Shaving each day is necessary for having a clean and smooth face that allows you to look your best. When your face is shaven, it allows you to be presentable when you’re headed to the office or are spending an evening out on the town. Although shaving offers many benefits, it can also lead to nicks and cuts. There are a few ways to stop the bleeding when shaving to avoid resorting to using a Band-Aid.
Although many men resort to using toilet paper on the cut, it doesn’t work well for stopping the bleeding. There are plenty of other tools and products available that you likely already have on hand and can reach for the next time you nick yourself.
Stop Bleeding When Shaving
Whether you develop a small or large cut, you’ll quickly notice the blood that starts to appear on your skin. This can easily get onto your clothing and on the counter, making it necessary to know how to stop the bleeding. Many men are surprised to learn that aftershave is one of the best products to use to stop bleeding because it usually contains alcohol, which restricts the blood vessels. It will also make it easier for clots to develop.
Using an aftershave that contains alcohol is also beneficial because the alcohol doubles as a disinfectant to prevent bacteria from causing an infection on the open wound. Although this type of product may slightly sting, it can allow the wound to start healing quickly.
Deodorant is also effective because it contains aluminum chloride, which also works well for constricting the blood vessels to make the bleeding subside after a few minutes. It helps clots form when you dab a small amount directly onto the cut and doesn’t require using a Band-Aid if the cut is minor.
Most people have coffee or tea on hand, which are both proven to make bleeding subside after cutting yourself while shaving. Not only does coffee and tea reduce inflammation and puffiness, but they also prevent bleeding because they’re considered to be vasoconstrictor. This can allow you to promote the cuts from healing as quickly as possible.
Additional products that are proven to be soothing and create a barrier on the skin include shea butter, vitamin E, wheat germ, evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil, and yeast extract.
Razor Burn Bleeding
Although razor burn is common on sensitive skin, it can become severe enough that it leads to bleeding. Not only is the irritation painful, but the affected area can start to bleed excessively. Applying different types of products can lead to more irritation and can make it uncomfortable and painful. Opt for using lip balm, which has a thick texture and can seal the abrasions to stop the bleeding within seconds of applying it. Chapstick or a strawberry lip balm will work well and won’t irritate the razor burn to ensure it can start to heal.
Ice cubes also work well for bleeding because they restrict the blood vessels within minutes of applying them to the skin. Ice promotes blood clots that quickly form to ensure you don’t end up bleeding all over your shirt. Use a bit of pressure and leave the ice on the affected area for 15 to 30 seconds until the bleeding stops. You can repeat this process if the bleeding persists.
Witch hazel toner is a natural product that has many uses, but works well for treating razor burn bleeding. As a natural astringent, it immediately starts to constrict the blood vessels to prevent the bleeding from continuing. It can also soothe the skin where the razor burn is present and can reduce the redness and inflammation that is present. This type of product doesn’t contain any alcohol, which prevents it from drying out the skin once it’s applied.
Additional products that work well when razor burn leads to bleeding include white tea, green tea, comfrey, allantoin, chamomile, and licorice.
When Do Razor Burns Go Away?
Although razor burns are not comfortable and can appear slightly, they don’t take too long to heal once they develop on different parts of your face or neck. Razor burns heal within two to three days. If you have razor bumps that are present, they can take two to three weeks to heal. If the irritation doesn’t subside, it’s important to visit a dermatologist to determine if an underlying condition is present or to obtain prescription medication.
There are many different remedies available to help razor burns heal quickly when you’re wondering, “When do razor burns go away?” Aloe vera is one of the most soothing and effective products available and is often used on severe burns. As a natural product, aloe vera is harvested from aloe plants. You. can use a generous amount on the affected area to obtain immediate relief. You can also apply it throughout the day to prompt a faster healing time.
If you’re still wondering, “When do razor burns go away?” coconut oil can help encourage the healing process. Coconut oil is also effective to use because it’s proven to heal burns and won’t lead to more irritation. You can apply it to the skin immediately after you shave, which will reduce the inflammation and can even out the skin tone.
