Attention all shavers! Remember when you gave yourself a really quick shave and it developed into a red rash, aka – razor burn? You ignored it, thinking it would just go away. Then, your fire engine red skin broke out in pimply-looking growths. You had razor bumps. Read on to learn how to get rid of shaving bumps naturally, and how you can prevent them.
What are they?
They are simply an inflammation of hair follicles on your skin that occur after you shave.
How to prevent razor bumps
Men, if you want to look like a lumberjack; ladies, if you want to resemble sasquatch, then you could avoid getting this condition by not shaving at all. Unfortunately, if you’re part of the real world, you can’t do this. Don’t worry – we have other solutions for you.
- Use an electric razor – it’s much gentler on your skin. However, a few veteran shavers shared that after shaving with a razor for long periods of time, the electric razor literally “won’t cut it.”
- Clean & exfoliate – Before you shave, make sure your face is clean and wet; never shave with a razor on dry skin. Exfoliate if possible. Here’s a quick tried and true DIY recipe for exfoliation – It will exfoliate and moisturize and can be used on your entire body.
Use equal parts: course coffee grounds, olive oil and granulated sugar.
Mix all ingredients together and put in a mason jar – before you wet your skin, stand in the shower and rub mixture all over your skin; then rinse. - Open pores – A hot shower will open your pores so the hair comes out easily. Professionals use hot towel compresses after cleansing.
- Shaving cream – Make sure you apply a thick coat of shaving cream, preferably a good quality cream with no fragrance. Applying the cream with a brush will help bring the hairs to attention and provide moisture to the skin.
- Use new sharp razors – Stop using dull razors; the sharper the better – preferably good quality, new razors.
- Germs – Do not leave your razor in the shower. Bacteria can grow and transfer to your skin. Remember – bacteria love moist environments.
- Direction to shave – Always shave in the direction of your hair growth; intermittently rinse the soap and hair off of your razor. This is one of the main causes of those nasty bumps.
How to get rid of razor bumps
- Antibacterial cream – You can buy these creams over-the-counter and apply daily. As with all remedies, make sure you check with your doctor first.
- Aloe vera gel – Contains antibacterial agents, minerals and vitamins, and soothes irritation, protects against infection and reduces swelling; used to promote healthy skin and hair.
- Tea tree oil – Very useful in preventing razor bumps, or to treat them; has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
- Cold compress or ice packs – Will provide immediate relief from the pain and swelling– especially before bumps appear.
- Apple cider vinegar – It’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce itching and inflammation.
Use a cotton ball and apply; leave for 5 to 10 minutes and wash with warm water. You can do this three times a day or until your symptoms are relieved. - Cornstarch – Make a paste from cornstarch and water, apply to skin and leave on for about 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
- Witch hazel – Great antiseptic, anti-bacterial and also used as an astringent after shaving to close pores; Used professionally in salons and barbershops; is known to calm inflamed skin.
Dab affected area with a cotton ball. - Aspirin – Contains salicylic acid used in many acne products. Known to remove dead skin cells, kills bacteria from the bumps, which reduces inflammation. Crush an aspirin and add a bit of water to make a paste, apply to area, let dry and rinse with warm water. This method is notable for quickly eradicating your pimply blotches.
What are the most common areas to get razor bumps?
Usually the most sensitive, delicate areas of your body are prone, but doing any of above will cause this condition, which can occur just about anywhere. The most susceptible areas are:
- The neck area
- The bikini line
- The face and chin, and
- Under the arms.
Razor bumps – bikini area
Although, this skin condition can be quite painful in any area, the bikini area is probably the most sensitive area outside of the underarms.
This area extremely delicate and once infected can become problematic and very painful. Here are a few suggestions to avoid infection and prevent future outbreaks.
- Try to abstain from shaving too frequently.
- Resist the temptation to scratch; you can easily open the bumps with your fingernails.
- If you have an infection, try some of the home remedies above.
Infection – when razor burn turns severe
The one thing you don’t want to happen is to get an infection. If bumps become infected, you can develop pseudo folliculitis barbae/folliculitis or ingrown hair.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, this condition is prominent among African American men (up to 60%). They also say that anyone with curly hair is also susceptible.
Although the above may be true, research shows that this condition is not limited to curly-haired individuals. If you shave your skin, or have any hair type at all, you can get folliculitis.
| Remember, as with any home or natural remedy, check with your doctor. Keep in mind that any condition can be a sign of something more serious. |
We hope this information was helpful. If you have any comments, or any other suggestions to offer, please let us know.