How to Avoid Razor Burn Even With Sensitive Skin

Last Updated on July 22, 2016 by Diane Hoffmaster

This discussion about how to avoid razor burn is part of a sponsored conversation for SheSpeaks and P&G but all opinions are my own.

Having been blessed (or cursed) with fair skin and dark hair means that even after a day of not shaving, I have very visible stubble.  What's even worse is that I HATE the feeling of stubbly legs rubbing up against one another.  If you want to be one of those empowered women who refuses to shave and dyes their underarm hair pink, you go right ahead.  ME?  I have no desire to have hairy legs at all, even in winter.  That means I pretty much have to shave every single day of my life.  Yes, it's a bit of a time suck, especially seeing as I have sensitive skin and can't just rush through the whole process.  I have learned a few tips over the years for avoiding razor burn if you shave a lot like I do with sensitive skin.

How to Avoid Razor Burn Even With Sensitive Skin

Never, ever shave dry!  I know, shaving is a pain and you don't always have time for a shower or bath, right?  Well, if you are wondering how to avoid razor burn, I am sorry to say that you need to get those legs thoroughly wet before going at them with a razor.  Get in and wash your hair, face, etc before tackling your shaving.

Lather properly: Not only do your legs need to be wet but they need to have some sort of shaving cream/lotion on them.  Do not shave with only water and for heaven's sake do not use soap.  It is very drying to your skin and not the gentlest of shaving products.  I used the Gillette Olay Vanilla Cashmere that I was sent and it smelled heavenly.  It gave me a nice, close shave and left my legs feeling smooth and soft.

Go in the right direction. Shave with the grain of the hair (ie, run the razor DOWN your leg, not up!), in short, gentle strokes. Going against the direction the hair is going may cause ingrown hairs and increase razor burn. I must admit, this one is hard for me to do.  It feels unnatural at first but it does decrease irritation when I do it.

Use the right razor and replace it often:  The key to avoiding razor burn is to take care of your razors.  Old razors get dull and end up with bacteria growing where they shouldn't.  Both of these factors can act as causes of razor burn for people with sensitive skin.  Rinse your razor thoroughly and store it in a relatively dry spot. Replace it every few weeks.  Use a razor for sensitive skin like the Venus Disposable.  Venus Disposables give a close shave for sensitive skin and have 3 blades surrounded by soft, protective cushions.  The pivoting rounded head fits easily into hard-to-shave areas which is really nice for sensitive bikini areas.

Cleanse and Soothe After Shaving:  Make sure you rinse, wash with a gentle soap, pat dry and follow up with a gentle moisturizer after you shave.  This will help rinse off any excess shaving cream, close up your pores, and replace any oils that were removed during your shower and shaving. If you use a shaving product with plenty of moisturizers you don't need to moisturize afterwards.

Everyone is different when it comes to their shaving needs.  Whether you are trying to figure out how to avoid razor burn or need to condition super dry legs, Venus has a razor that will help!   Venus created Choose Your Smooth – a way to help you choose the perfect razor for your lifestyle. They matched three razors (Venus Swirl, Venus & Olay, Venus Disposable) with a personality based on the razor features.  Which one do you think YOU are?

The Venus Swirl is for the Perfectionist because it leaves your legs flawlessly smooth! It has 5 contour blades and Flexiball technology that contours to every curve for flawless skin.

The Venus & Olay razor is for the Multitasker because it moisturizes as you shave – no need for shave cream!  It has 5 blades and Olay Moisture Bars that release skin conditioners to help lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness.

The Venus Disposable is for the On-The-Go-Girl because it’s perfectly suited for the active lifestyle. Perfect for your gym bag or suitcase and can be thrown away when needed. Venus Disposables give a close shave for sensitive skin and has 3 blades surrounded by soft, protective cushions.  The pivoting rounded head fits easily into hard-to-shave areas.

Learn more and shop for Venus razors at Walmart

Watch the video below and  Choose Your Smooth!

Diane Hoffmaster

Diane is a professional blogger and nationally certified pharmacy technician at Good Pill Pharmacy.  She has two college aged kids, one husband and more pets than she will admit to. She earned her BS in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire  but left her career in science to become a stay at home mom. Years of playing with LEGO and coloring with crayons had her craving a more grown up purpose to her life and she began blogging and freelance writing full time.  You can learn more about her HERE.