12 Ways to Stop Legs From Itching After Shaving
Stocksy
Medically reviewed by Julia A. Siegel, MDFact checked by Anna Harris
While we can all agree that body hair is normal, it's also fair to say that many people opt to remove it. On your legs in particular, there are many ways to do so—waxing, epilating, laser hair removal, etc.—but shaving is undoubtedly the most popular technique for removing body hair. It's quick, immediate, and for the most part, pain-free. That is unless you get itchy legs after shaving. While this isn't painful per se, the post-shave itchiness is far from comfortable and can be super frustrating.
"Shaving causes the hair follicles to become irritated, and after shaving, the hair continues to grow under the skin, thus causing irritation, itchiness, or painful red bumps," explains dermatologist Annie Gonzalez about the subject. "Shaving incorrectly, folliculitis, or razor burn can also cause the skin to itch after shaving."
Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent your legs from getting that post-shave itch. Dr. Gonzalez and dermatologist, Jordan C. Carqueville share their expert tips for the smoothest shave (pun intended) including avoiding the sun, slathering on body lotion, and wearing loose clothing. Read on for the 12 best ways to avoid itchy legs.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Annie Gonzalez, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Miami's Riverchase Dermatology.
Dr. Jordan C. Carqueville, MD, is the medical director at The Derm Institute of Chicago.
1. Use Fragrance-Free Body Lotions
"Usually itchy skin from shaving is due to chemical or mechanical irritation, and occurs most often in those with more prominent follicles," says Dr. Carqueville. "Those with a little extra skin that surrounds the entry point of the follicle will see buildup around the follicle, not over it. Shaving can be very irritating to those little skin 'mountains.' "
Dr. Carqueville adds that because this post-shave itch often affects those with sensitive skin, it should be treated accordingly. A high alcohol content in shaving gel, cream, or aftershave may dry skin out, causing it to itch or feel tight. Fragrances and other ingredients may be irritating or cause an allergic reaction, ranging from mild to severe. So, look for fragrance-free options, such as Ursa Major's Stellar Shave Cream.
As such, choose products containing little to no alcohol if you can. Instead, look for moisturizing and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, natural oils, vitamin E, and glycerin. You can find those in products such as Vaseline's Intensive Care Advanced Repair Body Lotion.
2. Swap Out Your Razor Blade Regularly
Most razor blades are only designed to be used for up to two weeks—if used every day. While many people tend to skip a day here and there, it's common to forget to change out the razor blade. A dull blade can cause irritation, increase the possibility of experiencing razor burn, and can even lead to infections as the blade doesn't work as effectively and causes micro tears in the skin. By regularly swapping out your razor blade, you'll ensure you get the smoothest, softest shave.
3. Rinse, But Don't Rub
Leftover shaving cream or gel on the skin might cause redness, dryness, and itchiness post-shave. So, be sure to rinse your skin thoroughly before hopping out of the shower, making sure all traces of product are gone. After coming out of the shower or bath, pat skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing, as doing so can cause further irritation.
4. Avoid Using Drying Products
Deodorizing soaps are strong bacteria fighters, but they can really strip skin of natural oils and zap it of moisture. Moisturizing deodorant soaps with natural and essential oils help prevent odor without stripping your skin. Look for cream bases, which tend to be gentler and provide some ingredients to hydrate and replenish whereas watery roll-on and spray deodorants, often list alcohol as the first ingredient.
5. Never Skip Post-Shave Products
The act of shaving exfoliates the skin, which is why you need to "always moisturize after shaving," instructs Dr. Gonzalez. "If you do not moisturize after shaving, the skin will be dry, which often leads to itching." Using a couple of drops of pre-shaving oil under shaving cream or gel not only provides moisture but helps create another barrier on the skin, allowing the razor to glide instead of tug. We love combining Deo Doc's Pre Shave Oil with the eos Lavender Shave Cream. Finish off with a moisturizing aftershave lotion, oil, or balm—like L'Occitane's After-Shave Balm. Remember, hydrated skin will not only feel smoother, it will look it, too. Without moisturizing, skin can become dry and flaky, again, leading to itchiness.
