You know the feeling…you’ve just shaved your legs and are enjoying how smooth your skin feels. Suddenly, an uncomfortable side effect occurs, itching! You may be asking yourself "Argh, Why are my legs itchy?!" Red bumps near your hair pores can appear and your sensitive skin is feeling irritated.
Experiencing itching and skin irritation after shaving is a pretty common problem. In this post, we’ll explore why this happens and provide some information on how to avoid itching after shaving.
Why Does Shaved Hair Itch?
There are a few reasons why you may experience itching after shaving. To start with, it may be a sign of razor burn or folliculitis. Perhaps you are using a dull razor or shaving incorrectly. When this occurs, the pull of the razor can twist or redirect the hair follicle which can result in ingrown hairs or razor burn.
When you shave, you’re not actually removing all of the hair: you’re simply cutting as closely as possible to where the hair grows. But underneath your skin, hair follicles continue to grow. Shaving can irritate those follicles, causing you to feel itchy after you shave. It can also lead to prickly legs after shaving.
Shaving areas of your skin that constantly rubs against the fabric of your clothing can aggravate irritation and cause itchy legs when hair grows back. Finally, harsh chemicals or ingredients found in soaps and other skincare products prior to shaving can further irritate or dry out your skin.
How to Stop Itching from Shaving
One big tip for how to stop itching after shaving is to shave properly. To start with, make sure to exfoliate dead skin cells before you start to shave. Next, we recommend investing in a proper razor for a healthy shaving routine. Although different kinds of razors have different shelf lives, it’s worth avoiding a dull razor to prevent irritation. An old razor can lead to razor bumps and razor burn.
We also recommend being mindful of how fast you shave your legs and how often. Give yourself the time to shave carefully. Be careful not to shave too close to the skin or against the grain of the hair if you want smooth skin. If your skin is particularly irritated, avoid shaving your legs until the skin heals and any bumps go away.
Shaving your legs when they are dry can lead to increased irritation or itchiness. That’s why we suggest shaving with a natural sudsy soap, shampoo, conditioner or shaving cream. You want to stay clear of products and after shave lotion for legs that contain harsh chemicals, however, as this can do more harm than good.
How to Avoid Red Bumps & Itching After Shaving
Now that you’ve shaved, it’s time to invest in your post-shave ritual.
Soothe & Hydrate with a Natural Moisturizer
What's the best lotion for after shaving legs? To soothe and prevent red bumps or itchy, dry skin after shaving, apply a hydrating moisturizer that’s made with all-natural ingredients. Look for products that reduce inflammation and irritation with ingredients like honey (especially Manuka) and aloevera to name a few. Keep in mind that lotions are water-based and not as nutrient or moisturizing as balms, so skip the water and go for oil-based products.
We recommend our Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream, an oil-based balm with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory Manuka Honey and Manuka oil. It’s nourishing, ultra-hydrating, ultra soothing, and acts as a skin barrier. Plus, with just 6 natural ingredients, there’s no burning or stinging. It works wonders for healing razor burns when applied directly after shaving when the skin is rinsed and slightly damp. It even works well for post-plucking or shaving the underarms and bikini areas.
Apply a Cool Compress
If you use the right after-shave moisturizer, then your legs or other areas should NOT itch like crazy and you should not see a rash after shaving legs. If they do, change your moisturizer the next time and this time apply a cool compress to the razor burn on leg to reduce inflammation and relieve irritation.
If your itching or redness is intense, then try Wet wrap therapy, an easy-to-do at-home remedy that can help provide a quick boost of calming moisture when your skin needs it most. Start by layering the shaving rash on legs with a natural cream such as the Manuka cream mentioned earlier. Then add a damp layer of clothing overtop, followed by a dry layer. Leave the wet wrap on overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours.
So, to recap, this is How to Prevent Itching Legs After Shaving:
- Use a clean, sharp blade on your razor
- Use a moisturizing, lathering soap, conditioner or lotion
- Use a nourishing, oil based moisturizer
