Shaving

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• QWhat is shaving gel?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Shaving gel softens hairs to make it easier to remove them with your razor. Gels create a lubricated surface that your razor can glide over. They tend to be gentler on the skin than soap, and may contain moisturizers, vitamins, and botanicals. Talk with your dermatologist for advice on the right skincare products for you.

   

• QHow can I avoid irritating my skin while shaving?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Always shave with the grain of your hair, and avoid shaving the same area more than once. Also, always use a clean, sharp razor blade. Dull blades can irritate your skin and cause nicks, cuts and razor burn.

   

• QHow do I know when my razor blade needs to be replaced?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  A razor should slide smoothly across your skin. If your razor snags or pulls, your blade is getting dull and should be replaced. Dull blades can cause nicks, cuts and razor burn. You should also replace your blade if there are any traces of rust on it.

   

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• QHow can I prevent razor burn?

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  A Donna Hill Howes, RN , Family Medicine, answered

  Soak your legs in warm water for a few minutes to soften the hair before you shave. Next, liberally apply an alcohol-free shaving lotion or gel (alcohol can dry out your skin), leave the gel on for a few minutes to soften hair. Technique is important in shaving. For a close shave, shave against the hair growth pattern, pulling the razor up from your ankle toward your knee. However, if you have sensitive skin or shaving tends to irritate your skin, move the razor with the grain of your hair, and don't shave over the same area more than once. Finally, be sure to use a clean, sharp razor blade to prevent your skin from pulling and don't apply too much pressure as you shave.

   

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• QWhat is razor burn?

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  A RealAge answered

  Razor burn is a mild skin irritation caused by friction from shaving, often from using a dull razor or shaving without a lubricant such as soap or shaving cream. It causes bumps on the skin, redness, burning and itching. These symptoms are usually mild and heal within a day or two, without infection or noticeable scarring. Using an alcohol-free lotion or shaving cream when you shave can help prevent razor burn. If you do get razor burn, using warm compresses or an anti-itching cream can help you get through the short healing period. Keep the area dry and avoid tight clothing.
   
• QHow do I treat razor burn on my legs?

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  A RealAge answered

  To treat a razor burn, get yourself an over-the-counter tube of hydrocortisone (0.5 to 1 percent strength) and apply it to the affected area twice a day. Switch from regular shaving cream or gel to a hypoallergenic and fragrance free variety; try Aveeno Ultracalming Shave Gel or Kiehl’s Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream (and finish it off with Kiehl’s Simply Mahvelous Legs After-Shave Lotion). Alternatively, you can also go for Clinique’s line of shaving products; even though they are marketed for men they can work wonders on women’s legs, too! If you’ve been using a razor with three or more blades, decrease to a two-bladed razor.
  
  From The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Less Stress, Gorgeous Skin, and a Whole New You by Amy Wechsler.

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• QWhat is the proper way to shave?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Here’s how we recommend a good shave, whether you’re taking care of your
  face, legs, or other areas:

  • Rinse the area with warm water, then press a warm washcloth against for a minute or two (to help soften up hairs to be shaved).
  • Shave with short strokes in the direction of hair growth (not against the grain); don’t pull the skin and make sure to use a sharp razor every time.
  • Aftershaves are okay to use (unless they cause a burning or tingling sensation that’s too uncomfortable); you can also try a moisturizer instead.
  • If you experience razor burns (tiny bumps of inflammation), you may want a lotion like bacitracin (or antibiotic lotion clindamyacin) to ease inflammation.

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• QAre shaving products specific to skin types?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Some shaving products are better than others for certain types of skin. For example, using shaving cream rather than shaving foam may be a good idea if you have dry and sensitive skin. If you're not sure which type of skin you have, or which type of shaving products are best for you, ask a dermatologist.

   

• QShould I try to remove ingrown hairs before shaving?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  A dermatologist can provide the best advice for addressing ingrown hairs, also known as razor bumps. You can try using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently dislodge ingrown hairs that are piercing the skin. Buy a separate toothbrush just for this purpose, and use it gently in a circular motion. Seek a physician’s assistance for medical concerns.

   

• QDo I need to replace my razor blade after a specific amount of time?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  There's no specific timeframe that dictates how often you should replace your razor blade because many factors can affect the blade. If you shave every day, you'll need to replace your blade more often than if you shave every other day or less frequently. And if you have thick, coarse hair, you may have to replace your blade more often than someone with thin, fine hair.