Skin irritation caused by razor burn can be difficult to get rid of, though one of the best ideas for razor burn treatment is to apply a soothing aloe vera gel or moisturizing lotion to the area. Hydrocortisone cream may also be used to make the raised, red bumps from razor burn disappear, and some experts also recommend using a body wash or moisturizer containing the acne treatment ingredient benzoyl peroxide as a razor burn treatment, which can also help with bumps. Shaving in the same direction the hair grows is another great razor burn treatment; it will not lead to as close of a shave, but it will cause less irritation.
The best razor burn treatment is, unfortunately, to stop shaving for a few days while the irritation goes away on its own. This may not always be feasible, though some people choose to use depilatory creams, if possible, instead of shaving. Depilatory creams dissolve the hair, though some people find them to be even more irritating than shaving, and men should not use them on the face. It depends entirely on one's skin type and preferences. It is important to prep the skin properly before shaving, both as a razor burn treatment, and to prevent razor burn from occurring in the future.
It is generally not a good idea to just shave with soap if one is prone to razor burn. It is better to take the extra time and apply warm water to the area first, followed by designated shaving cream. This will moisturize the skin and prevent the razor from pulling and dragging on the skin, leading to razor burn. In is a great idea to shave in conjunction with taking a bath or shower, because the skin is softened from the water and less likely to become irritated from the shaving. Then, after shaving and stepping out of the bath or shower, immediately apply moisturizer to the skin; this can act as a razor burn treatment and as a preventative measure for future damage.
For razor burns that are especially painful, it is sometimes recommended to apply witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to the skin. It is important to regularly replace a razor, and never use a razor that is dull, which can easily lead to razor burn; electric shavers should be cleaned thoroughly after each use. In addition, be sure to regularly exfoliate the areas to be shaved with a body or face scrub to remove dead skin, which can also help to prevent razor burn.