Prevention/Solution

• A few simple ways to prevent razor burn and skin irritation when shaving are:
  
  1. Soak the area that you will be shaving in warm to hot water, such as in a bathtub, between 5 to 10 minutes before you shave.
  
  2. Always shave with the grain. This means to shave in the direction that the hair grows out of your skin. This prevents ingrown hairs.
  
  3. Moisturize after shaving. Use a good quality, natural moisturizer.
  
  

Effects

• Following these steps will allow your skin to stay moist and soft, and will eliminate the skin irritation and razor burn that can accompany shaving. You will be left with soft and smooth skin, instead of the itchy, dry skin from razor rash.
  
  

Function

• What causes skin irritation and razor burn in the first place? Just imagine the surface of your skin. Now imagine a sharp razor raking across dry skin that has not been soaked or prepared for shaving. The skin is left with microscopic scrapes and cuts that sting and itch.
  
  

Benefits

• Once you start a moisturizing routine when you shave, your skin will no longer experience the irritation and razor rash that can occur from incorrect shaving.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Around 3500 B.C., women removed their hair using arsenic.