Sweet almond oil is also soothing to use on cuts on the lips and is produced from dried almond kernels. The moisturizing oil helps the inflammation subside almost immediately. If you’re allergic to almonds, consider using tea tree oil instead. Tree tea oil is known to be both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, which allows it to do double-duty on razor burns. Not only will the inflammation quickly subside, but there will be a lower risk of infection once it’s applied.
If you develop razor burn on other parts of the body like your back or chest, consider taking a colloidal oatmeal bath. This type of product contains finely ground oatmeal that naturally soothes the skin and can reduce rashes while also helping wounds heal. Spend time in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes each day for relief and faster healing. This also works well if you’re suffering from razor burn bleeding.
You can make your razor burns heal faster by leaving your skin alone and stopping the shaving process each day. Allow the irritation to heal by giving your skin a break. You’ll also need to start a skincare routine that involves washing the face, which will reduce the risk of infection with your razor burn. After your face is washed, use a daily moisturizer for men, which will add more hydration to your skin.
Applying aloe vera is also a proven technique to use, which is a product that is typically applied to first and second-degree burns. Aloe vera is effective in healing wounds and can allow your skin to start feeling better within a few hours of applying it. Look for an aloe vera product that doesn’t contain any chemicals or additives. Hydrocortisone cream is also useful and can be applied one to two times a day for up to two weeks to help the skin heal.
What Causes Razor Burn?
Some men are more prone to developing razor burn, making it necessary to understand some of the factors involved. Men with curly or coarse hair are more likely to develop razor burn. Some men with acne can also develop additional irritation, making the skin inflamed.
Using a dull razor blade is one of the main causes of razor burn, as well as using a multi-blade razor that is harsher on the skin, for this reason, I prefer using a DE safety razor. Many men also make the mistake of shaving before showering when their skin isn’t as soft. Failing to use a face scrub before shaving and shaving against the grain of the hairs also leads to irritation. If you want a closer shave that doesn’t cause you to have a five o’clock shadow, try shaving against the grain only once to ensure you don’t have to shave over the same spot multiple times, which can lead to a lot more irritation than going over it once.
Some people also underestimate the importance of applying lotion after shaving to soothe the skin. Use a product that is cooling and refreshing on the skin such as an after-shave balm.
How to Reduce the Risk of Razor Burn
Men with sensitive skin often have difficulty avoiding razor burn each time they shave. Fortunately, there are a few effective ways to prevent it from developing to ensure you can have a clean-shaven face any day of the week.
First, give yourself enough time and avoid rushing the shaving process. It’s also necessary to add a generous amount of shaving cream or soap to the face and neck. Exfoliating the skin in advance can also prep it and reduce irritation that develops. Applying creams or soaps with a shaving brush and bowl exfoliates well and tames the hairs on your face. Use short strokes and lightly press the razor on your skin without too much pressure. Try to rinse off the razor throughout the shaving process to keep it clean.
Avoid shaving over the same spot twice. You’ll also need to thoroughly rinse off the area where you shave. If possible, try to avoid shaving every day, which can exasperate irritation and lead to razor burn bleeding. In-between each save, always apply moisturizer to the skin to keep it soft and supple. Keeping your razor clean is also necessary to ensure it doesn’t have any germs or bacteria that can lead to infections if you cut your skin or cut lip while shaving.
You can also shop around for shaving cream products and moisturizers that contain natural ingredients, which are less prone to irritate. Test it out on a small area of your skin in advance to determine if it will cause a rash and if you’re sensitive to the ingredients. When you’re using your razor, it should always be replaced when it becomes dull, which is typically after five to seven uses.
How Long Do Shaving Cuts Take to Stop Bleeding
You may notice that shaving cuts tend to bleed a lot more than other types of cuts on the body, which can be messy and inconvenient. This is due to more capillaries and blood vessels that are present in the face, making even the smallest cuts bleed more than expected. Razors that are used on the face and neck are also a lot sharper to ensure you get a cleaner shave, which can make the cuts deeper. Your genetic makeup can also cause you to bleed a lot longer than other people, especially if you suffer from a bleeding disorder. The clean cuts that develop can make it more challenging for scabs to form, which causes the bleeding to persist for more than a few minutes.
