Shaving is one of the common ways to get smooth, silky skin, but there can be problems. While you can cut yourself if you do not practice care, you may also end up dealing with itchiness on your underarm, legs, and other areas of the body. That intense itching can make you scratch hard, increasing the risk of developing an infection. The good news is that you can learn ways to stop itching after shaving.
How to Stop Itching After Shaving
1. Apply Topical Products
A simple way to treat itching after shaving is to apply topical products that contain some anti-itch ingredients. You can actually find many such products, including lotions, creams, and sprays that contain ingredients like camphor and menthol. These ingredients help soothe your itchy skin. You can also use 1% hydrocortisone cream to deal with itching.
Yet another effective way is to dissolve two aspirins in a teaspoon of warm water and apply the paste directly to your affected skin for relief. Be sure to wash it off after 10 minutes using lukewarm water. Using this treatment twice a day also proves effective against razor bumps – avoid it if you have super sensitive skin.
In addition to these common remedies, you can also try many other natural ways to stop itching after shaving. Here are some suggestions:
2. Try a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress on your affected skin not only helps with itching but also helps reduce that burning sensation caused by razor bumps.
How to Apply
Take a thin towel and wrap a few ice cubes in it. Now, place it on the affected skin for a few minutes for relief.
3. Make Use of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has anti-inflammatory properties. It works amazingly well to reduce itching and irritation caused by shaving. It also contains acetic acid that lowers your risk of developing an infection.
How to Apply
Take a cotton ball and dab it in ACV. Now, apply it on your affected skin. Leave it for a while and then wash off with plain water. Repeat thrice a day for the best results. Dilute ACV first if you have sensitive skin.
4. Use Aloe Vera
How to stop itching after shaving? One way to deal with your itchy skin is to apply aloe vera on it. This will immediately produce a soothing sensation and relieve itching and inflammation too.
How to Apply
Take an aloe vera leaf and extract its gel. Now, rub the gel on your itchy skin. Once it becomes dry, use cold water to rinse it off properly. Repeat thrice a day for two days to relieve itching.
5. Make Use of Black Tea
You can use those black tea bags to make tea to deal with your razor burns and itching. It works because black tea contains tannic acid which is extremely effective against inflammation and redness.
How to Apply
Take some warm water and moisten a teabag in it. Let it cool and then rub it over your affected skin for a couple of minutes. Repeat the same several times a day for the best results.
6. Use Honey
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, honey helps heal skin inflammation and stop itchiness.
How to Apply
You can apply some honey directly on your affected skin and leave it there to air dry. Then, rinse it off with cold water.
7. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective against the itching and inflammation caused by shaving. It also helps relieve redness.
How to Apply
Take a cup of water and add a tablespoon of baking soda to it. Now, soak a cotton ball in this baking soda solution and apply it on your itchy skin. Rinse it with cool water after five minutes. Repeat twice a day for relief.
8. Try Cucumber
Cucumber is always on the "how to stop itching after shaving" list. Its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties make it effective against razor burn symptoms. It also has vitamin C and vitamin K that enhance its ability to relieve pain and itchiness.
How to Apply
Take a fresh cucumber and slice it. Put those slices in the refrigerator for half an hour and then rub them on your affected skin for 10 minutes at a time. Repeat the same until your condition improves.
9. Apply Tea Tree Oil
Thanks to its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil reduces itching, accelerates healing, and prevents infections.
How to Apply
Mix two tablespoons of water and five drops of tea tree oil to make a solution. Apply it on your affected skin and then leave for 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat twice a day.
10. Moisturize the Skin
Along with trying these remedies, you should also take steps to moisturize your skin. Sometimes, the itch occurs because your skin is too dry. Apply a moisturizing product – ensure that you do not opt for anything that contains fragrance or your itching will become worse.
If these remedies do not work and your itching sensation persists for several days, you should talk to your dermatologist for a treatment option.
How to Prevent Itching After Shaving
Learning how to stop itching after shaving really helps treat the issue, but it is better to take some measures to prevent itching in the first place. Here are some preventive measures:
- Consider trimming your hair with scissors first and then start to shave.
- Take a warm bath before you start shaving, because this opens up hair follicles and makes shaving easier.
- Lather well using a thick fragrance-free shaving cream.
- Select appropriate razors for specific areas of your body. Razors suitable for hair on the face are not suitable for use on the pubes. Always shave in the same direction of the hair growth.
- Be sure to pat dry your skin after shaving and do not rub with a towel.
- Apply a moisturizer after shaving to prevent dryness.