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Irritation after shaving the bikini area

Medical expert of the article

Plastic surgeon
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Almost all women have faced the need to get rid of excess hair. Shaving - what could be easier and faster? But often irritation after the procedure does not take long to appear. Especially when it comes to areas with delicate and sensitive skin. Irritation after shaving in the bikini area causes discomfort to many ladies.

Why does irritation occur? Such a skin reaction is normal. After all, a sharp razor not only cuts hair, but also skin particles. The cause of irritation after shaving in the bikini area is mechanical damage to the skin, which causes a rush of blood to the damaged area, and as a result, redness occurs. Discomfort and an unsightly appearance are not the main problems after the procedure. Damaged skin with injured hair follicles is an open road for infections, which will be much more difficult to get rid of than to take measures to prevent irritation.

How to relieve irritation after shaving in the bikini area?

And yet, redness has already appeared, and something needs to be done.

Sensitive skin will heal faster if it is treated with an oil mixture. It is very easy to prepare. Mix a tablespoon of base oil - olive, sesame or any other - with 1 drop of tea tree essential oil. This product is absorbed for a long time after application, but the effect will not take long to come. And if the skin is not too sensitive, tea tree oil can be applied in its pure form. But this should be done pointwise, applying only to small areas with a cotton swab.

Herbs that can be found in any pharmacy will help relieve irritation in the bikini area: chamomile, mint or birch leaves. A decoction of any of these plants is absolutely safe and effective for combating irritation after shaving. It is enough to soak a napkin in the decoction and briefly apply it to the damaged skin.

Among the home remedies for irritation after shaving in the bikini area, there is also a place for regular aspirin. Before shaving, an aspirin tablet should be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water to a mushy consistency. Then the gruel is applied to the skin with massage movements. Then the gruel can be washed off and you can start shaving. After the procedure, the skin can be treated with hydrogen peroxide.

Products containing glycolic or salicylic acid, aloe and witch hazel will quickly relieve inflammation. You can choose a suitable spray or cream with these ingredients at the pharmacy.

Irritation caused by ingrown hairs is best treated with antiseptic creams. For example, Actovegil, Solcoseryl or Malavit. These creams relieve inflammation and prevent the development of bacteria.

If you cannot cope with the irritation on your own for a long time, then it is time to consult a dermatologist. Doctors usually advise using steroid ointments that have a healing effect. For example, hydrocortisone ointment. The ointment is applied to the skin immediately after shaving. Cortisone, which is part of the drug, will relieve irritation by narrowing the blood vessels, due to which the blood does not flow to the irritated skin so quickly. Remember that you should be careful with steroid creams and not use them uncontrollably.

Read more about how to get rid of irritation after shaving?

By taking our recommendations into account, you will easily cope with irritation after shaving in the bikini area and without any fear put on bold underwear or a fashionable swimsuit!

How to prevent skin irritation after shaving?

  1. Change the razor. First of all, make sure that the blades in the razor are sharp. When the blades have been used for some time and become dull, the razor pulls hairs more than shaves them. And bacteria multiply on the razor, which makes the situation worse. Pay attention to the quality of shaving accessories. Cheap razors from unknown manufacturers, even when new, damage the skin and cause irritation.
  2. Shaving gently. Do not go over the same area repeatedly and shave in the direction of hair growth. Do not apply excessive pressure to the razor. The less contact the razor has with the skin, the less likely it is that red spots will appear.
  3. Reduce the frequency of procedures. Shave the bikini area no more than 2-3 times a week: too frequent use of the razor greatly injures the delicate skin, which does not have time to recover. Minor irritation will most likely go away on its own if you follow this recommendation.
  4. Prepare your skin for the procedure. To do this, shave in the shower when your skin is steamed enough and the hairs are softened – this way shaving will damage your skin less. If you can’t take a shower, it will be enough to apply a hot towel to your skin for a few minutes before shaving. After the procedure, apply cold, which will tighten your pores and tone your skin.
  5. Do a peeling. The exfoliating agent will gently remove dead skin cells. The scrub is an excellent preventative not only for irritation, but also for ingrown hairs.
  6. Use specialized products. If you have severe irritation after shaving in the bikini area, it is not enough to limit yourself to the two previous recommendations. Use specialized ointments and creams for sensitive skin, which will make your skin beautiful again.


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