You may be wondering, “How long do shaving cuts take to stop bleeding?” Shaving cuts typically take 10 to 15 minutes to stop bleeding, which can feel like a long time when you’re getting ready in the morning or need to leave the house. The timeframe depends on the depth of the cut and where it’s located on your face. The type of product that you use to stop bleeding when shaving can also determine if it’s quicker to heal.
Consider using a clean cotton swab or cotton ball to apply pressure to the cut to encourage a blood clot to form. You can then apply deodorant, lip balm, or aftershave. It can be harder to seal the cut if there’s a lot of blood present, making it necessary to absorb most of the blood before applying the product. Once the bleeding subsides, you can also clean out the wound with cool water.
If you’re looking for an additional fix that is simple and you likely have available, opt for using cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper helps the bleeding stop in seconds after you dab a small amount onto the cut.
After you discover how long do shaving cuts take to stop bleeding, you can stock up on the necessary products and supplies to ensure you’re prepared for the next time you shave. If you’re on a trip and have limited access to certain products, eye drops also work well because they stop the bleeding by constricting the blood vessels. Only two or three drops are needed, depending on the size of the cut.
Razor cuts take an average of three to five days to heal, depending on the types of products you apply to the affected area. Your genetic makeup is another factor that influences the healing process. Deeper cuts that are larger can also take longer to heal and are at a higher risk of infection. Some larger cuts can take up to a month to completely heal before you can begin shaving over the spot again.
If the shaving cut takes longer than one or two hours to stop bleeding, it’s time to head to the emergency room to obtain treatment from medical professionals. The cut may be deep enough that it requires stitches to heal properly.
Avoid trying to cover any of the cuts with your wife or girlfriend’s makeup, which can allow bacteria and germs to enter the cut. This can quickly lead to an infection and can make the healing process take even longer. Instead, leave it alone and only use natural products that are healing to avoid complications.
Cut Lip While Shaving
If you happen to cut your lip while shaving, you can use the same method as treating razor burn. Lip balm will not only moisturize your lips but will prevent the cut from bleeding too heavily after you cut lip while shaving.
You can also consider reaching for a styptic pen, which stops the blood flow of a cut and works extremely well when you apply it to cuts and abrasions. Neosporin is an antibiotic that is another product that helps mild skin wounds heal in a shorter amount of time.
Aloe vera is ideal for applying to the cut after it stops bleeding because it can prevent scars from developing. It also works well for reducing inflammation and stopping microorganisms from forming because it’s an antiseptic.
How to Reduce the Risk of Cuts While Shaving
There are many ways to avoid cutting yourself when you put a razor on your skin each day to ensure you can relax and feel more at ease. Prepping the skin is one of the most effective ways to avoid nicks. Avoid applying any pressure with each stroke. Instead, start pulling parallel to the natural contour of the skin and let the razor do all of the work without trying to force it.
Although it may not be easy to avoid shaving when you’re maintaining your appearance throughout the week, you can be prepared for potential cuts and nicks that develop after discovering the best products to use to stop bleeding. This will prevent the wounds from standing out as much on your face or neck and will allow the affected areas to heal quickly.
Key Takeaways
In summing up, mastering the art of shaving without enduring the inconvenience of nicks, cuts, and razor burns is achievable with the right knowledge and tools at your disposal. While shaving can enhance one’s appearance, providing a clean, smooth look ideal for professional and social settings, it does come with its share of minor hazards. However, understanding how to effectively halt bleeding with readily available items such as aftershave, deodorant, or natural remedies like coffee and tea can significantly mitigate these risks.
Moreover, recognizing the causes of razor burn and employing preventive measures can drastically improve your shaving experience. By using sharp blades, avoiding over-shaving, and incorporating soothing products like aloe vera or coconut oil, you can not only expedite the healing process but also prevent future incidents.
Remember, each shave doesn’t have to end with a battle scar. By equipping yourself with the knowledge of how to handle and prevent shaving-induced skin irritations and cuts, you can maintain that desirable clean-shaven look while keeping your skin healthy and comfortable. Whether it’s choosing the right shaving tools, mastering the technique, or applying the appropriate aftercare, a little preparation and care go a long way in ensuring a smooth, trouble-free shaving experience.
