Vaseline is so familiar to most of us due to its great benefits. However, can vaseline help razor burn? Read this post to get the answer!
When men trim on a regular basis, one of the sickest and most uncomfortable things they have to cope with is razor burn. Besides, it may also be challenging to treat and cure them promptly.
Some people have heard of vaseline being used when a bad situation occurs, but they are unsure if it is effective.
Therefore, the question “Does vaseline help razor burn?” has perplexed them. If you are one of them, do not ignore this article because it will provide information on the benefits of vaseline in curing razor burn.
Does Vaseline Help Razor Burn?
The answer is yes; vaseline is an effective cure for razor burns. That is because it can significantly quicken the recovery process. Even so, you should keep patient when using vaseline to cure your razor burn since the results take time to appear.
Vaseline can help razor burn, but it requires time to get results.
Vaseline is effective for razor burn as it is 100% pure petroleum jelly and includes various healthy mineral oils. Vaseline also has the ability to keep moisture locked in.
Because mineral oil can form a film preventing water from vaporizing, but also inhibits water vapor from permeating. As a result, you should hydrate and utilize vaseline within a few hours.
Applying vaseline after shaving may soothe your skin, supply moisture, and provide a protective barrier to avoid further irritation and harm, particularly for those with vulnerable and easily irritated surfaces.
How Do You Treat Razor Burn With Vaseline?
Vaseline is an excellent choice when you are in trouble with a razor burn. Its pure petroleum jelly formula, which has been triple purified, is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. As a result, it works softly on your skin to reduce itchiness, cracking, and dryness.
- First and foremost, hydrate the skin. Once your skin remains damp, Vaseline will become more beneficial. Before applying the vaseline, ensure your hands are clean.
- Next, directly on your razor burn, use a considerable quantity of vaseline and apply it evenly to cover the shaving burns.
- Finally, finish your shaving routine by using a hydrating after-shave gel or a lotion that rehydrates and refreshes your skin, leaving it feeling better.
However, it is not advisable to use too much since it may clog the pores. Also, if you use too little vaseline, it will become ineffective.
For the best results, you may need a lot of patience because the vaseline’s benefits will not work right away. So, if you keep applying it on a regular basis, the razor burns will fade away quickly.
Why Do You Get Razor Burn?
Main cause
Razor burn is caused by a razor that causes trauma to the skin when it is moved directly through it.
Your skin’s outer layer, known as the skin barrier, helps protect your skin from environmental risks while keeping the body’s natural water balance. This skin barrier process can be disrupted, resulting in inflammation, microscopic cracks, and hydration loss. The result is a red, itchy rash known as razor burn.
Direct contact with the skin is the main reason causing razor burn.
Other causes
Dry shaving
It implies that you trim your dry skin using no soap and water, shaving gel, cream, or other emollient-containing products.
Unfortunately, doing so can cause razor burn since these products work as emollients that provide a protective barrier keeping moisture and hinders trauma to your skin barrier.
Use dull blades
Dull blades may contain a lot of dead skin cells and bacteria, which can harm your skin. Besides, they also tend to pull at your skin and injure it, sometimes severely.
Excessive pressure
Many people press the razors against their skin too hard and make a stroke when using a razor. It is like they are attempting to exfoliate the skin, which is not how things are supposed to be done.
What Can You Do To Avoid Razor Burn?
The threat of razor burn may be reduced by using the right shaving tools and techniques. The suggestions may assist you in avoiding razor burn:
Use a clean razor blade
As previously stated, dead skin cells and bacteria are frequently found on dull blades. They also pull on your hair, irritating and inflaming it further. So, it would help if you used a clean and fresh razor.
In addition, frequently replacing your razors does not require much time and effort. We recommend using a razor with multiple blades because it reduces your time to pass the razor over your skin and lessens irritation.
Razor burn clogged with soap, shaving cream, or hair may also cause razor burn. Therefore, you should get into the routine of washing your razor regularly throughout a shaving session.
Trim in the hair growth direction
In fact, there are two ways you can use to shave your hair.
The first one is to trim against hair growth. This method is an excellent way to get a closer, cleaner, and faster shave. Sadly, regarding this method, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
Your hair grows in all directions on the face, particularly around the neck. If you drag your razor upwards your face, you will pull the hair back on itself. As a result, ingrown hair and razor bumps may develop. Therefore, we do not advise you to use this method.
You should shave in the hair growth direction rather than against it.
There are drawbacks, such as you need to spend more time than necessary to achieve, or you must combine your efforts and proper shaving technique with great shaving equipment to get a close, smooth, and clean shave.
Despite this, this method is ideal for those with sensitive skin since it can result in a close shave and reduce skin irritation. It also prevents you from getting razor burns and ingrown hairs.
The only reminder is to use proper shaving techniques and appropriate products. In addition, if compared to trimming against the grain, this method is much easier and pain-free. For these reasons, you should trim in the downwards direction.
Avoid too close shaves
You may damage your skin by trying to pull and press it taut for a close shave. When skin is pulled too close for shaving, it is subjected to a great deal of pressure and ends up losing elasticity.
Thus, shaving too close to the skin irritates it, causing inflammation and a red rash when the hand is released. As a result, it is critical to keep a certain distance when shaving.
You should avoid shaving too close so as not to get razor burn.
