Tips to Help Prevent Razor Burn — Even on Dry Skin

We love the feeling of smooth, freshly shaved and moisturized legs. But if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may have experienced razor burn or ingrown hairs shortly after using a razor. Thankfully, there are a few tips that can help you prevent razor bumps and soothe irritation post-shave. Here, board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Dhaval Bhansuli explains what to do. 

TIP 1: Exfoliate Before Shaving 

If you want to avoid razor burn on dry skin, you have to prep your skin for shaving. To get an even and razor bump-free shave, exfoliate your skin before you start. This can help remove any buildup of dead skin cells so your razor glides smoothly across the skin. Two of our favorite body scrubs are the Carol’s Daughter Monoi Body Polish and the Grown Alchemist Intensive Body Exfoliant. 

TIP 2: Shave in the Shower

If you’re in a rush, it can be tempting to take a razor to dry skin and head out the door. But according to Dr. Bhansuli, you should always shave on wet skin, in the shower or bath. We also recommend using warm water to soften your hair.

TIP 3: Use a New Razor

Never use an old razor with a blunt blade, as this can be very abrasive to skin and lead to an uneven shave and bumps.

TIP 4: Use a Shaving Lotion

If you have dry skin, it’s important to reach for a creamy shaving lotion to minimize the chances of getting nicks and razor burn. We love the Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream Blue Eagle that is formulated for sensitive skin and is enriched with soothing aloe.

TIP 5: Don’t Forget to Moisturize

Always moisturize your skin once you’re done shaving to replenish hydration. For dry skin, reach for emollient body butters or balms, like the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Moisturizer for Dry Skin, which is formulated with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and glycerin. 

TIP 6: Cool Down the Area 

If you do experience razor burn, Dr. Bhanusali suggests running the affected area under cold water. “A quick thing you can do is apply cold water to constrict the blood flow in the areas and [temporarily] tighten up the pores,” he says. You can also ice the area for a few minutes.

TIP 7: Try a Post-Shave Product 

If you frequently experience razor burn, you may want to invest in a post-shave product or razor bump cream that is formulated to help improve the skin’s appearance after hair removal. We suggest the Fur Ingrown Concentrate. 

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

Read More:

3 Benefits of Body Exfoliation

How to Get Glowing Skin in 8 Easy Steps 

Derm DMs: How Long Does It Take for Skin Care to Work?