How Long Does Razor Burn Last?

Razor burn is the bane of every shaver’s existence. It’s so irritating and can actually be quite painful at times. It’s not nice to look at and can make a beardsman feel self-conscious going out into the world. 

But, razor burn doesn’t last forever, and there are ways to speed up that healing and prevent it from happening again so you can be sure you’re looking your best after every shave. How long does razor burn usually last? In this article, we’re going to discuss the razor burn lasting time, the reasons why we get razor burn, how to prevent it and how to treat it when it does happen. By the end of this piece, we hope that you’ll have learned everything there is to know about razor burn, including razor burn lasting time so you know how to avoid it. Let’s jump in and learn the answer to how long does razor burn last for and how long does a razor burn rash last?  

What Exactly is Razor Burn?

So, what is razor burn, exactly and how long does razor burn usually last? Simply put, it’s exactly what it sounds like: skin irritation caused by the act of shaving. Within a few minutes of shaving any area of your body, red patches may begin to appear on your skin. Razor burn looks similar to a rash and can be quite frustrating to deal with. Often razor burn is accompanied by itchiness, a burning sensation, discomfort, or pain. 

Razor Burn vs Razor Bumps

Razor burn and razor bumps are often used to refer to the same thing, but these are two very different skin conditions. Razor burn is a skin irritation that causes redness and varying forms of discomfort, while razor bumps are raised bumps on the skin that can become infected. When you shave, your skin is smooth and feels hairless, but the follicles are still there, and in no time at all, they begin growing hair again. Some hairs may curl back into your skin, causing ingrown hairs. The resulting redness, irritation and raised bumps that form from these ingrown hairs are what are referred to as razor bumps. 

Razor burn can appear within just a few minutes of shaving, whereas razor bumps tend to show up much later, up to a couple of days after shaving. Razor burn lasting time is also shorter than razor bumps.

Because razor bumps are caused by ingrown hairs curling inward, men with curly hair and those with more coarse hair are at increased risk for this skin irritation.  

What are the Causes of Razor Burn?

What causes razor burn and influences razor burn lasting time? Razor burn can happen to anyone who shaves on any part of their body. It can happen in the armpits, on the legs, back, arms and of course, the face. Razor burn is a common complaint from men who shave all over the world. Fortunately, most causes are habits that are easy to change, making razor burn less likely and the razor burn lasting time shorter. 

There are many different habits shavers have that can result in razor burn or a longer razor burn lasting time. They include:

1. Dry shaving - shaving without water or skipping the shaving cream, soap or another lubricant can cause razor burn and extend the razor burn lasting time.
2. Dull/old razor blade if you’re using the same blade for more than 7 or 8 shaves, you run the risk of razor burn and extend the razor burn lasting time.
3. Shaving in the wrong direction - shaving against the growth of the hair is one of the major causes of razor burn and can extend razor burn lasting time.
4. Too much pressure when shaving - if you’re pushing too hard when you’re shaving, the friction may cause razor burn or extend your razor burn lasting time.
5. Shaving too fast - shaving too fast also causes increased friction that can result in razor burn.
6. Not using skincare products - when we skip skincare, our skin is more prone to the symptoms of razor burn and a longer razor burn lasting time.
7. Not prepping the skin before shaving - this is another habit that can increase friction when we shave causing razor burn and increasing the razor burn lasting time.

Additionally, people with sensitive skin to begin with may find they are more prone to razor burn or experience a longer razor burn lasting time.

Razor Burn Symptoms

Razor burn symptoms can be mild or very irritating. If you’ve noticed a rash after you’ve shaved a part of your body, it’s quite likely that you had razor burn. The symptoms of razor burn include:

• Redness - your skin will appear red and irritated and tends to be worse in areas where your skin is more sensitive.
• Itching- itching may begin right away or take a few hours to begin.
• Tenderness - you may find that your skin is tender to the touch and may feel additionally irritated as it rubs against clothing.
• Stinging - stinging tends to happen quite quickly after shaving.
• Heat - your skin may give off some heat, or you’ll feel it burning.

How long does razor burn usually last with these symptoms? Let’s take a look.

How Long Does Razor Burn Last?

How long does a razor burn last? The razor burn lasting time varies from patient to patient. Razor burn can form within just a short period of time after shaving, sometimes as little as just an hour. While it is an irritating condition and can spoil the look of freshly shaved skin, it’s not a serious condition and will often go away on its own. The razor burn lasting time is not long. So, how long does razor burn usually last? When you get razor burn, you can expect to see it begin to disappear within a couple of days. Most patients will find that their razor burn has disappeared within 3 days, but for some with more sensitive skin,  or more intense razor burn, the healing could take up to a week. 

