how to get rid of razor bumps
Everyone knows that getting a smooth shave means preventing as many bumps as possible. However, getting rid of razor bumps isn’t always easy. Even the most experienced shaver can get razor bumps from time to time.
The appearance of these little red pimples is often unavoidable when shaving sensitive areas such as your face or neck. Also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, razor bumps are small pimples and lesions that appear on your skin after shaving because you have sensitive skin, your hair came in contact with bacteria and/or you shaved against the grain.
In some instances, it’s impossible to avoid razor bumps completely; however, there are ways to prevent them from forming again in the future.
Shaving Tips
– Exfoliate before you shave. This will help to open up pores, lift ingrown hairs out of the follicles and remove dead skin cells. This will help to prevent ingrown hairs from forming.
– Use a sharp razor every time. Sharp razors are less likely to cause irritation because they do not tug at your skin. Try to avoid using disposable razors. Instead, invest in a high-quality razor that you can use for multiple shaves.
– Shave with the grain. Shaving against the grain is more likely to cause nicks and cuts, which can expose your skin to bacteria. This can lead to irritation and redness. Shaving with the grain is the best way to prevent skin irritation.
– Exfoliate again after shaving. This will help to prevent ingrown hairs and bumps from forming.
Cleaning and Exfoliating
– Before you shave, you want to make sure your skin is clean. This will help to remove excess oil from your skin so that your razor doesn’t get clogged. You can do this by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and water. You do not want to use too harsh of a cleanser because it can cause dryness. You also want to avoid using products that contain alcohol as they can dry out your skin, too.
– Exfoliating before you shave will help to open up pores, lift ingrown hairs out of the follicles and remove dead skin cells. Try to avoid using a scrub that is too abrasive, as this can cause more irritation and cause more ingrown hairs to form. If your cleanser doesn’t have exfoliating beads already, try to use a face sponge to help prevent irritation.
Use a Shave Butter/Oil
– The best way to protect your skin when shaving is to use a shaving butter or oil. This will help to prevent nicks and cuts. Shaving butters and oils also have ingredients that can help to soothe your skin after you shave.
– Make sure to choose a product that has natural oils, such as coconut oil. Avoid using products that contain artificial fragrances and colors as these can cause irritation.
– Although shaving butters and oils are great for protecting your skin, you also want to make sure that you are not applying too much pressure when shaving. You want to use soft, light strokes when shaving to avoid tugging on your skin.
Don’t Shave Every Day
– Although it might seem like shaving every day will help to prevent razor bumps from forming, this actually increases the likelihood of irritation. Shaving every day can cause your skin to become dry and irritated. This will make your skin more susceptible to bacterial infections, which can lead to the formation of razor bumps.
– If you have sensitive skin, try to shave every other day. If you have coarse hair, shaving every other day may not be enough to prevent bumps from forming.
– If you notice your skin getting irritated, try to shave less frequently. After a few weeks, you can try to shave every day again to see if your skin can handle it.
Shaving Cream with Benzoyl Peroxide
– Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in many over-the-counter face washes and shaving creams. This ingredient can help to kill the bacteria on your skin that causes acne and other infections, including the bacteria that leads to the formation of razor bumps.
– Use shaving creams and washes that contain this ingredient. You want to make sure that you are using shaving creams and washes that are meant for your face.
– The best time to apply these shaving creams and washes is right after you cleanse your face. This will give the ingredients time to penetrate your pores and kill bacteria.
Don’t use cheap razors
– Cheap razors may seem like a good deal, but they are more likely to cause irritation and develop bacteria, which can lead to the formation of razor bumps.
– Invest in a high-quality razor. It can be expensive to purchase new razors on a regular basis. However, it’s worth it when you consider the long-term effects.
– Try to find a razor that has a built-in moisturizer. This will help to prevent irritation and keep your skin hydrated.
Conclusion
Razor bumps are a common occurrence for people who shave their faces or heads regularly. It is important to follow the shaving tips listed above to help prevent these bumps from forming. If you already have razor bumps, there are several ways to get rid of them.
You can try exfoliating your skin and applying a moisturizer. You can also apply hydrocortisone cream to help soothe irritated skin. Be sure to avoid shaving too frequently, and make sure to use a shaving cream that contains benzoyl peroxide to help prevent razor bumps.