Do not dry shave
You may have your preferences, but no dermatologist will recommend dry shaving. Instead, always shave with soap or shaving cream.
Furthermore, it is probably best to avoid those waterless razors. Although they contain a substance released during shaving, you may usually suffer from some discomfort afterward.
Change up your shave routine
You may shave daily, but you do not have to. Once razor burn becomes a frequent occurrence, shaving several days or even a few times per week may be beneficial.
Examine your shaving technique
- Exfoliate the skin before shaving to eliminate dead skin cells, which helps pull the hair out of the follicle.
- Before you begin, it is recommended to shave while bathing to make sure that your hair is well-moisturized.
- Also, remember to trim in your hair growth direction with light and short strokes.
- Give the trimmed area a quick wash with cold water before drying off. It will help close the pores once you expose them to any irritants.
- After shaving, apply a moisturizer to your skin to soothe and moisturize it. Vaseline is among the best products for post-shave skin because it contains 100 percent mineral oil.
When It Comes To Reducing Razor Burn, What Are Some Alternatives To Vaseline?
White vinegar
To relieve irritation, you can add white vinegar to the bathwater, which contains antimicrobial and can help prevent folliculitis.
You can add 1-2 cups to your bath and immerse for 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water for the best results.
Natural oils
Indeed, you can use various natural oils to soften and moisturize the skin, reducing itching and burning sensations because they contain several antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil are among the most common oils.
In addition, dry skin may also benefit from emollients such as after-shaves, unscented lotions, and moisturizers.
Aloe vera
Cuts, scrapes, and burns are often treated with aloe vera gel extracted from the aloe vera plant.
Importantly, its advantage of soothing razor burn has been suggested in much research. For instance, research from Trusted Source shows that once aloe vera enzymes are used on the skin, they reduce inflammation.
To cure razor burn, you can apply a thin pure aloe vera gel layer to the injured region. You can easily get it from most drugstores or an aloe plant.
Oatmeal bath
Many people use oatmeal to treat various skin problems, especially inflammatory ones.
Oats naturally hydrate skin, and an oatmeal shower is an excellent way to alleviate any razor burn signs you may be experiencing. Aside from that, oats comprise glucans, which can help soothe and relax the skin.
You can use regular oatmeal or an oatmeal-based bath item and add it to a lukewarm water tub to help relieve symptoms. It is beneficial if you have razor burn on your legs or pubic area.
Using aloe vera gel is a great way to treat razor burn.
Baking soda
It is also known as sodium bicarbonate, a common ingredient in baking. It is, nevertheless, a well-known natural remedy for many ailments, such as razor bumps and razor burn.
First, you can make a baking soda paste. Baking soda can be mixed with filtered water till a thick paste appear. Then, you can apply this mixture to your skin, wait for it to dry, and then carefully rinse.
Another way is to use a cotton pad and apply a cup of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your skin. Then, rinse the mixture after it has dried. You can repeat this process twice a day until your symptoms go away.
Optionally, to relieve symptoms, you can add 1 cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the other benefits of using vaseline on the face?
Remove makeup from the eyes
Vaseline can dissolve almost any kind of makeup softly and quickly because it is petroleum-based. Unlike specific makeup removers, it is safe to utilize around the eyes and is particularly efficient at eliminating waterproof mascara.
Retain moisture
Vaseline seals in any humidity on the face without adding additional ingredients irritating your skin. Before you go to sleep, add a thin layer of vaseline to the face so that it can regain its natural moisture and smoothness.
Protect lips from chapping
External conditions such as the cold wind or the hot sun may quickly dry out your lips. In that case, vaseline is helpful since it protects the sensitive skin around the mouth once you apply it to your lips.
Notably, it contains no flavors or fragrances, so most people will not be allergic to it.
Style and groom eyebrows
Indeed, you may style your brows with vaseline on your face. You can use a layer of vaseline to soften your hairs into place and ensure they remain put.
To use, you can take a small amount of Vaseline out from the jar and gently massage it on and around the brows with your hands, making sure to coat the entire brow. Then, they may feel and appear smooth.
However, keep in mind that Vaseline will not speed up the growth of your brow. Instead, the thick jelly coats each strand and helps it stay in place, giving them a thicker appearance.
Vaseline can be used on your eyebrows.
If you want to discover more about other uses of vaseline, this video is for you:
Is vaseline safe to use in the pubic area?
Yes, you can use vaseline in the pubic area.
In general, vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is an excellent moisturizer for the genital area after a bath. You can apply it at any time for added comfort.
Regarding shaving, even if your skin is exceptionally oily, keeping moisturized below your waist is still essential if you do not want to get bumps and irritation after shaving.
Moreover, vaseline is still a good buy if your pubic area’s skin is susceptible because it can be used as an after-shave balm.
Is vaseline effective for ingrown hairs?
Yes, that is correct. Vaseline is a helpful remedy for ingrown hair.
In fact, shaving causes your skin to become dry, itchy, and coarse, leading to ingrown hairs. Vaseline is a great lotion to use after shaving to hydrate your skin while also soothing and healing it.
Final Thoughts
At last, the answer to the question “Does vaseline help razor burn?” is a resounding yes. Even better, vaseline can assist you in a variety of ways in your daily life, such as removing eye makeup, retaining moisture, and so on.
If you found this article helpful, please read our other articles as well because they all contain valuable information that you may need at some point.