November 12, 2020 

But, there is a simple solution for consumers seeking to prevent razor burn. Regular, gentle chemical exfoliation with superhero ingredient glycolic acid can help create a smoother, irritation-free shaving experience.

Razor burn is defined as any irritation that occurs after using a razor. Razor burn can include:

• Cuts 
• Scrapes 
• Bumps
• Redness
• Irritation
• Skin tenderness
• Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles)

Razor burn is a result of the friction that occurs when a razor is dragged across the skin. If the razor blade nicks the hair follicles, especially bumpy or dry hair follicles, razor burn is the likely end result.

Additionally, when the skin is not regularly exfoliated, razor burn is more likely to occur.

While many consumers reach for moisturizers to soothe razor burn outbreaks, there is a better solution to prevent razor burn altogether. The answer? Regular exfoliation, prior to shaving.

However, physical exfoliation with scrubs, grainy washes, or other gritty products is often too harsh for many skin types, and can even lead to the irritation often associated with razor burn: redness, bumps, and cuts.

Instead, chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid is a gentler method for shedding off the dead skin cells and debris that can trip up razors and lead to razor burn. 

“One of the best ways to keep bumpy follicles at bay, and thus ensure that your next shave is smooth sailing, is by exfoliating. Between shaves, exfoliate regularly with a glycolic or salicylic wash that is gentle and moisturizing,” Jennifer MacGregor, board-certified dermatologist, told Allure.

Gentle chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid before shaving helps to prevent razor burn in two critical ways. 

First, once topically applied, glycolic acid works to slough off dead, dry, and old skin cells and debris on the surface of the skin. By removing the physical barriers that could cause more friction between the razor and the skin, glycolic acid helps to create a smoother path for the razor during a shave. 

Additionally, glycolic acid offers another benefit when used pre-shave. Exfoliation before shaving can help to lift up hairs from the skin. By boosting hair height, glycolic acid ensures the razor is less likely to tug on the hairs, and cause the subsequent bumps, burning, and redness associated with razor burn.

Glycolic acid also helps to prevent razor burn, as regular chemical exfoliation with this Alpha Hydroxy Acid ensures better absorption of soothing and moisturizing products.

“Gentle (repeat, gentle) exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells accumulated from dry winter air, leaving the skin looking more glowy, and helping your post-cleaning moisturizer absorb better, according to Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City,” explains Real Simple.

Glycolic acid dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells together and drives new skin cells to the surface of the skin. Healthy skin cells are best at absorbing moisturizing and healing formulations after a shave, which helps to prevent razor burn.

“A direct result of its exfoliation properties, glycolic acid helps to better prepare your skin for other products to be applied and allows them to be more effective in achieving their designed objectives. With all the obstacles, such as dead skin and dirt, out of the way, your skin can better absorb these products,” according to the Kate Somerville Blog.

In short? Glycolic acid formulations are the perfect products for an anti-razor burn skincare routine.

Shaving does not need to be an unpleasant, irritating experience that results in itchy, burning, and reddened skin. Instead, chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid prior to shaving can help prime the skin for a more friction-free shave. With glycolic acid, it’s smooth shaving ahead.