Most people who shave have experienced razor burn at least once in their lifetime. Shaving isn’t for everyone (no judgment here!), but the people who do shave want to avoid itchy, red bumps as much as possible. Whether you shave your face, legs, underarms, or bikini area, there are natural remedies to help relieve razor burn.

Prevention Is The Best Protection

Before we give you home remedies to relieve razor burn, it’s important to understand that you can prevent discomfort in the first place. It all starts with proper hair removal. Before you shave, dermatologists recommend exfoliating with a sugar scrub or wash cloth. When you apply the shaving gel or cream, leave it on for 10 minutes before using a sharp razor. Once you finish shaving, wash the shaved area with antiseptic or antibacterial soap and rinse with cold water. All of these steps elongate the shaving process, but they do reduce your risk of razor burn.

7 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Razor Burn

Apple Cider Vinegar

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of apple cider vinegar make it an excellent remedy for razor burn. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can alleviate the irritation of micro-cuts left behind after shaving. The citric acid in apple cider vinegar is also an alpha hydroxy acid, meaning it can increase cell turnover to unclog ingrown hairs. Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, dab a cotton ball in the solution, and apply to the affected area. You can enhance this process by applying chilled black tea bags on the skin afterwards.

Tea Tree Oil

Many studies on tea tree oil found that it exhibited antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil has been incorporated into traditional healing practices to help soothe burns and accelerate the healing of minor wounds. It is very important to dilute tea tree oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil. Because tea tree oil has astringent properties, apply a diluted mixture to razor burn to soothe irritation and reduce the itchy, burning sensation.

Baking Soda

The use of baking soda to soothe razor burn is an old-fashioned remedy. All you need to do is mix one tablespoon of baking soda into one cup of filtered water. Stir the mixture to ensure it is thoroughly combined. Dab a cotton ball in mixture and then apply it to the affected razor burn area. Let it dry on the skin before you rinse it with cold water. Do this two to three times a day to reduce redness and stinging. 

An Oatmeal Bath

Traditionally used for soothing symptoms of dermatitis, eczema, or general itchiness, oatmeal baths are excellent if you have razor burn, especially on your legs. The beta-glucan in oatmeal works to create a protective and moisturized barrier on the skin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of oatmeal also accelerate healing and reduce the red bumps. If you don’t want to add one to two cups of oats to a lukewarm bath, you can mix equal parts yogurt and ground oats in a bowl and apply that to the razor burn. Let it sit on the skin for 30 minutes before you wash it off with warm water. 

Black Tea Bags

You don’t have to go out and buy the most expensive black tea for this to work. Black tea contains tannic acid, which helps to reduce any inflammation or redness by soothing the skin. It also helps with the burning sensation of razor burn. Steep black tea back in warm water for about ten minutes before rubbing it on your razor burn. Rinse with warm water after three minutes and repeat twice daily. 

Witch Hazel

A lot of people use witch hazel to help clear up blemishes or bad acne because it has powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it an excellent home remedy for razor burn. The tannins in witch hazel actually repair broken skin caused by razor burn when you apply it to the affected area. There’s no need to mix witch hazel with anything. Simply apply it to the razor burn to accelerate healing.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies for reducing inflammation or burning on the skin. You can squeeze the gel from a fresh aloe leaf onto the razor burn area and let it sit for 10 minutes to provide relief. Don’t buy aloe vera gel with artificial colors and alcohol from the store because that won’t help. The topical application of fresh aloe vera gel helps improve the skin’s barrier, and many studies found that it exhibits anti-inflammatory activity upon interacting with the skin.