How Long Does Razor Burn Last?

We’ve all done it and know we shouldn’t do it… We hit the shower and shave as fast as possible to get it over with – and get hit with a painful and ugly case of razor burn! Razor burn is uncomfortable, unsightly, and uncomfortable. Luckily, with a few extra precautions before and after you shave, you can eliminate the chances of experiencing razor burn and razor bumps.

What is razor burn?

Razor burn is considered contact dermatitis, or skin rash. It causes itchiness, redness, irritation, and dryness in the affected area. It also causes the skin to turn red with a rash-life appearance.

Razor burn is not the same as razor bumps. Razor bumps (considered a type of folliculitis) do not appear right away. They appear when your hair starts to grow back. Inflamed hair follicles get trapped within the hair follicle, and that’s what creates a razor bump. It’s not the same as ingrown hairs – ingrown hairs grow back into the skin. Razor bumps are caused by hairs that can’t leave your skin as they grow.

What causes razor burn?

Depending on the severity, razor burn appears on the skin right after shaving or an hour or two later. Here’s what causes razor burn:

• Shaving over dry skin/dry shaving
• Shaving too fast
• Shaving in the wrong direction
• Shaving with an old, dull razor
• Pressing too hard while shaving

Shaving with dull blades is the most common reason people experience razor burn. Dull blades don’t cut hair as well as a fresh blade, so it takes more passes to remove hair.

Shaving in the wrong direction also makes it more difficult for the razor to pick up hair. As a result, you take more passes with the razor and cause more damage and irritation to your skin.

Dry shaving is also a big contributor to razor burn. It’s tempting to just run the razor over your legs when you don’t feel like shaving– but don’t! Shaving cream or aloe vera gel are needed to create a barrier between the blade and your skin to avoid razor burn.

Getting too aggressive with your razor also causes razor burn. Do not press on your razor when shaving, because you increase the risk of cuts and razor burn.

Finally, slow down while shaving. Your razor needs time to lift and cut hair. Dragging your razor across your skin as fast as you can result in not picking up hair and damaging your skin.

How long does razor burn last?

When you have razor burn, you experience a damaged lipid barrier. It takes about three to four days for this damage to heal and for razor burn to heal. Healing also depends on your skin type. If you have very oily skin, your razor burn may clear up faster. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it may take up to a week for your skin to get back to normal.

How can I soothe razor burn?

Since razor burn is skin damage, you need to help it heal. It’s important to keep razor burn clear of skincare products that will irritate it – so don’t slather just anything on it! Avoid products that contain alcohol and artificial fragrance, which will irritate skin more. Teami Aloe is gentle enough to use on razor burn. And a few drops of Teami Repair Oil can be used on razor burn on any part of the body to soothe and condition the skin.

Other ways to accelerate razor burn healing include:

• Taking an oatmeal bath
• Applying green tea bags to irritated spots
• Applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone steroid creams in severe cases
• Using a cold compress
• Hydrating skin with coconut oil

In severe cases of razor burns or razor bumps, you may need to seek professional help from a doctor or dermatologist.

If you experience razor burn or red bumps every time you shave no matter what you do, this is also an ideal time to see a dermatologist who can provide recommendations for very sensitive skin.

How can I prevent razor burn next time?

The best way to prevent razor burn is to shave with a very sharp blade, a lubricant layer, and damp skin. If you shave multiple times per week, make sure you replace your razor blade once per week. Extending the lifespan of your razor will lead to skin damage, so it’s best to replace them as needed! Shaving in the shower with warm water helps open up your pores and keeps hairs soft for shaving.

Exfoliating before you shave can also help prevent razor burn and razor bumps. Gently sweep away dead skin cells with Teami Smooth Body Polish before you start shaving – your skin will feel silky smooth and be completely prepped for shaving! And when you’re done shaving, rehydrate your skin with a nourishing moisturizer.

To truly prevent razor burn, make shaving part of your self-care ritual with your favorite Teami skin care products! When you take your time shaving, your skin will thank you. You’ll eliminate the chances of razor burn and bumps, and your skin will look great and feel great too!

Want more skincare tips? Check out more of our lifestyle posts on the Teami blog!