How Long Do Razor Bumps Last?

Now that we know the razor burn lasting time, how long do razor bumps last? Razor bumps take a little bit longer to heal than razor burn. Because the condition is caused by ingrown hair, it will behave like any other ingrown hair. There is the potential that razor bumps can become infected if the hair is not removed. Most patients will find that razor bumps will take between 2 and 3 weeks to heal, depending on the degree of this skin condition. 

Razor Burn Treatments

Razor burn will eventually heal on its own, but that doesn’t mean you can’t speed up the process and heal the skin in the meantime. Here are several ways on how to treat razor burn to ease your discomfort. 

1. Stop shaving – As a razor burn treatment, refraining from shaving until the skin has healed will ensure you don’t worsen the condition. Any friction the affected area is exposed to could make the razor burn worse, so it’s best to avoid it altogether until the skin has cleared up.
2. Apply moisturizer – Moisturizer is an effective method for how to get rid of razor burn. Moisturizer provides soothing to the skin which reduces burning, beard itch, and redness. 
3. Make an oatmeal soak – oatmeal has antiinflammatory properties that can reduce the redness and irritation on your skin.  Just add oatmeal to warm water and soak the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
4. Apply green tea bags – simply steep a green tea bag, and then cool it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Apply the tea bag to the affected area for soothing relief from razor burn symptoms. 
5. Use a cold compress – cooling the skin will help to reduce the burning effect of razor burn. Soak a washcloth in cold water, the cooler the better. Wring out your washcloth and apply to the affected area to reduce tenderness and resolve any burning sensation you feel.
6. Apply aloe vera – aloe vera has widely understood soothing properties that cools and heals burns. Razor burn symptoms will resolve quicker with the application of aloe vera.
7. Apply witch hazel – witch hazel contains a substance called tannins. Tannins have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the tenderness and redness of razor burned skin. 
8. Use hydrocortisone cream – hydrocortisone cream is excellent at reducing itching you may be experiencing as a result of your razor burn. It’s important to follow the directions on the cream you purchase to avoid any adverse effects. 

If the razor burn doesn't seem to go away on its own in a few days, feel free to seek care from a doctor or medical professional. Any major concerns are best left to the advice of a physician. 

How to Prevent Razor Burn

Razor burn is not something we have to accept. For many of us, razor burn is preventable, and some of the strategies below may also reduce the severity of the razor burn you get if you do experience it. Let’s take a look at these strategies. 

Taking Care of Your Skin

A daily skincare routine is going to prep your skin for shaving and reduce the amount of friction produced in the process. When your skin is smooth, healthy, and hydrated, the razor won’t catch on the skin and cause nicks and friction. Instead, your shaving experience will be more of a glide, and your skin will thank you for it. 

Shaving Tips

Shaving is where razor burn begins, so ensuring you’re shaving in a way that minimizes the amount of friction that is caused will help to reduce the likelihood that you’ll develop razor burn. Here are some tips for shaving that will help you do that: 

• Moisten the skin with warm water – Proper lubrication is always required when shaving and water is a crucial part of that. Lubrication will reduce friction and help your razor glide over your skin smoothly. 
• Exfoliate with a facial scrub – Rough, dry skin can increase the friction caused during a shave. If you regularly exfoliate your skin, however, dry skin is gently scrubbed away, leaving behind smooth skin that is less likely to create friction with the blade’s edge. We recommend Kingsmen Premium Sea Salt Scrub. 
• Use shaving gel – Along with water, shave gel or shave cream creates lubrication. Lubricants reduce the risk of razor burn.
• Keep the razor clean – Dirty or old razors may be dull or carry irritants on them that can cause redness after your shave. Replace your razor after every 5-7 shaves. 
• Shave in the direction of hair growth – It might take a little bit longer, but shaving in the direction that your hair grows is another strategy to reduce friction. You’ll find you get a lot less razor burn this way. 
• Always moisturize with aftershave – After you’re done shaving, always follow up with a soothing aftershave. This product will help reduce the likelihood that razor burn develops and it smells great! 

Avoid Razor Burn – Grow a Beard

Of course, every Kingsmen already knows that the best way to avoid razor burn is to grow out a glorious mane and care for it with Kingsmen Premium beard care products, including a beard care kit, unscented beard wash, beard oil and more.  When you care for your beard with all the right tools, you’ll avoid razor burn when you do have to shave. And if you do experience razor burn, now you know the answer to how long does razor burn last on your face and you also know how to treat this skin condition. We hope that with the information above, you’ll see it fully healed in a day or so. 

In the meantime, shop Kingsmen Premium’s full line of men’s grooming products so you can take care of your skin and prevent any future razor burn experiences.