Exactly What to Do When You End Up With Razor Burn (Oh, Hi, Skirt Season!)

We all know better than to shave our legs in a hurry, without a good barrier between our razor and our skin, or (for sensitive types) too many days in a row. Yes, we know this—most of us have been shaving since our teen years, after all. Yet somehow when spring hits and it’s time for our legs to be out in public again, we end up with razor burn. If that telltale “my razor was here” rash is plaguing you right now, dermatologist and founder-director of the Fifth Avenue Dermatology and Laser Center in New York Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., has the answer to healing it in a hurry.

First up, chill it. “A cold compress is a very effective and easy way to get instant relief from the burning sensation caused by razor burns. It will help reduce redness and itching,” Dr. Frank explains. So grab a bag of frozen peas, wrap it in a paper towel, and get to soothing.

From there, taking aspirin to help alleviate the sting and further reduce the swelling can help. And your last step? Applying an aloe vera gel to help ease the irritation. One to try: Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera ($7.95, aubrey-organic.com). Simply slather it on and allow to absorb into your skin. Since it goes on cool, you’ll get instant relief.

Then lay off the razor for a few days. If you’re not comfortable openly rocking stubble, just remember that sometimes pants are your friend.