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Razor Burn and Shaving: What to Do After You Shave

Short version: razor burn is mostly a preparation problem. Shave after washing on warm, soft skin, rinse with warm then cool water, then serum and moisturiser straight away. Never shave dry skin and never leave freshly shaved skin bare.

Why you get razor burn

A blade dragged over dry, cold or dirty skin scrapes the surface as well as the hair. The skin goes red, stings and can bump up. Aftershave with alcohol then sets fire to it. The fix is softer skin before and hydration after.

Before

Wash your face with warm water and a gentle face wash. This softens the hair and clears the surface.
Shave while the skin is still warm and damp. In the shower or straight after is ideal.
Sharp blade. A dull blade is the single biggest cause of burn.

After

Rinse with warm water to clear the foam, then a splash of cool to calm the skin.
Pat dry, do not rub.
Serum on damp skin, then moisturiser. Skip alcohol based aftershave altogether.

Where shaving goes in the routine

Morning shaver: No.1 Day Cleanser, shave, rinse, No.2 Day Serum, No.3 Day Moisturiser. Night shaver: No.4 Night Cleanser, shave, rinse, No.5 Eye Cream, No.6 Night Oil. Either way the wash comes first and the hydration comes straight after.

The routine, in order

Morning, 1 2 3. No.1 Day Cleanser, No.2 Day Serum, No.3 Day Moisturiser. About a minute. Together as the AM Routine Set, £50.

Night, 4 5 6. No.4 Night Cleanser, No.5 Eye Cream, No.6 Night Oil. About a minute. Together as the PM Routine Set, £50.

All six as the Full Routine Set, £49.99 (was £89), which is the cheapest way to own the lot. Made in the UK, vegan, cruelty free, dermatologist tested, and the full ingredient list is on every product page.

Questions

Can I use the night oil after shaving? Yes. Two or three drops on freshly shaved skin at night is one of the best things you can do for it.

Electric or blade? Same rules. Wash first, hydrate after. Electric on dry skin is still a blade on dry skin.

How long until it settles? Most men find razor burn stops being a regular thing within a couple of weeks of shaving after washing and moisturising after shaving.