Razor burn
But how does razor burn actually develop?
Razor burn is caused by hairs that grow from the curved follicles almost parallel to the surface of the skin (instead of away from the skin) and then bend back inwards. Inwardly bent hairs puncture the skin and cause an inflammatory reaction. Red spots and pustules form on the skin over the inflammation. When the spots have healed, there may be a dark discolouration of the skin or even scarring.
When does razor burn occur?
Typically, razor burn occurs within minutes of shaving. Triggers are usually low-quality razors, poor or missing shaving products and incorrect shaving technique.
The razor blades remove the uppermost horny scales of the skin. If these are missing, the skin becomes susceptible to tiny injuries caused by the blade. Sometimes germs and bacteria penetrate the skin through the mini-injuries: In this case, it can even lead to persistent inflammations, which sometimes have to be treated with antibiotics. Fortunately, there are some helpful measures that can counteract razor burn.
One very important factor: the skin must be prepared for shaving. Cleansing with warm water is the first step, because it opens the pores and makes it easier to remove the fine hairs later. During the actual shave, care products such as shaving foam or gel should always be applied. They make the skin supple and straighten the hairs.
They also serve as a protective layer to prevent razor burn: the blade can glide over the skin more gently, better and with less friction. However, it is important that the razor is not moved too firmly and with little pressure over the skin. Shaving cream or foam can be applied generously.
What can help with razor burn?
One of the main triggers for razor burn is a blade that is too blunt. If it is no longer sharp enough, it does not cut the hair, but tears and pulls it out, which inevitably leads to irritation. That’s why replacing blades regularly is an effective way to prevent razor burn.
If you shave dry, apply a pre-shave product that relaxes and moisturises the skin. If the hairs get enough moisture, they swell up and become softer, which makes shaving much easier and gentle on the skin.
But regardless of whether you shave dry or wet, after the procedure the skin always craves an extra portion of care. A good aftershave or lotion ensures that the skin is moisturised and refreshed. It also makes the skin feel much more supple and smooth. Generally, good aftershaves have a disinfecting, antibacterial and moisturising effect. Many also cool the skin. The cold causes the pores to close again so that bacteria cannot penetrate and razor burn is prevented.
Is razor burn the same as razor shadow?
By the way, razor burn should not be confused with razor shadow, because it is a completely different phenomenon. After shaving, the skin sometimes looks as if a dark shadow has been cast over it. This is due to the hair roots, which still shimmer through the skin because the hair is only cut off superficially. Shaving shadow is mostly noticeable in people with fair skin and dark body hair. There is, of course, help: for example, by regularly exfoliating and applying cream to the affected areas of skin.
Which active ingredients help with razor burn?
But back to razor burn. High-quality aftershave products contain active ingredients such as aloe vera and camomile, which are particularly effective in soothing irritated skin. The same applies to panthenol and allantoin. Honey (especially Manuka honey) and calendula extract also have a good soothing effect. Jojoba or avocado oil makes skin irritated by razor burn pleasantly supple and beautifully soft. Witch hazel and sage have a relaxing and astringent effect. Important: Alcohol should not be contained in products against razor burn. Zinc oxide can help with very pronounced razor burn, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect. As a rule, aftershave balm is more suitable than classic aftershave lotion because it is milder and does not burn on the skin. It is not greasy, is quickly absorbed and also moisturises the skin.
A good cocktail of active ingredients is also Defensiv-Plus (INCI=Octyldodecanol + Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil + Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables + Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract + Tocopherol + Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil + Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract). With a 3% concentration of ingredients, Defensiv-Plus helps fight inflammation and breaks the vicious cycle of razor burn.
A new active is Panadoxine P (Pyridoxine Cyclic Phosphate). It is a new vitamin B6 derivative with a superior stability in light and heat. It is clinically proven to give a significant improvement in hydration and help prevent razor burn.
Razor burn can be effectively prevented
The unpleasant pimples and redness that often occur after shaving do not have to be accepted at all. On the contrary, it is very important to counteract razor burn in advance, because if incompletely shaved hair follicles slip back under the skin, they can grow in and cause painful or even purulent inflammations. The skin should be prepared for shaving with preshave products on the one hand and cared for with aftershave products after shaving on the other. A high-quality aftershave is the perfect finish to any shave. It refreshes and cools the skin, moisturises, disinfects, and thus prevents the dreaded razor burn. Would you like to offer your target group sophisticated care products against razor burn? Please do not hesitate to ask us.
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