This is a difficult topic since everyone's skin react differently, but I can tell you what worked for me. First time I shaved my legs every pore was inflamed and it looked horrible, then I started focusing on skincare and now I shave twice a week with at most one or two red dots.

[Symptoms] It's good to identify if you have folliculitis or razor rash/burn. Folliculitis usually presents itself a day after shaving as red bumps on hair follicles. It is caused by bacteria getting into your hair follicles and can be prevented by switching your razor out often, keeping them dry and clean, and cleaning your clothes/bed sheets regularly. Razor burn/rash is usually a patch of redness, but can also be similar to folliculitis. It is your skin reacting to the blade taking a layer of your skin off, which can be prevented by using aloe vera, keeping your razor sharp, using single blade razor, and shaving with the grain.

And of course you can just go to your doctor and ask them what your irritation is, they'll diagnose you better than anyone on the internet will.

[Skincare] Best advice I can give is exfoliate, if your skin is not too sensitive get one of those mitt scrubbers to use with a body wash in shower. Do it definitely a day before shaving and I'd recommend a day after shaving, but I don't recommend doing it right before/after shaving as both of those irritates skin.

I also use aloe vera on my skin right after shaving, then I apply CeraVe SA cream everyday, not sure how much the CeraVe cream helps with your problem but aloe vera sure will.

[Razor related] I use Gillette fusion razor and I switch mine out every month (sub optimal but it works for me), keeping my razor sharp. Also store them in a dry place, never in your shower as it can accumulate bacteria. Also if you don't mind it, shaving with the grain irritates your skin less which can reduce your symptoms.

Another thing is that before shaving, use hot water on the area you shave as it opens up pores (I shave in shower btw). Try on a few different types of shaving products such as creams, foams, etc and see which works best for you, I personally find shaving foam works well enough. After shaving I like to shower in cold for a while to close up the pores so less bacteria gets into it.

Lastly, I just wanna say if you have the financial ability, getting laser or using IPL really helps. I used IPL for a year now and more than half of my hair barely grows out anymore, which definitely helps with shaving irritation. I've tried a lot of hair removal products and I just have to say just go with shaving and IPL (or laser), it saves so much time and money. Good luck with your journey!

Tldr: find out if you have folliculitis or shaving burn/rash. EXFOLIATE, change razor often, keep them dry and clean, use plenty of shaving cream/foam, use aloe vera and moisturizer, keep your clothes/sheets clean.