3 min read

Feeling the Burn? The Best Products for Razor Burn

May 30, 2017

The amount of men’s grooming products now available leave most men stumped. But remember, when you’re looking for products that will help you battle razor burn, they fall into two categories: products for preventing razor burn and products for treating razor burn. Here, we give you our top picks for each.

Preventing Razor Burn

Cleansers

Put simply, you want to find a cleanser that will clean your face of dirt and oil to leave behind a smooth shaving surface, but won’t dry out your skin. This can be a tricky balance, as men tend to have more active sebaceous glands that result in oilier skin, so men’s face washes tend to be quite drying. Keep on the lookout for cleansers free of fragrances and alcohol - as these can soak up moisture - and contain moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides.

Cleansers we recommend:

FOREO Revitalizing Gel Cleanser for Men
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
Neutrogena for Men Invigorating Face Wash

Exfoliators

Exfoliators are vital as they remove dead skin cells on the face’s surface - one of the most common reasons for preventing a smooth shave. Yet most men find exfoliators too harsh to use on a daily basis. Try to find an exfoliator that is gentle enough to use frequently. It’s also incredibly important not to use an exfoliator if you’ve already used a cleanser - use one or the other. For convenience, use an exfoliator that also cleanses, or a cleanser that also exfoliates. The LUNA 2 for MEN combines deep cleansing with removing dead skin cells, and it’s gentle enough to use every time you shave. Simply apply your regular cleanser, use for 1 minute before you shave, and the effect is to prep your skin for a smooth, more comfortable shaving experience. Exfoliators we recommend:

EvolutionMan Wash & Buff
King of Shaves for Men Skincare K-XF Pre Shave Face Scrub
Neutrogena Men Razor Defense Daily Face Scrub

Shaving Cream

Using a high-quality shaving cream can really make a difference in delivering a smooth shave that’s free of razor burn. You should use a shaving cream that has a rich, creamy lather, and contains glycerin or other lubricating moisturizers. Shaving creams we recommend:

CO Bigelow Premium Menthol Shave Cream with Eucalyptus Oil
Castle Forbes Lime Essential Oil Shaving Cream
The Gentlemens Refinery The Standard Shave Cream

Aftershave

Aftershaves should contain numbing agents, such as menthol, to soothe the skin post-shave, as well as antiseptics to prevent the infection of cuts. Try finding one that uses an alcohol-free formula and provides long-lasting hydration. Aftershaves are available in lotions, gels and liquids, but if you are prone to razor burn, try using an aftershave balm, which is typically more moisturizing and soothing.

Source: Sephora Aftershaves we recommend:

L'Oreal Expert Comfort Max Anti-Irritation Aftershave
The Art of Shaving Aftershave Balm
Gendarme Aftershave Balm

Treating Razor Burn

Natural Remedies

Apple cider vinegar - Dab a small amount onto a cotton ball, directly apply to affected areas and let absorb. Apple cider vinegar is a natural antiseptic that will help destroy skin bacteria. Cucumber - Cucumbers contain vitamins C and K, both of which help the skin heal. Place cucumber slices in the fridge until they become cold, and then gently rub on your face. Black tea - Steep a tea bag in hot water for two minutes. Dip a cotton ball into the liquid and put on irritated skin. The tannic acids in the tea will reduce redness and inflammation. Tea tree and olive oil - Mix two drops of tea tree oil into one tablespoon of olive oil and rub the mixture into irritated skin. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties and olive oil will fill skin with moisture.

Moisturizers

There are several moisturizers formulated specifically for helping with post-shave razor burn. These soothe the skin and replace lost moisture, as well as promote the healing of nicks and cuts. Make sure the packaging specifies that the moisturizer is non-greasy, absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish.