Cami,

I've thought off and on about an epilator. But being somewhat cheap, I've stuck to the razor.


Janet,

I'm guessing that you apply the green tea/vinegar mixture after shaving, yes?

[Janet_Girl]

Yes and after removing the makeup at night.  Cleans and tones.

Janet

[Constance]

Yes and after removing the makeup at night.  Cleans and tones.

Do you have a recipe for a makeup remover? Or do you just use soap and water?

[Janet_Girl]

I use powder as a foundation, so I use just soap and water, and olive oil for the eyes.  Best mascara remover I have found.  And then the toner.

Janet

[Constance]

When I shave everywhere I use Aveeno Positively Radiant.  I also use it on my face daily.  It has an SPF of 30, and really does a nice job after shaving. 

I'd tried the Aveeno Positively Radiant and liked it. One day when I was shopping for more (I'd run out), I couldn't find any. I needed shaving cream so I tried the Kiss My Face (Mint) and I've been using that ever since. It seems to help me get smoother more easily.

[Michelle.]

My routine is easy, I guess I'm blessed in this department.

Exfoiliate.In shower, hot water.  I've found that cheap shampoo (the VO5 kind) works in a pinch in conjunction with the "bath poof" thing.

Get out of shower...

Nice lather of shave cream... Edge Sensitive Skin with Aloe.
Go over shaved area with cool to cold H2O, keep in mind I live in Florida.

Back in shower... Warm water. Go over shaved areas with a moisturizing body wash. Very light use of poof thing.

Dry off... Lubiderm Dry Skin moisturizer. Reminds me I need more of that and exfoliant.

Sometimes my legs itch, reapply moisturizer.

Helpful hint. I use "male aftershave" on the razor inbetween body areas. The alcohol kills any germs that might cause a minor skin infection. Also the aftershave on the face helps, but washes off during part II of showering.