6. Opt for Warm (Not Hot) Water
Hot water might feel good in the bath or shower, but it depletes skin of essential moisture and strips the barrier. Instead, use warm water in the shower. "Hot water while showering and shaving can reduce the skin’s moisture content, leading to dryness and irritation," says Dr. Gonzalez. "Shower with lukewarm water instead. You should avoid hot tubs and swimming pools after shaving, as chlorine can cause itchy, red skin."
7. Avoid the Sun
Hot water can cause irritation and itchiness, so it also makes sense that hot weather and direct sunlight would have the same effect. And yes, tanning—either by bed or beach—can cause nasty burns and dry, itchy, flaky skin. As such, it's best to avoid that if you want to reduce how itchy your legs feel.
8. Apply a Chemical Exfoliant
Exfoliating in preparation of shaving can help reduce the itch, as long as you plan ahead. "At bedtime, use a lotion or pads that contain a mild acidic component—lactic or salicylic acid—so that in the morning, if you shave it won’t sting as bad," says Dr. Carqueville. The acids, she explains, will reduce buildup around the pore so that when you shave, the irritation will be minimized. Try Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion which contains a supercharged blend of 10% alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
9. Wear Loose Clothing Post-Shave
"Do not wear tight-fitting clothes, as the friction of your shaven skin rubbing against clothes can irritate the skin," says Dr. Gonzalez. She explains that hair provides some protection from chafing and rubbing, so when it's gone, skin is more susceptible to chafing from clothes that rub against your skin. The friction created from hairless thighs rubbing together when wearing a skirt sans hose can also cause discomfort. For this, we recommend MegaBabe's Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick.
And be sure to take note of whether the problem is getting worse, which Dr. Carqueville says could be indicative of a deeper problem. "Watch out for pustules or painful red bumps, as that can be a sign of bacterial infection," she says.
10. Soothe Your Skin With Aloe Vera...
Aloe vera gel not only soothes skin, but it helps remove any stinging. Using gel directly from an aloe plant is the best way to go. If not, make sure the store-bought gel you use actually contains aloe vera and not just green coloring. We're partial to Sun Bum's Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Gel as it combines aloe with moisturizing glycerin and antiseptic tea tree oil.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The aloe plant's inner gel mucilage (the part that's used in skincare products) is made up of up to 99.5% water.
11. ...Or Apply an OTC Hydrocortisone
Another soothing ingredient: Hydrocortisone. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream is easy to pick up at the drugstore—we love Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing Anti Itch Crème—and works quickly. It's hydrating, but it also contains medication to help stop any itching ASAP. However, avoid using this ingredient on areas of thin skin, such as the groin, or it can lead to discoloration and stretch marks.
12. Indulge In an Oatmeal Soak
If your legs or bikini zone are in desperate need of some moisture, opt for a nice soak in an oatmeal bath, which is sure to provide relief. There's a reason why babies with diaper rash and people with chicken pox take an oatmeal soak. Don't let the fancy name confuse you: It's just ground-up oatmeal. You can buy a soak at the store—like Aveeno's Soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment—or you can DIY your own recipe.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is ground oatmeal, which is then placed in a liquid medium for better application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes itchy skin, post-shave?
A myriad of things cause itchy skin, from hot water to drying (i.e. non-moisturizing) products. It can also be the result of something more serious, like keratosis pilaris.
What's the easiest way to combat itchy skin after I shave?
The best way is to avoid products that are too drying, and to moisturize your skin with a fragrance-free oil or lotion post-shave.
Might itchy skin be indicative of a deeper problem?
Itchy skin could be the sign of a drying product, but it could also be a sign of keratosis pilaris, which occurs when the skin produces excess keratin that blocks hair follicles
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Read the original article on Byrdie.