OK - for those of you who like to trim down the beard, shave your head, or remove the bristles forming on your legs - you probably already know the consequences that shaving can bring. You may have encountered redness, burning sensations, and in the worst cases - an army of small bumps. You're probably wondering "when is he going to tell me something new" like how to prevent or treat this nuisance. Well, first you have to let me explain what razor burn is for the folks who are new to this concept.

Razor burn is an irritation of the skin (obviously) that takes place when you disrupt the sensitive regions of your body. Either you've chosen a shaving technique your skin is not happy with or you're just too thin-skinned for this common grooming ritual. Either way, you've affected hair follicles or the surrounding skin in such a way that burning, itching, and redness decides to settle in.

In the end, you're lucky if you come away with a mild rash that eventually fades away within a couple of hours, but if you're caught on the other side of the coin - you're left with razor burn for a few days. And you better hope you don't suffer a serious reaction or you'll have to figure out how to hide red welts and under the very worst circumstances - infected pustules.

Want to lessen the chances of razor burn? I suggest you take a good look at what you're using to shave your face and other body parts with. A dull blade is one of the number one reasons that razor burn takes place, as these instruments of hair removal can leave behind tiny cuts on the skin - also known as a "razor nick." Rely on a cheap electric shaver and you'll face the same results. Overall, most methods of hair removal, including trimming and waxing can also lead to razor burn.

While anyone with hair is a potential candidate for this sort of irritation, if you've been blessed with baby-fine skin - then you're also cursed with the heightened risk of razor burn. If you display an abundance of coarse, thick hair on your chest, bikini line, legs, underarms, and beard - you're also in for a rude awakening. If you have a habit of rushing through the process of hair removal or skimping on the shaving cream - be prepared to 'feel the burn.'

Additionally, I recommend lightly applying pressure when shaving; avoiding close shaves; steer clear of dry shaving; work with the grain; and keep your shaving tools fresh and clean. Face it - you're only increasing your chances of razor burn if you insist on using old equipment with blunt edges or blades.

Now that the basics are out of the way - how about getting down to the useful information that can potentially decrease your chances of suffering razor burn?

• Shaving Products: For starters, you better find a loyal shaving cream or gel to call your own. Try something like Edge Advance Gel Extra Protection or another well-known product decorating the shelves of your local pharmacy or supermarket. You don't have to settle on a cream or gel either - the market is full of foams and other non-harsh shaving products to consider.


• Pass On Scented Products: You don't have to smell like a pine forest, freshly cut grass, or the deep blue sea to get the most out of shaving. Your focus should be on choosing products that provide extra lubricants aimed at preventing nicks, cuts, and razor burn. Don't forget that shaving products with a scent usually contain irritating chemicals and perfumes that only increase your risk.


• Pre-Shaving Ritual: What do you do before you shave? I suggest making sure wherever you apply your razor or shaver is thoroughly cleaned with a washcloth. The best results come when you soak the washcloth in a product containing salicylic acid, which gives you an extra boost against oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. Not only will your skin thank you, but the razor will actually enjoy a smoother glide across the skin. If you want to avoid razor burn, then unclog your pores by removing excess dirt and grime before shaving.


• Heat: Did you know that spending just five to ten minutes preparing the skin for a shave can decrease your chances of razor burn? Warm showers or heated towels cause hairs to stand up and soften - creating a better atmosphere for the overall shaving process.

Last but not least - has anyone ever told you the proper way to shave? If you've skipped this unforgettable father-son moment, allow me to elaborate on just one of the many ways to get the job done. Let's take shaving the face for example. Like I said before, you need a decent razor. It doesn't necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg, but select a trusted brand in order to get the best results. In other words - no disposables! I've heard Sensor Excel is pretty reasonable in performance and price, but to each his or her own.

Next, get out your shaving cream and let's hope it costs a little more than a dollar because when you're shaving the first thing acquaintances catch a glimpse of - an above average (about $4 to $5) shaving cream is highly recommended. Before shaving, the best results come when the pores in your skin are as relaxed as possible. Some people like to shave in the shower, as the warmth of hot water will invigorate your pores. You can always apply a warm, wet towel to the face to also prepare the skin.

As we approach the nitty gritty of shaving - lather up. Also remember that less skin irritation takes place when you refrain from "going against the grain," meaning you are instructed to shave in the same direction as your hair growth. When you shave against the grain, the razor blade captures your hair and pulls it slightly further away from the surface of the skin. The end result - you guessed it - loads of irritation and razor burn.

After shaving your hair, a thorough rinse should follow. Make sure all shaving cream is removed. Then, I like to clean and soften the skin with a facial cleanser, but this is completely an optional step. The finishing touches should also include a splash of cold water to the face in an attempt to soothe the skin and prevent unwanted swelling and inflammation.

I know it's tempting, but please - don't lather up the soap, apply it to your legs, and then quickly shave in seconds. There is nothing worse than emerging out of the shower to find unattractive chafing and patches of redness. Did you know that the process of shaving actually removes a layer of your epidermis (the top layer of your skin)?

In essence, you're disrupting your tissue and the redness you see is a normal yet greatly frustrating response to your impatience. As a result, blood flow to your legs increases in an attempt to heal the minor injury you've just created. Sounds more complicated than it really is - but do you really want to deal with blood vessels dilating and unsightly red skin?

Razor burn is a dreaded outcome ladies shaving their legs and every time you approach this practice - you risk irritating the skin again. If you don't want razor burn, then you can stop shaving altogether. Since this is not an option for 99.9% of the ladies out there - I offer this advice:

• Hydrocortisone: Immediately apply a pat of 1% hydrocortisone cream to your legs after shaving. The redness, stinging sensation, and visible irritation of razor burn will calm down. This is because hydrocortisone constricts the blood vessels and cuts down the flow of blood responsible for the redness appearing on your legs.


• Skin Lubrication: After shaving, slather on a moisturizing body lotion on your legs to lessen dryness and itchy skin.


• Shave After Bathing: Well-hydrated skin reacts much better to razors after a soothing wash. Many dermatologists suggest that the best time to shave is right after a shower or bath. During this time, skin is less dry with softer hairs that stand up - making the process of hair removal much easier.


• Soap is a No-No: Resist the temptation! Always use shaving cream (preferably a trusted brand with aloe or another soothing ingredient) to combat razor burn.


• Hair Dissolving Cream: If razor burn becomes too traumatic to tolerate every time you need a shave, there's always hair-dissolving creams that simply eradicates hair without the use of a razor or electric shaver. While these creams may smell awful and get a little messy, your biggest concern is whether or not you will suffer an allergic reaction - which is possible. Remember to start off slow with this type of product and immediately rinse it off if you experience any extreme rashes, burning sensations, or any other unusual irritations.